If your Android phone won’t connect to Wi-Fi, first determine whether the problem is the phone, the Wi-Fi network, or the router. Then work through these safe fixes in order, starting with the simplest ones.
Quick Answer
If Android won’t connect to Wi-Fi, try these steps in order:
- Check whether other devices can connect to the same Wi-Fi.
- Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on and Airplane Mode is off.
- Check the Wi-Fi password.
- Move closer to the router.
- Forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect.
- Restart your Android phone, router, and modem.
- Check for public Wi-Fi sign-in requirements.
- Reset the phone’s network settings.
- Test Wi-Fi in Safe Mode if an app may be interfering.
Do not factory reset your phone as a first step. A factory reset can erase your data and will not fix problems caused by the router, incorrect password, internet service, or a damaged Wi-Fi component.
Table of Contents
First: Find Out Where the Problem Is
Before changing settings, perform two simple tests.
Test 1: Can another device connect to the same Wi-Fi?
Use another phone, tablet, or computer and connect it to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Another device connects: The problem may be specific to your Android phone.
- No other device connects: The router, modem, or internet connection may be the problem.
Test 2: Can your Android phone connect to another Wi-Fi network?
If possible, try another trusted Wi-Fi network.
- Your Android connects to another network: The original router or Wi-Fi network becomes more likely to be the problem.
- Your Android cannot connect to any Wi-Fi network: A phone setting, software problem, interfering app, or hardware issue becomes more likely.
This simple comparison can prevent you from changing settings unnecessarily.
1. Make Sure Wi-Fi Is Turned On
Start with the simplest check.
- Open Settings.
- Open Wi-Fi, Internet, or Connections.
- Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
- Make sure Airplane Mode is turned off.
- Select the correct Wi-Fi network.
- Try connecting again.
Android menu names can vary between manufacturers and Android versions.
If the Wi-Fi network is visible but your phone will not connect, continue to the next step.
2. Check the Wi-Fi Password
An incorrect Wi-Fi password is one of the first things to check when Android refuses to connect.
Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive, so check every character carefully.
Look for mistakes such as:
- Uppercase versus lowercase letters
0versusO1versusl5versusS- Accidental spaces
- An old password that was changed on the router
If the router password was recently changed, Android may still have the old password saved.
Enter the current password and try connecting again.
If Android says “Authentication problem”
An authentication problem usually means the phone was unable to authenticate with the Wi-Fi network.
First:
- Confirm the current password.
- Forget the Wi-Fi network.
- Connect to it again.
- Enter the current password carefully.
If other devices also cannot connect with the same password, check the router rather than repeatedly changing your phone’s settings.
3. Forget the Wi-Fi Network and Reconnect
If Android says Saved, Connecting, Authentication problem, or repeatedly fails to connect, forgetting the saved network is one of the safest fixes to try.
How to forget a Wi-Fi network
- Open Settings.
- Tap Network & internet, Internet, Connections, or Wi-Fi.
- Select the affected Wi-Fi network.
- Tap Forget, Remove, or Forget network.
- Confirm the action.
- Turn Wi-Fi off.
- Wait a few seconds.
- Turn Wi-Fi back on.
- Select the network again.
- Enter the current Wi-Fi password.
- Tap Connect.
The exact menu names depend on the Android phone and software version.
Why this can fix the problem
Android stores information about networks that you have previously connected to. Forgetting the network removes the saved connection information so the phone can establish a new connection.
Google and Samsung both include forgetting and reconnecting to a Wi-Fi network among their troubleshooting steps.
4. Restart Your Android Phone and Wi-Fi Router
A temporary problem with either the phone or network equipment can prevent a connection from completing.
Restart both sides of the connection.
Restart the Android phone
- Open the power menu.
- Tap Restart.
- Wait for Android to start completely.
- Turn Wi-Fi on.
- Try connecting again.
Restart the router and modem
If you own or manage the equipment:
- Unplug the modem and router from power.
- Wait at least 15–30 seconds.
- Plug the modem back in if you have a separate modem.
- Wait for the modem to reconnect.
- Plug the router back in.
- Wait for the Wi-Fi network to become available.
- Try connecting your Android phone again.
Important: Do not press the small recessed Reset button on the router unless you intentionally want to restore its factory settings. Restarting the router and factory-resetting the router are not the same thing.
5. Move Closer to the Wi-Fi Router
If the Wi-Fi network appears but the signal is weak, move closer to the router.
Walls, floors, furniture, appliances, and distance can affect Wi-Fi reception.
Try connecting while standing relatively close to the router.
If Wi-Fi works near the router but not farther away
This points toward a signal or coverage problem rather than necessarily a problem with Android itself.
Try:
- Moving the router to a better location.
- Reducing obstructions between the phone and router.
- Testing another location in the same room.
- Checking whether other devices experience the same weak signal.
Do not immediately assume that the phone’s Wi-Fi hardware is defective.
6. Android Is Connected to Wi-Fi but Has No Internet
This is a different problem from Android being unable to join the Wi-Fi network.
You may see:
Connected
but websites and apps still do not work.
In this situation, the phone has established a Wi-Fi connection, but internet access may not be available.
Check another device
Connect another phone or computer to the same Wi-Fi.
If other devices also have no internet:
- Check the modem and router.
- Restart the network equipment.
- Check whether your internet service is experiencing an outage.
- Contact your internet provider if necessary.
If other devices have internet but your Android does not, continue troubleshooting the phone.
Public Wi-Fi is another possibility
Hotels, airports, cafés, schools, malls, and offices may require you to complete a sign-in page before internet access is allowed.
7. Complete the Public Wi-Fi Sign-In Page
Public Wi-Fi networks sometimes require additional authorization.
For example, you may need to:
- Accept terms and conditions.
- Enter an access code.
- Enter a room number.
- Sign in through a webpage.
If Android connects to the Wi-Fi but internet access does not work:
- Check for a Wi-Fi sign-in notification.
- Tap the notification if one appears.
- Complete the required sign-in process.
- Open a browser and try loading a webpage.
- If the sign-in page does not appear, disconnect and reconnect to the network.
- Ask the network administrator for assistance if the portal still does not work.
Avoid entering sensitive information such as banking credentials on an untrusted public Wi-Fi network.
8. Reset Network Settings on Android
If the phone cannot connect to multiple Wi-Fi networks and the previous fixes did not work, resetting network settings is a reasonable next step.
This is more disruptive than simply forgetting one Wi-Fi network, so use it later in the troubleshooting process.
Before resetting
Depending on the phone, a network reset can remove things such as:
- Saved Wi-Fi networks
- Saved Wi-Fi passwords
- Bluetooth pairings
- Some mobile-network settings
- Custom network settings
A network reset does not normally erase your photos, videos, documents, or installed applications, but always read the confirmation screen because the exact behavior varies by manufacturer.
How to reset network settings
The menu can vary considerably between Android phones.
Look under:
Settings → System → Reset options
or:
Settings → General management → Reset
Then look for an option such as:
- Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth
- Reset network settings
- Reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Select the appropriate option and follow the instructions shown on the phone.
After the reset:
- Restart the phone if required.
- Turn Wi-Fi on.
- Select your network.
- Enter the Wi-Fi password.
- Test the connection.
If Wi-Fi starts working after the reset, a stored network configuration may have contributed to the problem.
9. Test Wi-Fi in Safe Mode
If Wi-Fi stopped working after installing or updating an application, a downloaded app may be interfering with the connection.
This is particularly worth checking if you use:
- VPN applications
- Firewall applications
- Security applications
- Parental-control applications
- Network-management applications
- Other applications that modify network traffic
Safe Mode temporarily disables downloaded applications, allowing you to test whether the problem remains.
How to use Safe Mode
The exact procedure varies by Android manufacturer and model.
Use the manufacturer’s instructions to start the phone in Safe Mode.
Once Safe Mode is active:
- Make sure Airplane Mode is off.
- Turn Wi-Fi on.
- Connect to the affected network.
- Test the connection.
If Wi-Fi works in Safe Mode
A downloaded application becomes more likely to be involved.
Restart the phone normally and review applications that were:
- Recently installed
- Recently updated
- Related to VPN or networking
- Related to security or filtering
Disable or uninstall likely problem applications one at a time and test Wi-Fi after each change.
Safe Mode can help identify whether downloaded apps are involved, but it does not automatically identify the exact application causing the problem.
What If Android Still Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi?
At this point, use the results of your earlier tests.
Android connects to other Wi-Fi networks
The original router or Wi-Fi network is more likely to be responsible.
Check:
- Wi-Fi password
- Router operation
- Device limits
- Access controls
- Router configuration
- Whether other devices can connect
If necessary, contact the router manufacturer, network administrator, or internet provider.
Other devices connect, but your Android does not
The problem is more likely to be specific to the phone.
Continue with:
- Forget the Wi-Fi network.
- Restart the phone.
- Reset network settings.
- Test Safe Mode.
No devices can connect
The router, modem, or internet service becomes more likely to be responsible.
Restart the network equipment and check with your internet provider if the problem continues.
Android cannot detect any Wi-Fi networks
If the phone cannot see any Wi-Fi networks in multiple locations, the problem may be more significant than a single router connection.
Check whether:
- Wi-Fi can be switched on normally.
- Other nearby networks are visible.
- Bluetooth is also experiencing problems.
- The problem began after a drop or liquid exposure.
- The problem remains after a network reset.
A hardware problem becomes more reasonable to investigate if Wi-Fi consistently fails in different locations.
Why Does Android Say “Saved” but Not Connect?
When Android displays Saved but does not connect, the phone knows the network information but has not successfully completed the connection.
Possible causes include:
- Incorrect Wi-Fi password
- A changed router password
- An outdated saved network profile
- Router problems
- Network configuration problems
- Compatibility or access-control issues
The first thing to try is:
Forget the network → restart Wi-Fi → reconnect → enter the current password.
If that fails, test another device on the same Wi-Fi and test the Android phone on another Wi-Fi network.
Why Does Android Keep Saying “Connecting”?
If Android remains stuck on Connecting, determine whether other devices can join the same network.
If other devices connect normally:
- Forget the network.
- Reconnect using the current password.
- Restart the phone.
- Test another Wi-Fi network.
- Reset network settings if necessary.
If multiple devices remain stuck connecting, investigate the router or internet connection instead.
Why Does Android Say “Authentication Problem”?
An authentication error means the phone could not successfully authenticate with the Wi-Fi network.
Start with the password.
Check that:
- The password is current.
- Uppercase and lowercase letters are correct.
- Similar-looking characters were entered correctly.
- The router password has not recently changed.
Then forget the network and reconnect. If multiple devices receive the same authentication error, the problem may be on the router side rather than the Android phone.
Should You Factory Reset Android to Fix Wi-Fi?
No not as an early troubleshooting step.
A factory reset is much more destructive than resetting network settings.
It can remove:
- Applications
- Accounts
- Personal files
- Photos stored locally
- Device settings
It also cannot fix problems such as:
- A wrong Wi-Fi password
- A router outage
- An internet-provider outage
- A public Wi-Fi login requirement
- Router access controls
- Physical Wi-Fi hardware damage
Try the less destructive troubleshooting steps first. Back up important data before considering a factory reset.
When the Problem May Be Hardware-Related
Software troubleshooting cannot determine every hardware failure.
Professional inspection may be appropriate if:
- The phone cannot detect Wi-Fi networks anywhere.
- Wi-Fi repeatedly turns itself off.
- The Wi-Fi switch is unavailable.
- Wi-Fi stopped working after liquid exposure.
- Wi-Fi stopped working after physical damage.
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi both developed problems after physical damage.
- The phone fails to connect to multiple known-good networks.
- Network settings reset and Safe Mode make no difference.
These symptoms can make a hardware problem more likely, but they do not identify the exact failed component. Do not open a sealed phone or replace internal components simply because Wi-Fi will not connect.
Android Wi-Fi Troubleshooting Checklist
Before moving to advanced troubleshooting, check these items:
- Wi-Fi is turned on
- Airplane Mode is off
- The correct Wi-Fi network is selected
- The password is correct
- The phone is close enough to the router
- Another device was tested on the same Wi-Fi
- The Android phone was tested on another Wi-Fi network
- The Wi-Fi network was forgotten and added again
- The phone was restarted
- The router and modem were restarted
- A public Wi-Fi sign-in page was checked
- Network settings were reset if necessary
- Safe Mode was tested if an app may be involved
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my Android phone connect to Wi-Fi?
The cause can be an incorrect password, a saved network profile problem, weak Wi-Fi signal, router problems, network settings, a public Wi-Fi login requirement, or an application interfering with the connection. Start by testing another device on the same network and testing your Android phone on another Wi-Fi network.
Why won’t Android connect to Wi-Fi but other devices will?
If other devices connect successfully, the problem is more likely to be specific to the Android phone. Forget the Wi-Fi network, reconnect using the current password, restart the phone, and consider resetting network settings if the problem affects multiple networks.
Why is my Android Wi-Fi connected but there is no internet?
Your phone may be connected to the router but the router may not have internet access. Test another device on the same Wi-Fi. If every device has the same problem, investigate the router or internet service.
Why does my Android say “Authentication problem” on Wi-Fi?
Check that the Wi-Fi password is correct and current. If the password is correct, forget the network and reconnect. If other devices also receive an authentication error, check the router.
Will resetting network settings delete my photos?
A network-settings reset does not normally delete personal photos, videos, documents, or installed applications. It can remove saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and other network-related settings. Check the confirmation screen before proceeding.
Why does my Android keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?
Repeated disconnections can have several causes, including weak signal, router problems, network configuration issues, or phone software/app problems. Test another device and another Wi-Fi network first to determine which side is more likely responsible.
Should I restart my router if only my Android phone has the problem?
You can restart it, but first test another device and another Wi-Fi network. If other devices connect normally and your Android connects elsewhere, the router configuration may still be relevant, but the phone should also be investigated.
Related Topics:
• Mobile Data Connected but No Internet
• Slow Mobile Internet
• LTE Not Working on Android
• Bluetooth Not Working on Android
Official Sources
Official sources checked: July 25, 2026
Google Android Help
Page: Connect to Wi-Fi networks on your Android device
Direct verified URL: https://support.google.com/android/answer/9075847?hl=en-en
URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026
Supports:
- Turning on and joining a Wi-Fi network
- Comparing Wi-Fi signal strength
- Resetting the internet connection
- Forgetting a saved network
- Manually adding a hidden network
Scope limitation:
Some documented options apply only to particular Android versions. Menu names may differ by manufacturer.
Google Pixel Help
Page: How to fix Wi-Fi connection problems
Direct verified URL: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/6183600?hl=en
URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026
Supports:
- Restarting the phone
- Comparing another device and another Wi-Fi network
- Forgetting and re-adding a network
- Testing Safe Mode
- Correcting date and time
- Restarting the router and modem
- Completing public-network authorization
- Resetting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings
Scope limitation:
The exact menus and some behaviors are specific to supported Google Pixel devices and Android versions.
Samsung Philippines
Page: How to troubleshoot a Galaxy phone that won’t connect to a Wi-Fi network
Direct verified URL: https://www.samsung.com/ph/support/mobile-devices/how-to-troubleshoot-a-galaxy-phone-that-wont-connect-to-a-wi-fi-network/
URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026
Supports:
- Checking router availability and Wi-Fi range
- Restarting the phone, router, and modem
- Resetting network settings
- Testing Safe Mode
- Confirming the case-sensitive Wi-Fi password
- Data-loss warnings for factory reset
Scope limitation:
The displayed menus and Safe Mode procedure apply to supported Samsung Galaxy devices. Other Android phones may differ.
How This Guide Was Verified
Last technically checked:
July 25, 2026
Research method:
Official Google Android, Google Pixel, and Samsung support pages were opened. Page titles, procedures, limitations, and clean direct URLs were checked before output.
Physically tested:
No documentation reviewed.
Applies to:
Android phones and tablets attempting to join home, office, school, guest, or public Wi-Fi networks.
Important limitation:
Menu names, Safe Mode entry, network-reset scope, router settings, and supported Wi-Fi features vary by phone, Android version, router, and network administrator.
Data-loss risk:
Conditional. Forgetting a network removes its saved credentials, and a network reset may remove saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings. No factory reset is recommended.
Final Steps
If your Android won’t connect to Wi-Fi, don’t immediately factory reset the phone.
Start with the simple diagnostic tests:
Test another device → test another Wi-Fi network → verify the password → forget and reconnect → restart the phone and router.
- If the problem affects multiple networks, move on to a network-settings reset and Safe Mode.
- If no devices can connect to the router, investigate the router or internet service instead.
- If the phone cannot detect Wi-Fi networks anywhere or the problem started after physical damage, professional diagnosis may be necessary.
The goal is to identify whether the problem is with the Android phone, the Wi-Fi network, or the router before making more disruptive changes.