Quick Answer
If Android stays on Obtaining IP address, Obtaining IP, or shows IP configuration failure, the phone has not completed a usable network configuration. A DHCP problem is one possibility, but the message does not prove the router’s DHCP server has failed. First restart the phone and router, test another device on the same Wi-Fi, and forget and reconnect to the network before changing IP settings.
Table of Contents
Choose the Symptom That Matches
| What you see | What it may suggest | How to test it | Next safe step |
| Wi-Fi stays on “Obtaining IP address” | IP assignment has not completed | Test another device on the same router | Restart the router and phone |
| “IP configuration failure” appears | The phone did not obtain usable network settings | Try the phone on another Wi-Fi network | Isolate phone versus router |
| Other devices also fail to obtain an address | Router or network-side configuration becomes more relevant | Test several devices | Check the router and DHCP service |
| Other devices connect normally | Phone-specific saved settings become more relevant | Forget and reconnect on the affected phone | Rebuild the Wi-Fi profile |
| Phone works on other Wi-Fi networks | Original router or network becomes more relevant | Compare at least one known-working network | Review the original router |
| Phone fails on several Wi-Fi networks | Phone-side settings or software become more relevant | Reset Wi-Fi settings after safer checks | Continue with phone troubleshooting |
Google recommends comparing another device on the same Wi-Fi and testing the affected phone on another Wi-Fi network to determine whether the problem follows the phone or the network.
What “Obtaining IP Address” Means
Most home networks use DHCP to provide devices with network configuration automatically. DHCP can allocate an IP address and other configuration information to a client joining the network.
If Android remains stuck at Obtaining IP address, the connection process has not successfully reached a usable network configuration.
Possible reasons include:
- A temporary router or phone networking error
- A problem with the saved Wi-Fi profile
- Router DHCP configuration
- No suitable DHCP address being available
- Router access controls or device restrictions
- Incorrect manually configured IP settings
- A phone-side network-setting problem
A DHCP server failure is therefore a supported possibility, not a confirmed diagnosis.
1-Minute Safe Checks
Complete these before changing DHCP, DNS, gateway, or static IP settings:
- Turn Wi-Fi off and back on.
- Restart the Android phone.
- Test another phone or computer on the same Wi-Fi.
- Test the affected Android phone on another trusted Wi-Fi network.
- If you own the router, restart it normally without pressing its factory-reset button.
Google Pixel and Samsung both recommend restarting the device and network equipment during Wi-Fi troubleshooting.
Fix 1: Determine Whether the Phone or Router Is Affected
DIAGNOSTIC TEST
Use This When
Use this before changing IP or DHCP settings.
Why It May Help
The same IP-assignment symptom can originate from the phone or the network. Comparison testing prevents unnecessary router changes when only one phone is affected.
Steps
- Leave the affected Android phone near the router.
- Try connecting it to the Wi-Fi network.
- Note whether it remains on Obtaining IP address or reports an IP configuration error.
- Connect another phone, tablet, or computer to the same Wi-Fi.
- Confirm whether the second device connects normally.
- If possible, connect the affected Android phone to another trusted Wi-Fi network.
- Compare the results.
Expected Result
You should be able to narrow the failure toward either the Android phone or the original network.
What the Result Means
Other devices also cannot connect:
The router or network becomes more relevant.
Other devices connect normally, but this Android phone cannot:
A saved network profile, phone setting, or phone-specific compatibility problem becomes more relevant.
The Android phone connects normally to another Wi-Fi network:
The original router or its configuration becomes more likely.
The Android phone fails on several unrelated networks:
Continue with phone-side troubleshooting.
These comparisons narrow the problem but do not identify a failed DHCP server or hardware component by themselves.
Fix 2: Restart the Phone and Router
OFFICIALLY DOCUMENTED STEP
Use This When
Use this when the problem began suddenly or the phone repeatedly gets stuck while obtaining an address.
Why It May Help
Restarting clears temporary connection state and allows the phone and router to begin the connection process again.
Steps
Restart the Android Phone
- Save any open work.
- Open the power menu.
- Tap Restart.
- Wait for Android to finish starting.
- Turn Wi-Fi on.
- Try connecting again.
Restart the Router
Only restart equipment you own or are authorized to manage.
- Disconnect the router from power.
- If you have a separate modem, disconnect it as well.
- Wait at least 15 seconds.
- Reconnect the modem first when it is separate.
- Wait for its normal status lights.
- Reconnect the router.
- Wait for the Wi-Fi network to become available.
- Try connecting the Android phone again.
Google Pixel Help documents disconnecting router and modem power for 15 seconds before reconnecting them. Samsung also recommends restarting the phone, router, and modem.
Do not press a recessed Reset or Factory Reset button. Restarting and factory-resetting a router are different procedures.
Expected Result
The phone should move beyond the IP-assignment stage and complete the Wi-Fi connection.
What the Result Means
If the connection works after the restart, a temporary network state may have contributed.
It does not prove that DHCP itself was defective.
If the problem returns repeatedly, continue with the next diagnostic step.
Fix 3: Forget the Wi-Fi Network and Reconnect
OFFICIALLY DOCUMENTED STEP
Use This When
Use this when:
- The phone previously connected to this network.
- The router was recently changed or reconfigured.
- Restarting did not help.
- Other devices connect normally.
Why It May Help
Android stores information for saved Wi-Fi networks. Forgetting the network removes the saved profile so Android can create a new connection.
Google Android, Google Pixel, and Samsung all document forgetting or removing a saved Wi-Fi network and reconnecting.
Steps
Menu names vary between Android manufacturers.
- Open Settings.
- Open Network & internet, Connections, or your phone’s equivalent menu.
- Tap Internet or Wi-Fi.
- Select the affected network.
- Tap Forget or Remove.
- Turn Wi-Fi off.
- Turn Wi-Fi back on.
- Select the network again.
- Enter the correct Wi-Fi password.
- Tap Connect.
- Check whether Android completes the connection instead of remaining on Obtaining IP address.
Google Pixel
Google’s current documented path includes:
Settings → Network & internet → Internet → Saved networks → select network → Forget
Samsung Galaxy
On supported Galaxy devices:
Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → network settings → Forget
Expected Result
Android should establish a newly created Wi-Fi profile and receive usable network settings.
What the Result Means
If reconnecting works, the old saved connection information may have contributed.
If the phone remains stuck obtaining an IP address, continue.
Fix 4: Check Whether the Router’s DHCP Service Is the Problem
DIAGNOSTIC TEST
Use This When
Use this when:
- Multiple devices cannot obtain a working connection.
- The problem began after router configuration changes.
- The router was recently replaced.
- DHCP or LAN settings were manually changed.
- The Android phone connects normally to other Wi-Fi networks.
Why It May Help
DHCP is commonly used to assign IP configuration to devices automatically. If the network’s DHCP service is disabled, misconfigured, or unable to provide a usable address, a client may be unable to complete automatic IP configuration.
Steps
Only change router settings if you own or administer the network.
- Confirm that more than one device is affected.
- Restart the router first.
- Check whether the problem began after somebody changed:
- DHCP settings
- LAN settings
- Router IP settings
- Address reservations
- Access controls
- Open the router manufacturer’s official manual or support page.
- Find its LAN or DHCP server configuration.
- Confirm that automatic address assignment is enabled if that is how the network is intended to operate.
- Check for obviously incorrect settings introduced by a recent change.
- Restore the router manufacturer’s or network administrator’s intended configuration.
- Save only changes you understand.
- Reconnect the Android phone.
Do not copy DHCP ranges, gateway addresses, subnet values, or router IP addresses from an unrelated network.
Expected Result
The router should be able to provide network configuration to authorized devices.
What the Result Means
If several devices begin connecting after a DHCP configuration problem is corrected, the router configuration was likely involved.
If every other device receives an address normally, a complete router-wide DHCP failure becomes less likely.
That does not rule out a device-specific lease, access-control, compatibility, or phone-side problem.
Fix 5: Check for Incorrect Manual IP Settings
CONDITIONAL STEP
Use This When
Use this when somebody previously changed the affected network from automatic IP assignment to a manually configured or static address.
Why It May Help
Manual IP information has to match the actual network. An incorrect IP address, gateway, prefix length, or DNS configuration can stop the connection from working correctly.
Samsung officially documents that supported Galaxy phones can use manually assigned static IP configuration, including IP address, gateway, network prefix, and DNS values.
Steps
- Open the affected Wi-Fi network’s settings.
- Look for IP settings or Advanced options.
- Determine whether the phone has been manually set to Static.
- If you did not intentionally configure a static address, do not invent replacement numbers.
- Restore the network to its normal automatic configuration when your device provides that option.
- Forget the Wi-Fi network.
- Reconnect and test again.
Exact menu names vary by manufacturer and Android version.
Expected Result
The phone should obtain network settings automatically when the network is designed to use DHCP.
What the Result Means
If changing an incorrectly configured manual connection back to automatic addressing restores Wi-Fi, the manual network configuration was involved.
If the network intentionally requires static addressing, obtain the correct values from the network administrator.
Fix 6: Check Router Access Controls and Device Limits
CONDITIONAL STEP
Use This When
Use this when:
- Your Android phone connects to other Wi-Fi networks.
- Other devices work on this router.
- Restarting and forgetting the network did not help.
- The router is managed by someone else.
- The problem began after router configuration changes.
Why It May Help
A router or managed network can apply device restrictions independently of the Wi-Fi password. The phone may therefore authenticate to Wi-Fi but still fail to receive or use normal network access.
Steps
Ask the router or network administrator to check:
- Whether the phone is blocked.
- Whether device-access controls are enabled.
- Whether a device limit has been reached.
- Whether the router recognizes the phone.
- Whether DHCP or address reservations were recently changed.
- Whether a mesh node, extender, or access point has different network settings.
Do not disable security controls on a school, workplace, hotel, or other managed network yourself.
Expected Result
An authorized phone should be permitted to complete network configuration.
What the Result Means
If an administrator removes an incorrect block and the phone immediately connects, router access control was involved.
If nothing changes, continue with phone-side troubleshooting.
Fix 7: Reset Wi-Fi Network Settings
CONDITIONAL STEP
Use This When
Use this after:
- Restarting the phone and router.
- Forgetting and reconnecting to the Wi-Fi.
- Testing another device.
- Testing the Android phone on another Wi-Fi network.
- Checking relevant router settings.
A network reset is more disruptive than forgetting one Wi-Fi network, so it should come later.
Before You Continue
You may need to reconnect to saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices afterward.
Read the phone’s confirmation screen before approving the reset.
Google Pixel
Google’s current procedure is:
- Open Settings.
- Tap System.
- Tap Reset options.
- Tap Reset Bluetooth & Wi-Fi.
- Tap Reset settings.
- Reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung’s current U.S. support procedure for Wi-Fi issues is:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General management.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings.
- Tap Reset settings.
- Confirm the reset.
- Reconnect to Wi-Fi.
Other Android manufacturers may use different names and reset scopes.
Expected Result
Android should rebuild its Wi-Fi configuration and try to obtain network settings again.
What the Result Means
If the problem disappears, stored phone-side network settings may have contributed.
If the phone still fails only on one router, return to router-side troubleshooting.
If it fails on multiple unrelated Wi-Fi networks, continue with device-specific support.
Optional Advanced Fix: Static IP on Samsung Galaxy
ADVANCED MANUFACTURER-SPECIFIC PROCEDURE
A static IP can bypass normal dynamic address assignment, but it is not a routine first fix for an Obtaining IP Address error.
Samsung currently documents manual static IP configuration on supported Galaxy phones and tablets.
Use it only when:
- You have a supported Samsung Galaxy device.
- You understand the network configuration.
- The network administrator approves a static address.
- You have the exact IP address, gateway, prefix length, and DNS information.
- You know the chosen IP address is not already being used.
Do not guess these values.
An incorrect static address can create an IP conflict or leave the phone unable to reach the router or internet.
For a normal home network where DHCP is expected to work, repair the DHCP or router problem instead of permanently working around it with random static settings.
Test in Safe Mode Only If Several Networks Fail
DIAGNOSTIC TEST
Use This When
Use Safe Mode only when:
- The Android phone fails on multiple known-working Wi-Fi networks.
- Network settings have already been reset.
- The problem began after installing or updating an app.
- A VPN, firewall, security app, or networking app may be involved.
Google Pixel and Samsung both use Safe Mode as a diagnostic method for Wi-Fi problems. If Wi-Fi works in Safe Mode, a downloaded app becomes more likely; failure in Safe Mode does not by itself prove hardware damage.
Safe Mode entry varies by manufacturer, so use your phone manufacturer’s current official instructions.
When to Contact the Router Manufacturer or Network Administrator
Contact them when:
- Several devices cannot obtain a connection.
- The phone works normally on other Wi-Fi networks.
- DHCP or LAN settings were recently changed.
- You do not have permission to modify the router.
- The network uses static IP addresses.
- The router uses device filtering or access controls.
- The problem occurs through one mesh node or extender.
- Restarting the router does not help.
Google recommends contacting the ISP, router manufacturer, or network administrator when Wi-Fi connection troubleshooting does not resolve the issue.
Do Not Factory Reset the Phone Yet
A factory reset is not justified as a routine fix for an Obtaining IP address problem.
It will not repair:
- A disabled or misconfigured router DHCP service
- Router access controls
- An exhausted or incorrectly configured address pool
- A faulty router
- A managed-network restriction
- Incorrect router LAN configuration
Samsung’s support documentation confirms that a factory data reset erases device data. The safer phone and router checks should therefore come first.
Common Mistakes
Assuming DHCP failure is confirmed
The message shows that usable IP configuration has not completed. It does not identify the exact reason.
Changing DNS first
DNS normally matters after the device has usable IP connectivity. A phone that cannot complete IP assignment should be diagnosed at the connection and address-assignment stage first.
Entering a random static IP
The address must match the actual local network and must not conflict with another device.
Using another device’s IP address
Two devices should not be manually configured with the same address.
Factory-resetting the router
Restarting the router and restoring factory defaults are different procedures. Factory reset can remove network configuration.
Factory-resetting the phone
A full device erase is disproportionate when the problem may be entirely router-side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Android keep saying “Obtaining IP address”?
Android is trying to complete network configuration but has not obtained a usable connection. DHCP is one possible part of that process, but router configuration, the saved Wi-Fi profile, access controls, manual IP settings, or phone-side network settings can also be involved.
Does “Obtaining IP address” mean my Wi-Fi password is correct?
Not with complete certainty across every device and router implementation. It does indicate that the phone has progressed into the Wi-Fi connection process, but troubleshoot the exact message rather than assuming every earlier stage succeeded perfectly.
Is DHCP server failure the cause?
It can be, especially when multiple devices cannot receive network configuration or the problem began after DHCP settings were changed. However, one Android phone getting stuck does not prove the DHCP server itself has failed.
Why can every other device connect except my phone?
That makes a complete router-wide failure less likely. Forget the Wi-Fi network, test your phone on another network, and reset Wi-Fi settings only if safer steps fail.
Should I change DHCP to Static?
Not as the first fix. Static addressing requires correct network-specific values and can create conflicts if configured incorrectly. Use it only when the router administrator or manufacturer-specific documentation supports it.
Will resetting Wi-Fi settings delete my photos?
The targeted Wi-Fi or network reset described here is different from a factory data reset. Review the confirmation screen because saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth information may need to be set up again. No factory reset is recommended in this guide.
Related Topics:
- How to Fix Wi-Fi That Keeps Disconnecting
- Wi-Fi Password Is Correct but Phone Won’t Connect
- How to Fix Wi-Fi Not Turning On
- How to Fix Public Wi-Fi Login Page Not Showing
Official Sources
Official sources checked: August 9, 2026
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 August 9, 2026
Supports:
- Restarting Wi-Fi and the phone
- Comparing another device on the same network
- Testing another Wi-Fi network
- Forgetting and re-adding a Wi-Fi network
- Restarting the router and modem
- Resetting Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings
- Safe Mode diagnostic testing
- Contacting the ISP, router manufacturer, or administrator
Scope limitation:
Exact menu paths apply to supported Google Pixel phones. Other Android manufacturers may differ.
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-GB
URL status:
Verified accessible on August 9, 2026
Supports:
- Connecting to Wi-Fi
- Resetting the internet connection
- Changing saved networks
- Forgetting saved Wi-Fi networks
- Android-version limitations
Scope limitation:
Some documented features and menu paths require specific Android versions.
Samsung
Page: Galaxy phone or tablet Wi-Fi connection issues
Direct verified URL:
https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshoot/TSG10002018/
URL status:
Verified accessible on August 9, 2026
Supports:
- Restarting Samsung Galaxy devices
- Restarting routers
- Forgetting and reconnecting to Wi-Fi
- Finding the phone’s IP address
- Assigning a static IP on supported Galaxy devices
- Resetting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings
- Factory-reset data-loss warning
Scope limitation:
Menu names and available network settings vary by Galaxy model, region, carrier, and software version.
RFC Editor
Page: RFC 2131: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
Direct verified URL:
https://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc2131/
URL status:
Verified accessible on August 9, 2026
Supports:
- DHCP as a mechanism for providing network configuration
- Automatic, dynamic, and manual IP-address allocation
- DHCP client/server address-allocation behavior
Scope limitation:
RFC 2131 defines DHCP protocol behavior. It does not document Android manufacturer menu paths or diagnose a specific phone or router.
How This Guide Was Verified
Last technically checked:
August 9, 2026
Research method:
Current Google Android, Google Pixel, Samsung, and RFC Editor documentation was opened and reviewed. The troubleshooting procedures, page titles, scope limitations, and direct source URLs were checked before output.
Physically tested:
No documentation reviewed.
Applies to:
Android phones and tablets that remain at Obtaining IP address, Obtaining IP, or a comparable IP-configuration failure while trying to join Wi-Fi.
Important limitation:
The exact wording, Wi-Fi menus, network-reset scope, DHCP behavior, and router configuration vary by Android manufacturer, software version, router, and network administrator.
Data-loss risk:
Conditional. Forgetting a Wi-Fi network removes its saved connection information. A Wi-Fi or network reset may require Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices to be configured again. No factory reset is recommended.
Final Steps
Start by comparing another device on the same Wi-Fi and testing the Android phone on another network.
If several devices cannot obtain a working connection, restart the router and investigate its DHCP or LAN configuration. If only the Android phone fails, forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network before resetting Wi-Fi settings.
Treat DHCP server failure as a possibility rather than a confirmed diagnosis. Avoid random static IP values, router factory resets, and full phone resets unless a later device-specific diagnosis clearly justifies them.