How to troubleshoot and resolve Wi-Fi connection issues on Android smartphones and tablets

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to troubleshoot and resolve Wi-Fi connection issues on Android smartphones and tablets. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Wi-Fi connectivity issues on Android smartphones and tablets can disrupt productivity for Brisbane business users, whether you are working from the office or a home office. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to diagnose and resolve common wireless network problems, including authentication errors and intermittent connection drops.

Quick Fix Steps

Try these simple solutions first before moving to more detailed troubleshooting.

1. Toggle Wi-Fi off and on again. Open the Settings app, select Network & internet, tap Internet, and switch the Wi-Fi toggle off. Wait ten seconds, then switch it back on.
2. Restart your Android device. Press and hold the power button, then tap Restart.
3. Restart your wireless router. Disconnect the power cable from the router, wait thirty seconds, then reconnect it. Allow two minutes for the network to fully initialise.
4. Move closer to the wireless access point. Physical obstructions and distance can weaken the signal and cause intermittent drops.

Detailed Instructions

Forget and reconnect to the network

If your device saves incorrect network settings, removing the network profile can resolve authentication errors.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet, then select Internet.
3. Tap the cog icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network.
4. Tap Forget.
5. Return to the Wi-Fi list, select your network again, enter the password, and tap Connect.

Check Airplane mode

Airplane mode disables all wireless radios, including Wi-Fi.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet.
3. Ensure Airplane mode is switched off.
4. Alternatively, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings panel and confirm the Airplane mode icon is not highlighted.

Reset network settings

Resetting network settings clears saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and mobile data configurations. Use this step if other methods fail.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap System, then select Reset options. On some devices, this may be under General management.
3. Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth or Reset network settings.
4. Tap Reset settings and confirm the action.
5. Restart your device and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.

Troubleshooting

Authentication error or incorrect password

• Double-check that you are entering the correct Wi-Fi password. Passwords are case-sensitive.
• If you recently changed your Wi-Fi password, forget the network and reconnect using the new credentials.
• Ensure you are connecting to the correct network name (SSID), especially if multiple networks with similar names are available.

Intermittent connection drops

• Check that your device is not set to switch automatically to mobile data when the Wi-Fi signal is weak. In Settings, go to Network & internet > Internet and review the network preferences.
• Restart your router and confirm that its firmware is up to date.
• Reduce interference by moving the router away from microwaves, cordless phones, and other electronic devices.
• If your router supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, try connecting to the alternative band. The 5 GHz band offers faster speeds but shorter range, while 2.4 GHz provides better coverage through walls.

Wi-Fi connected but no internet access

• Test another device on the same network. If other devices also lack internet access, the issue is likely with your router or internet service rather than your Android device.
• Restart your router and modem.
• On your Android device, toggle Wi-Fi off and on again, or enable and disable Airplane mode.

For instructions on initially connecting to a wireless network, see How to connect to Wi-Fi.

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