Fixing WiFi problems on your phone can get under your skin but it’s not uncommon. You might lose signal or get disconnected. Often, simple fixes are available. For instance, make sure WiFi is on and try rebooting your router. Lifewire says these steps fix issues about 75% of the time.
Weak signal and internet outages are typical wireless issues. Keep your phone’s WiFi strong by updating its software. Also, moving your router might help. Check for other networks causing interference. Sometimes, you might need to reset your router. If these steps don’t help, consider reaching out to your ISP. As a last resort, a trip to uBreakiFix by Asurion could be necessary.
Common Reasons Why Your Phone Won’t Connect to WiFi
It’s really annoying when your phone won’t connect to WiFi. There are many causes, like software problems or hardware issues. Knowing the main reasons is key to fixing the problem. Below, we discuss the top reasons your phone may have trouble with WiFi. We also give some first steps to handle these issues.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps
- Ensure WiFi is Active: Double-check that WiFi is turned on in your phone’s settings. Also, ensure Airplane Mode is off.
- Restart Your Device: Restarting your phone can fix many issues by stopping background tasks and resetting the system.
- Forget and Reconnect: Forget the WiFi network and reconnect by entering the password again. This can fix issues with saved networks.
- Update Your Software: Make sure your phone’s system and apps are up-to-date. Old software can cause connection problems.
- Check for Malware: Viruses can disrupt WiFi. Check your device for malware by doing a security scan.
- Disable VPN: If you’re using a VPN, it might slow down your WiFi. Try turning it off to improve speed.
Problems with the Wi-Fi Network
- Check Network Name and Password: Make sure you’re using the right network name (SSID) and password. Sometimes routers need to have their default details changed.
- Router and Modem Issues: Restarting your router and modem fixes internet issues about 75% of the time. Check that your router works right.
- Range Proximity: Stay close enough to your router. Being too far away can cause connection problems.
- Interference: Other networks or electronic devices can mess with your connection. See if network interference is an issue. You might need to switch your router’s channel, especially if you’re in a busy area.
- Exceeding ISP Limits: Going over your internet provider’s data limits can restrict your connection. Keep an eye on your data use.
- Parental Controls: Check your router’s settings for any parental controls or restrictions. These could be stopping you from accessing the internet.
If you tackle these issues one by one, you’re likely to solve most WiFi connection problems. This will make your wireless network more stable and dependable.
How to Restart Your Phone and Router for WiFi Connection
Having WiFi issues is annoying. But, restarting your phone and router can fix these problems. Here are the steps to do it right.
Restarting Your Phone
Refreshing your internet connection is easy by restarting your phone. Here’s how to do it:
- For iPhone: Press and hold the On/Off button along with a volume button until the power-off slider appears. Slide it to turn off your phone. Wait a bit, then hold the On/Off button until the Apple logo shows up.
- For Android: Hold down the power button until you see a menu. Tap ‘Restart’ and wait for your phone to reboot.
After restarting, check if your WiFi works. This can fix network settings.
Restarting Your Router
The problem might be your router, not your phone. Here’s a method to fix it:
- Disconnect your router from power. Wait 30 seconds for a full power cycle.
- Plug it in again and wait for it to restart. This might take a while.
- Then, reconnect your phone to WiFi.
This router restart can solve many WiFi problems and give you a stable connection.
By restarting both your phone and router, fixing WiFi issues is often quick and simple.
How to Forget a WiFi Network and Reconnect
Forgetting and reconnecting to a WiFi network can fix many connection issues. Doing this deletes old profiles that may be causing problems. It lets you start fresh with the latest settings.
Forgetting a WiFi Network on iPhone
Here’s how to forget a WiFi network on your iPhone:
- Open the Settings app and go to Wi-Fi.
- Find the network you want and click the information icon (i) beside it.
- Hit Forget This Network and say yes to confirm.
After you forget the WiFi, your iPhone won’t hook up to it on its own anymore. To reconnect, just pick the network from the list shown and type in the password.
Forgetting a WiFi Network on Android
To forget a WiFi network on Android, do the following:
- Head to Settings and choose Wi-Fi.
- Press on the network you need to forget.
- Click Forget to erase it from your saved networks.
After you’ve forgotten the network, to reconnect your Android device, pick it from the available networks list. Enter the password again.
Keep in mind, just forgetting a WiFi network doesn’t stop your device from seeing it later. This step is great for fixing connections by getting rid of old or bad settings. As Lifewire says, restarting a router fixes internet troubles 75% of the time. This shows why resetting network settings is crucial. It works on both iPhone and Android to keep your wifi running well and safely.
Resetting Network Settings on Your Phone
Having trouble with your WiFi connectivity? Resetting your network settings might be the fix you need. This step erases all saved WiFi connections, Bluetooth matches, and VPN setups. But don’t worry, your apps, media, and files won’t be touched, making it a safe fix for network woes.
Reset Network Settings on iPhone
On an iPhone, head to Settings > General > Reset and hit “Reset Network Settings.” You’ll need to confirm your choice. Doing this wipes all network memories including saved networks and Bluetooth connections. You’ll have to put WiFi passwords back in and reconnect devices.
Reset Network Settings on Android
For Android folks, the reset option lives in the system settings. You’ll normally find it under System > Advanced > Reset options or General Management. Choose to reset network settings, then say yes to confirm. You’ll need to reconnect to WiFi and pair with Bluetooth devices again.
Resetting also helps with mobile data and phone call issues. It clears all network settings but keeps your apps and files safe. It’s a good move for fixing WiFi, Bluetooth, and VPN problems.
