Fix Wi-Fi connection problems

If you’re having Wi-Fi connection problems or see an Wi-Fi icon with an exclamation point  , try the solutions below. After each solution, try to open a webpage on your phone to see if the issue is fixed.

Note:  Some of these steps work only on Android 8.1 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

Step 1: Check settings & restart

1. Make sure Wi-Fi is on. Then turn it off and on again to reconnect. Learn how to connect to Wi-Fi networks.
2. Make sure Airplane mode is off. Then turn it on and off again to reconnect. Learn how to enable and disable Airplane mode.
3. Press your phone’s power button for a few seconds. Then, on your screen, tap Restart .If you don’t see “Restart,” press and hold the power button for about 30 seconds, until your phone restarts.

Step 2: Find the problem type

• Phone: Try connecting to the Wi-Fi network with another device, like a laptop computer or friend’s phone. If other devices can use the network, the problem is most likely with your phone.
• Network: Check whether your phone can connect to another Wi-Fi network, like at a friend’s house or a public network. If your phone can connect elsewhere, the problem is most likely with the network.
• Internet: If your phone connects to the Wi-Fi network but you still have no internet, the problem is most likely with your internet connection.

Step 3: Troubleshoot by problem type

Phone

Delete & re-add network

Delete a Wi-Fi network from your phone

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet   Wi-Fi.
3. If needed, turn on Wi-Fi.
4. At the bottom, tap Saved networks.
5. In the list, tap the saved network that you want to delete.
6. Tap  Forget.

Add the Wi-Fi network again

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet   Wi-Fi.
3. At the end of the list, tap Add network.
4. If needed, enter the network name (SSID) and other security details.
5. Tap  Save. If needed, enter a password.

Check for problem apps

The problem can be from an app that you downloaded. To find out, restart your phone in safe mode.

1. Turn on safe mode. Learn how to turn on safe mode.

2. Try connecting to the Wi-Fi network again.

3. Open your phone’s Settings app.

4. Tap Network & internet   Wi-Fi  the network name.

5. See whether the Wi-Fi connection works in safe mode.

   • If the Wi-Fi connection works in safe mode
     A downloaded app is most likely causing the issue.
   1. To exit safe mode, restart your phone.
   2. Uninstall recently downloaded apps one by one. See whether the connection works.
   3. After you remove the app that’s causing the problem, reinstall the other apps.
   • If the Wi-Fi connection doesn’t work in safe mode
     Likely, there’s a problem with the Wi-Fi network or internet connection.

Tip: Airplane mode is automatically turned on when you enter safe mode. We recommend turning airplane mode off in order to continue using features such as GPS, Wi-Fi, and making phone calls.

Internet & network

Restart the router & modem

If the Wi-Fi router and modem are yours, try turning them off and then on again.

1. Unplug the router and modem’s power cords from the power outlet for 15 seconds.
2. Plug the power cords back in.
3. Check that all cords and cables are secure at both ends.
4. Wait a few minutes, until the lights on the modem and router are working right. (See the device manual or manufacturer’s support site.)

If the lights aren’t working right, you could have an issue with the modem, router, or internet connection.

Contact the network administrator or your Internet Service Provider. For example, there could be a service outage, or they could need to reset your connection.

Sign in to a public network

Important: Public networks, like at cafes or airports, often have a webpage for you to complete. If you sign in or accept the terms, the public connection should work.

If you don’t see an authorization page after you connect to a public network:

• Check for a notification that asks you to sign in.
• Open a new page in a new window.

If those steps don’t work, try restarting your connection to the network:

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet   Wi-Fi.
3. Touch and hold the network name. Tap  Forget network.
4. Turn Wi-Fi off and then on again.
5. On the list, tap the network name.
6. You’ll get a notification to sign in. Tap the notification.
7. To connect to the network, agree to the terms.

Reset all network settings

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap System   Advanced   Reset options   Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. If you don’t see “Advanced,” tap Network & internet  More     Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
3. At the bottom, tap Reset settings.

Wi-Fi hotspot

Check that hotspot is on

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet   Hotspot & tethering.
3. Tap Wi-Fi hotspot.
4. Turn on  Wi-Fi hotspot.
   • If it was already on, turn it off and then on again.
   • If your phone hasn’t had a hotspot before, first tap Set up Wi-Fi hotspot.

Tip: For more info, learn more about hotspots and tethering.

Contact your mobile carrier

Important: Not all mobile service providers work with mobile hotspots.

If you have issues, check with your carrier. Ask whether your phone can connect to mobile hotspots and whether they’re in your data plan.

When you reconnect

When you reconnect, check for the latest system update. Updates can bring improvements that help fix issues. Learn how to check and update your Android version.

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