Phone Not Connecting to WiFi? Quick Fixes for Android & iPhone

Key Highlights

• Start by turning your phone off and on. You can also restart the wireless router. This often helps fix many connectivity issues.
• Go to your phone’s settings. Use the “Forget” choice for the WiFi network. Then, connect again by typing in the password.
• Make sure the phone is not on Airplane Mode. If it is, all wireless connections like your internet will be off.
• If these steps do not work, reset your phone’s network settings. This step will clear all your saved network connections and let you set them up again.
• Check that your internet connection is working well. Try using another device on the same router or network.
• It is good to keep your Android device or iOS system up to date. Updates often fix problems with network settings or internet issues.

Introduction

This happens to a lot of people and can feel very frustrating. You want to use the internet, but your phone will not connect to WiFi. It does not matter if you have an android device or an iPhone—these connectivity issues can stop you from doing what you need. This can mess up your work or slow down your fun time. You do not have to use your mobile data if you do not want to. You can fix the problem with some simple steps. This guide will show you what you need to do to get your phone working on your wireless network again. It will help you fix the issue on your android or iPhone, so you can get back online fast.

Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting WiFi on Your Phone

Before you change any settings, it’s a good idea to look at a few things first. These fast steps can help fix your internet problem right away. A simple error is often the reason you have no internet connection. Doing these things can help you save both time and work when you lose the internet.

Start by going to the main settings on your device. Make sure your WiFi is on. Also, be sure that airplane mode is off. These are simple steps, but they matter a lot. They help you to check if there have been any changes made to settings on your Android OS, Android, or iOS device. We will show you how to check these first.

Confirm WiFi is Enabled and Airplane Mode is Off

One reason that your phone may not get on wifi is if airplane mode is turned on by mistake. Airplane mode stops all wireless signals, including wifi and bluetooth. You can check if this is the problem by looking at the top of your screen. You do not have to use the settings app for this.

To see this on your device, go to the quick settings menu.

• On Android: Drop your finger down from the top of your screen. Find the airplane mode icon. If it shows that airplane mode is on, just tap the icon to turn it off.
• On iPhone (X or newer): Pull down from the top-right part of the screen. This will open the Control Center where you can see the airplane mode icon.
• On iPhone (8 or older): Slide your finger up from the bottom of the screen. Look for the airplane mode icon. If the icon is on, tap it to turn airplane mode off.

If this does not work, you need to see if the problem is with your phone or with the network. Doing this helps you know what is wrong. It also makes it easy for you to know what steps to take next.

Test Connection With Another Device or Network

How do you know if the issue is with your phone or the wireless network? There is a simple way to check the wifi. You can use a laptop, tablet, or another smartphone. Try to connect it to the same wireless network. This can help you see what is causing the problem.

If the other device is able to get online, the issue is most likely with your phone. You will need to look at your phone’s settings to see what could be wrong. But if the other device can’t get online too, your router or your internet service provider (ISP) could be the cause. At this time, it’s best to check your router or reach out to your ISP for help with your internet.

• Restart your router.
• Look at the router’s lights to see if it’s working.
• If the router still does not work, get in touch with your isp.

If you find that the problem is with your android device or iphone, go to the next steps. The next steps can help you fix connection errors that many people get on an android device or an iphone.

The Most Common Phone WiFi Problems & What They Mean

Sometimes, your phone gives you hints about what is going on. It might not just stop working. Sometimes, you will see messages like “Connected, No Internet” or “Saved, Secured.” These words can feel strange. But they let you know what kind of connectivity issues you have to deal with in your wireless network and with the internet.

Knowing what these statuses mean is the first thing you need to do to fix them. It does not matter if you use an android device or an iOS phone. These error messages help you know why your wifi is not working. The parts below tell you what these usual messages mean.

Why Does My Phone Say “Connected, No Internet” or “Saved, Secured”?

When you see “Connected, No Internet,” it means your phone and the router are talking with wifi. But, the router is not getting an internet connection. The trouble is not with your phone or how it connects to wifi. This can come up when the router is not linked to the modem in the right way or if there is something wrong with the internet service. Most of the time, you can fix this by doing a restart of the router.

The message “Saved, Secured” shows up a lot on an android device. It means the android phone knows the network name, but it cannot log in. Many times, this happens because the password was changed or there was a mistake when you typed it. A bad connection can be the cause too. The android means it cannot finish talking to the router the way it needs to.

To fix this, the best way to start is to use the “Forget Network” option on your phone. After you do this, try to connect again and make sure you type the password carefully. If this still does not work, you should restart your router.

What If Only My Phone Can’t Connect But Other Devices Can?

When your laptop and other gadgets can use wifi with no trouble but your phone can’t, then the issue is just with your phone. This can happen to android phones and iPhones. Sometimes, it happens after a software update or a change that you did not mean to make. The router or your internet service provider is not the cause. Most times, the problem is from a setting, a software glitch, or a broken file on the phone.

This problem can happen because of your mobile phone. The network profile on your phone might not work right. A new app you added to your phone may cause trouble with the connection. This can also be caused if your phone needs a system update.

Here are some common phone causes you should check:

How to Fix WiFi on Phone: Easy Restart and Reset Steps

When you have a problem with your internet connection, start with simple steps. A quick restart or easy reset can often fix the problem. These ways help clear out small things that may stop your internet from working right. A restart gives your device and your network hardware a new start. This is often the best way to get back online.

No matter if you have an android device or an iOS phone, you can try these two steps first. The steps are easy to do and may help to fix most wifi issues.

Restart Your Phone and Router for a Clean Slate

Restarting your devices is a good way to fix wifi problems. A lot of people use this way, and it works well. A fast restart can get rid of small software issues. It also helps to clear the memory on your device. This may help your wifi work better. We say you should try this step first before you do anything else.

Follow these simple steps for a full power cycle:

• Restart your phone: Press and hold the power button. Pick the restart option. Wait as the phone turns off and then comes back on.
• Restart your wireless router: Unplug the router from the power socket. Leave it out for about 30 seconds. Then plug it back in.
• Wait for the network: The router can take a few minutes to start up. After it starts, the network should come back on your phone.

If your internet connection is still not working after you restart your phone and router, you can try one more thing. Make your phone forget the network. This step can help fix the internet.

Forget and Reconnect to the WiFi Network

Sometimes your phone keeps the network name and password for wifi. But the wifi can stop working right. If this happens, the best thing to do is to have your phone forget the wifi network. This will take away the saved network name and password. Then, you can connect to the wifi again with a new setup.

The steps are not the same on android os and ios.

• On iPhone: Open Settings. Tap Wi-Fi. Look for your network name. Tap the “i” icon next to it. Then, tap “Forget This Network.”
• On Android: Go to Settings. Tap Connections or Network & Internet. Tap Wi-Fi. Look for your network name and tap the gear icon next to it. Pick “Forget.”

After you forget the network, you will see the network again in the list of options. Tap on it, and when asked, type in the password slowly and with care. Then, you can join the network. If you still cannot connect, you might want to check the other settings on your device.

Adjusting WiFi Settings on Android and iPhone

If the main resets did not help, you should check your phone’s WiFi settings next. A wrong password or an old version of the system can stop the app from working. You can check and fix these in the settings app on your phone.

No matter if you use android os or ios, you need to make sure your phone’s software is up to date. You should also check if your network details are right. This is a key step when things are not working the way they should. The next parts will show you how to check these things on android and ios. This will help you feel more sure when you use your android or ios phone.

Checking Network Passwords and Security Settings

A small mistake when typing your password can stop you from getting in. This is something that happens sometimes. It can be easy to do, especially if the keyboard is small. Before you try anything else, try to connect again. Type your password slowly. Make sure every letter and number is right.

To help you put in the right password, you can follow these tips:

• Use the “show password” option (the eye icon) on your screen. This helps you see each password character as you type it.
• Double-check the password for case sensitivity. Most wifi passwords need you to use the right mix of upper and lower case letters.
• Make sure you have the right password. This is important if it was changed not long ago.

Sometimes, the security app or another app on your phone can make your wifi not work right. If you have a VPN or antivirus app, try turning it off for a short time. This can help you know if it helps fix the wifi problem.

Updating System Software and Network Adapters

It is easy to wait to update the software. But these updates matter. They fix problems, such as bugs that stop wifi and hurt security. If your system is old, it may not work well with new wifi networks. When you update your phone, you also get the latest firmware for the things inside that help you use wifi.

To see if there is a software update, follow these steps:

• On iPhone: To do a software update, open Settings on your phone. Tap General, then tap Software Update. If there is one, tap “Download and Install.”
• On Android: The way can be a bit different, but most of the time, you can see software update in Settings. Go to About phone, then tap System Updates. Tap to look for and put in any update your phone sees.

It is a good idea to keep your device’s software up to date. This helps everything, including the wifi, work well. If your phone has the latest updates but still will not connect, there may be a weak signal or the wifi network may not show up.

When Your Phone Can’t Find or Connect to WiFi

If you do not see your WiFi in the list on your phone, there may be a different issue. Most of the time, it is because of network settings or because the signal from your router is weak. If your phone cannot see the network, you will not be able to connect to your wifi.

This can happen for a few reasons. You might be too far away from the router. The wireless network could also be hidden. The next parts will help you learn ways to fix things when you cannot find the wireless network on your android device or your iOS phone.

Scan for Hidden Networks or Signal Interference

Some wifi networks are set up to be “hidden.” This means their name does not show up for everyone. For safety, you can not see these networks when you look at your list. But you can still use the wifi if you know the right details. You have to add the network yourself by try using your phone’s wifi settings.

To add a hidden network, you typically need to:

• Go to your WiFi settings. Find and click on “Add Network”.
• Enter the network name (SSID) just as it is, using all the right uppercase and lowercase letters.
• Choose the right security type, like WPA2. Then type in your password.

Another reason can be signal interference. There are a lot of things in the home, like microwaves and phones without cords, that use the 2.4 GHz band. These things can make the wifi weaker. If your router can use both bands, try the 5 GHz wifi. This band does not have as many problems with things that mess up the signal.

Move Closer to the Router or Remove Physical Barriers

WiFi signals can only go a certain distance. A lot of things, like walls, floors, furniture, and big home machines, can get between your router and your phone. These things block the wifi signal. If you see low signal strength bars or no bars at all, you might be too far from the router.

Try moving closer to your wireless router. See if the network shows up or gets better. When you get close, the signal strength bars on your phone should go up. The best spot for your router is in the middle of a room. Keep it out in the open. Do not put it next to thick walls or other electronics.

• Look at the signal strength icon on your phone.
• Move into the same room where the router is. Try to check your connection in this place.
• If the connection gets better, then it is likely that the problem is with the signal range.

If you see a good signal but can not connect, try some other steps. It may be time to use more ways to fix this problem.

Advanced Fixes for Persistent WiFi Connection Issues

If you have tried all the easy ways to fix your wifi but it still will not work, there are some other things you can do. You should try to reset the network settings on your phone. This step can fix many problems with wifi. A factory reset should be your last choice if nothing else works. A network settings reset is a strong option, and it does not take as much away from your phone as a factory reset does.

These ways to fix your android os or iOS device help you solve problems when a simple restart does not work. The next parts will show you what steps to take for these resets. You will also find out how to look for other issues that could be there with your android or ios device.

Reset Network Settings on Android and iPhone

Resetting your network settings can help if you have WiFi problems that do not go away. When you do a reset, it will remove every current setting for your network. This will clear all saved WiFi networks and passwords. It also takes away your cellular settings and makes your device forget all the Bluetooth devices that are paired. The reset does not remove your apps, photos, or contacts. Only your network settings, WiFi details, and Bluetooth devices get changed by this reset.

The way to do this can be a little different on each system.

• On iPhone: Open the Settings app. Go to General. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone. Tap Reset. Pick “Reset Network Settings.” Put in your passcode to finish.
• On Android: You can find it by opening Settings. Tap System, then Reset options. Touch Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. If you have a Samsung phone, go to General Management and then Reset.
• After you use reset network settings, you will have to join your WiFi again and type your password.

These steps help you reset network settings if you use an iPhone, Android, or Samsung device. Try them when there are problems with WiFi, bluetooth, or your phone’s network.

This step can help fix many tough connectivity issues. These problems can come up because of bad settings. If this step does not work, an app on your phone might be causing the trouble.

Check For App Conflicts or Security Software That Can Block WiFi

Antivirus apps can keep your phone from getting on wifi. Yes, this can happen. The security software, like antivirus apps and VPNs, can sometimes think the wifi is not safe when it is safe. When this happens, they may stop you from getting on it. This is a common reason for wifi problems, but many people do not see it right away.

If you use a VPN or a security app, try turning it off for some time. This can help you see if your wifi starts working again. If your wifi works when the app is off, then you found the problem. You may have to change the app settings or tell the app that your home wifi is safe.

• Open the settings in your VPN or antivirus app.
• Look for the choice that lets you stop the protection for a short time or turn off the VPN.
• Try to connect to the wifi when the app is off.

If the problem is not with the app, there is still one last thing to try. This test can help you find out if the trouble is with your phone or the network.

Is It Your Phone or the WiFi Network? Diagnosing the Source

After you try some different ways to fix things, you might still wonder where the problem really is. It can be hard to know if your phone is the reason or if there’s a problem with your home internet. It is important to find out where the trouble starts. This can help you choose what to do next, like changing a setting on your phone or talking to your internet service provider.

There are a few easy tests you can try to find out the problem. You can check your WiFi and compare it with your cellular data. You should also look at your router settings. This can help you get a better answer. For small business technology, doing these things is important. IT support services often tell people to use these checks to fix issues.

Test with Mobile Data Versus WiFi

An easy way to see what the problem is would be to check if your WiFi is working, by using mobile data on your phone. Go to your phone’s settings and turn off the WiFi. After this, try to use the internet with your cellular data. See if you can get online that way. This will show you if the issue is with the WiFi or something else.

If you can use mobile data or open apps with your phone’s internet, then things are working fine there. This means the problem is with your local wifi. The trouble could be in your phone’s wifi settings, the router, or even your internet company. But if you can’t use cellular data, it may be that your phone’s hardware is not working, or there could be a big software issue.

• Turn off WiFi on your android device or iPhone.
• Open a web browser on the device and try to load a page using cellular data.
• If the page loads, then the problem is with the WiFi.

This test will help you find out where the problem is. You can see if you need to check your phone’s wifi settings. Or, you can find out if you should look at your home network equipment.

Inspect Router Settings and Device Restrictions

If you feel there is a problem with your network, look at your router’s admin settings. Some networks turn on something called MAC address filtering. This lets only those devices on a list join the network. A phone’s MAC address could be taken off that list or blocked by mistake.

To get this done, you need to log in to the router’s admin page. Use the IP address for that. After you get there, you have to type your username and password.

• Look at the choices for “Access Control,” “Device Management,” or “MAC Filtering.”
• Make sure this is on and that your phone’s MAC address is on the allowed list.
• If you do not know how to do this, ask your network administrator for help or speak with one of our small business tech support services.

These configuration changes do not take place a lot in the home. But these can be the cause of connection problems that happen again and again.

Conclusion

Having WiFi problems on your phone can be really annoying. But if you follow the right steps, you can fix most problems fast. First, make sure that your WiFi is turned on. You can also fix some issues by resetting the network settings. This guide gives you easy tips that work for both android and iphone. You should also see if other devices in your home can use the same wifi network. This lets you know if the problem is with your phone or with the network.

If you still cannot fix the problem after trying these steps, there is extra help out there. A good phone experience is possible. If you need more help, you can book a free call with our experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my iPhone WiFi connect but my laptop does?

If your iPhone will not join the WiFi but other gadgets can, the issue is with your iOS device. You can open the settings app. Find your wireless network and forget it. After this, try to join the WiFi again. If it still will not work, you can do a reset network settings step. When you reset network settings, you do not lose your data. This will only clear any bad WiFi setups on your iPhone.

What should I do if my phone says “Saved Secured” but never connects?

This message on your Android device or iOS phone often shows up when there is a problem with logging in. The first thing to do is forget the network name and try to connect again. Make sure you use the right password. If you still can’t get on the wireless network, restart your router. Sometimes, when devices try to connect, a restart of the router can help fix the problem.

Do antivirus or security apps affect how to fix WiFi on phone?

Yes, an antivirus app, a firewall, or a VPN can stop your WiFi from working right. These apps might block a network if they think it is not safe. To check if this is the problem, turn off the app for a short time on your Android OS or iOS device. After that, try to connect to WiFi again.