Android Won't Connect to Wi-Fi?
Your Android phone won't join your Wi-Fi network. Maybe it says wrong password, maybe it says "Connected, no internet," maybe it just spins forever. Here's how to figure out which problem you have and fix it.
Quick fix to try first
Forget the network and rejoin. Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi (or Network & Internet on Pixel), tap the gear next to your network, tap Forget. Then tap your network again, type the password fresh. Fixes most cases.
1. Make sure airplane mode is off
Easy to overlook. Swipe down from the top to open quick settings. Airplane mode icon should be off. Wi-Fi icon should be on.
2. Forget and rejoin the network
The most reliable fix for cached connection problems:
- Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi (Samsung) or Settings > Network & Internet > Internet (Pixel)
- Tap the gear icon next to your network
- Tap Forget
- Wait 10 seconds, tap the network again, enter the password
3. Turn off Random MAC address
Random MAC is a privacy feature that some routers (especially older ones) reject. Try turning it off for the problem network.
- Forget the network first (Step 2)
- Reconnect, but before entering the password, tap View more or Advanced
- Change MAC address type from "Randomized MAC" to Phone MAC
- Connect with password
4. Restart your phone
Hold the side button, tap Restart. Not just power off. Real restart clears network cache.
5. Restart your router
If other devices on the same Wi-Fi are also struggling, the issue is the router. Unplug it from the wall for 60 seconds, plug back in, wait 2 minutes.
6. Reset network settings
If forgetting and rejoining didn't work, reset all network settings.
Samsung: Settings > General management > Reset > Reset network settings
Pixel: Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth
You'll lose saved Wi-Fi passwords and paired Bluetooth devices but no apps or data.
7. Check the router's 5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz situation
If your home has two Wi-Fi networks (like "MyHome" and "MyHome_5G"), try connecting to the other one. Some older Androids struggle with 5 GHz; some newer ones prefer it.
8. Check for software updates
Wi-Fi bugs sometimes hide in specific Android versions. Settings > Software update (Samsung) or Settings > System > System update (Pixel). Install anything pending.
If "Connected, no internet" is your problem
This is a different issue. You're on the Wi-Fi but the Wi-Fi has no internet. Test by trying internet on another device. If everything else also has no internet, the issue is your provider or router, not your phone. Call your ISP.
Video walkthrough
Video by WorldofTech on YouTube
Still no Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi issues that survive these steps usually need hands-on troubleshooting. We can take a look remotely.