Step 5: Toggle airplane mode
If your device does not connect or connects but there’s no internet available, you can try toggling the airplane mode. Airplane mode fixes Wi-Fi and network and network related issues often. Switch it OFF, wait for a few seconds and Switch it ON again.
Step 6: Forget the network & Reconnect
Delete all the networks saved when you are unable to connect to a network so that your phone’s Wi-Fi gets a fresh start. It is a quite useful step in fixing Wi-Fi problems. To do this,
- Navigate to the Settings.
- Tap on Wireless connections.
- Look for Wi-Fi and tap on it.
- You will get a list of all Wi-Fi networks nearby. Select the required network and tap on ‘Forget’.
- Try to connect by entering the password again and see if it works.
Step 7: Check the password
May sound obvious, but you should check if the entered password is correct or not. This is the issue when you see an ‘Authentication error’ within Settings >> Wi-Fi.
Step 8: Remove signal inhibitors
Similar to network and signal issues, Wi-Fi issues can have interference or obstacles as a probable cause. If you have a poor or not adequate signal strength of your Wi-Fi, locate and remove obstacles such as a person, objects, etc which cause a disturbance in the quality of the intercepted network on your device.
Step 9: Come closer to the Wi-Fi router
If you cannot control or remove interferences, get closer to the router. Even if there are no obstacles, a long gap between the device and router can cause Wi-Fi issues. You can also invest in a better router with a longer range of connectivity.
Step 10: Update firmware and OS
Firmware enables interaction between software and hardware components. Like smartphones, routers also have firmware too but it doesn’t often need a manual update. To check for any pending updates, visit your router’s manufacturer. Similarly, for smartphones, operating systems must be updated regularly. The device will work better when the software of your phone is up to date. Pending updates may lead to bugs causing issues such as Wi-Fi problems. OS updates can be checked within the settings section where you can see the latest update available. Applications also generate bugs and issues which has an adverse effect on your smartphone performance. Applications that are not updated might cause bugs leading to issues such as Wi-Fi problems etc. For this, update the apps by navigating to Google Play Store >> My apps and games >> Update all. You can also update a particular application by searching for it on the Google Play Store and tap Update.
Step 11: Instead of the DHCP, use a Static IP
If you see Wi-Fi network showing ‘Obtaining IP Address’ but is not connecting, you can switch between Static IP and DHCP (Dynamic host configuration protocol). For this follow the procedure below:
- Open the Settings.
- Proceed to Wireless and Networks and tap on Wi-Fi Settings.
- Proceed to Advanced Settings.
- Now, tap on Use Static IP.
Step 12: Perform a hard reset
If any of the above steps do not work, perform for a hard reset. Hard reset holds a record of fixing tons of issues in smartphones. Always make sure to back up important data and files before performing a hard reset. After this process, all your data will be lost permanently. Here’s how you can perform a factory reset:
- Turn your device off.
- Press and hold the power plus volume down button for a while.
- Release the keys when you enter the “Recovery mode.”
- Use volume buttons to navigate to “Wipe data/factory reset” and use the Power button to select it.
- Reboot your smartphone and check if the issue is resolved by connecting to the Wi-Fi network.
Step 13: Get help from the manufacturer
If you find your Wi-Fi router not working, approach the nearest service center if your router is in warranty. If not, invest in a new one. If you think there is an issue with your smartphone, take your device to an authorized service center and consult a technician who would help you fix Wi-Fi problems on your device.