Does your Android phone’s Wi-Fi constantly drop connections? Find out why Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting and what you can do to fix Wi-Fi connection issues on Android.
Your Android phone’s Wi-Fi can disconnect for several reasons. For example, it could be a random problem with the Wi-Fi interface, a conflicting network setting, or an incorrect router configuration.
Keep reading to learn how to troubleshoot and resolve intermittent Android Wi-Fi disconnects. The instructions below vary slightly depending on your phone manufacturer and Android version.
1. Enable/Disable Aircraft
The fastest way to fix unexpected internet connectivity issues on an Android phone is to enter and exit Airplane mode.
To do this, swipe down from the top of the screen to bring up the Quick settings window. Then press the Airplane mode mosaic, wait a few seconds and press it again.
2. Check the signal strength
Staying close to the router or access point is the best way to enjoy an uninterrupted Wi-Fi connection. Make sure to keep the Wi-Fi indicator on your Android phone at least two-thirds full to avoid random disconnections caused by physical obstructions and wireless interference.
3. Forget and re-add the network
Deleting and reconnecting to a wireless network on Android is another quick fix that can fix frequent WiFi disconnections, especially if the issue only occurs on that network. To do this:
1. Open the Settings app and press Network & Internet > the Internet.
2. Press the Equipment next to the SSID (network name) and press To forget.
3. Select the wireless connection, enter the Wi-Fi password and press Relate to join him.
4. Delete outdated Wi-Fi networks
Too many saved wireless networks on your Android phone is another reason for sudden Wi-Fi disconnections. Revisit the Internet Connections screen and delete any previously connected networks that you no longer need.
5. Restart the Wi-Fi router or modem
Router-side issues tend to create all sorts of connectivity issues. If your Android device continues to have trouble maintaining a connection to a particular network, restarting the router usually resolves this issue.
If you can reach the router, locate and press its power button, wait up to 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
6. Restart Android Phone
If your Android phone disconnects from Wi-Fi regardless of the network, you may be dealing with a buggy wireless interface.
Restarting the device can make a difference, so press the button Power button (some phones require you to press the button Power and Turn up the sound/Down buttons simultaneously) and touch To restart.
7. Disable Adaptive Wi-Fi and Adaptive Connections
Some Android phones come with a feature called adaptive connectivity. It automatically manages your internet connections based on signal strength and other factors to extend battery life. Disabling it can prevent random Wi-Fi disconnections.
To do this, open the Settings app and press Network & internet > Adaptive connectivity. Then turn off the switch next to Adaptive connectivity.
Another somewhat similar feature is adaptive Wi-Fi. It automatically switches to mobile network data when Wi-Fi connectivity is not stable. If you don’t want this to happen, go to Settings > Network & internet > the Internet > Network preferences and disable the Switch to mobile data automatically option.
Analyze and reconfigure your wireless network
If the problem occurs on a private Wi-Fi network, you may want to analyze it and change the channel or GHz band if necessary. For example, if the router broadcasts on the 2.4 GHz band, but the network overlaps surrounding Wi-Fi access points, you can use channels 1, 6, and 11 or switch to the 5 GHz band.
It involves a three-step process as follows. Refer to the linked guides for detailed instructions:
1. Scan your wireless network using a Wi-Fi analyzer such as NetSpot.
2. Access your router settings (ideally using a Windows PC or Mac).
3. Locate wireless signal frequency options and set band and channel preferences.
8. Update or Reset Router Firmware
If the problem persists on a private wireless network, it’s a good idea to check if your router has a firmware update pending.
To do this, visit your router’s control panel and search for a Router Update tab or option. Next, check for an update online or download the firmware file from the router manufacturer’s website.
If there are no new updates, consider resetting the router to factory defaults.
9. Enter Safe Mode
Third-party apps such as antivirus scanners, Wi-Fi signal boosters, and VPNs can conflict with an Android device’s Wi-Fi settings. Booting into safe mode can help you determine if this is the case.
For example, to enter safe mode on a Google Pixel, press the Power and Turn up the sound buttons, long press the To restart the icon and select OKAY. Learn how to enter Safe Mode on any Android device.
Android Safe Mode disables all third-party apps. If your phone no longer disconnects from Wi-Fi, go to Settings > apps and Uninstall any applications that may interfere with network connectivity during normal use.
After that, exit safe mode and reinstall the apps you deleted one by one until you identify the cause of the problem.
10. Update your Android
A newer Android update may contain a hotfix that may resolve intermittent Wi-Fi disconnection issues. To check and install system software updates, scroll down the list on your Android phone. Settings menu and press System > System update.
11. Reset Network Settings
Reset network settings of Android if none of the above fixes help. This should eliminate any hidden connectivity conflicts causing Wi-Fi issues on your phone. To do this, go to Settings > System > Reset options and press Reset Wi-Fi, mobile and Bluetooth > Reset options.
After resetting your phone’s network settings, go to Settings > Network & Internet > the Internetand manually join the Wi-Fi network of your choice.
No more random Wi-Fi disconnections on Android
Wi-Fi disconnections on Android are usually easy to fix. For example, turning airplane mode on/off, joining a problematic network, or restarting your phone should do the trick in most cases. If not, taking the time to work on some of the advanced fixes above will definitely help.
