Before trying any fixes, figure out where the problem actually is.

Grab another device — laptop, tablet, another phone — and try connecting to the same WiFi network.

If other devices connect fine: The problem is your phone. Focus on phone-side fixes below.

If multiple devices struggle: The problem is your router. Skip to the router section.

If your phone won't connect to ANY WiFi anywhere: You may have hardware failure. See the last section.

Fix 1 — Forget the Network and Reconnect

This fixes 60% of "saved but won't connect" problems.

Your phone stores old credentials that no longer match what the router expects. Clearing them forces a fresh connection.

Android: Settings → WiFi → Long-press your network → Forget Network → Reconnect with password

iPhone: Settings → Wi-Fi → Tap (i) next to network → Forget This Network → Reconnect with password

Important: Use "show password" when typing to catch typos. Lowercase L vs 1 and letter O vs 0 cause more failures than you'd think.

Fix 2 — Reset All Network Settings

If forgetting one network didn't work, reset everything.

This clears all saved WiFi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and network configurations. You'll reconnect to everything afterward, but it fixes 70% of stubborn problems.

Android: Settings → System → Reset Options → Reset WiFi, Mobile & Bluetooth

iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings

Fix 3 — Restart Your Router Properly

Most people restart routers wrong. A quick unplug doesn't clear the problem state.

The correct method:

1. Unplug router from power completely

2. Wait 60 seconds (set a timer)

3. Plug back in

4. Wait for all lights to stabilize (2-3 minutes)

5. Try connecting

The 60-second wait lets capacitors fully discharge. This actually clears cached data causing problems.

Fix 4 — Try 2.4GHz Instead of 5GHz

If your router shows two networks (like "HomeWiFi" and "HomeWiFi_5G"), connect to the one WITHOUT 5G in the name.

2.4GHz is slower but more stable with better range. Some phones struggle with automatic band switching.

Fix 5 — Disable Smart Network Switching

Your phone may be abandoning WiFi too aggressively.

Android: Settings → WiFi → Advanced → Turn off "Smart Network Switch" or "Auto Switch to Mobile Data"

iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Scroll down → Turn off "WiFi Assist"

When It's Hardware Failure

If your phone won't connect to ANY WiFi network anywhere — not home, not coffee shops, not friends' houses — you may have hardware damage.

Signs of hardware failure:

• WiFi toggle won't turn on

• WiFi settings grayed out

• Phone detects zero networks

This happens from drops, water exposure, or manufacturing defects. Professional repair or replacement is needed.

Related Guides

Complete WiFi Troubleshooting Hub → https://mrgrid.io/guides/how-to-fix-problems-with-wifi-connection

WiFi Connected But No Internet → https://mrgrid.io/guides/wifi-connected-but-no-internet

WiFi Keeps Disconnecting → https://mrgrid.io/guides/wifi-keeps-disconnecting

Laptop Won't Connect to WiFi → https://mrgrid.io/guides/laptop-wont-connect-to-wifi

WiFi Authentication Problem → https://mrgrid.io/guides/wifi-authentication-problem

WiFi Slow on One Device → https://mrgrid.io/guides/wifi-slow-on-one-device-only

WiFi Not Showing Up → https://mrgrid.io/guides/wifi-not-showing-up-on-laptop

Need More Help?

Still stuck? Chat with a certified tech expert who can troubleshoot your specific setup in real time.

Get Live Support → https://bit.ly/ask-a-tech

Recommended Tools

Google DNS (8.8.8.8) — Free, often faster than ISP defaults

Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) — Privacy-focused alternative

WiFi Analyzer App — Check signal strength and channel congestion

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