The 8 most common problems when connecting mobile devices to Wi-Fi

1. Password problems: is it entered correctly?

One of the most common reasons is an incorrect Wi-Fi password. Even one extra or missing letter can cause the message «Unable to connect to Wi-Fi» or «Authentication problems» to appear.

• Ensure that auto-correct is not replacing characters.
• If you see a Wi-Fi authentication message, try forgetting the network and reconnecting. To do this, open the Wi-Fi settings on your Android phone, find the desired network in the list of available networks, tap on it and select the «Forget» option in the settings menu. Then select this network from the list again, enter the password and try to connect.
  
  
  Check that the password is correct on another device or in your router settings.

2. Network problems: selecting the wrong Wi-Fi network.

Sometimes your phone connects to Wi-Fi but there is no Internet connection. This happens if the network with that name (SSID — Service Set Identifier) has a weak signal or no Internet access.

• Ensure that you are connected to your network.
• If necessary, forget all similar networks and connect to the correct one manually.
• If Wi-Fi on your phone only works with one network, the problem is likely with that access point.

3. Weak signal or phone cannot detect Wi-Fi.

Walls, furniture, or long distances from the router may be the reason why your phone cannot detect Wi-Fi or connect to the Internet.

• Try moving closer to the router.
• Restart the device using the «Restart» button (note: do not confuse this with the «Reset» button) or by turning off the power. In many cases, restarting the router helps to solve most technical problems without additional actions, in particular when Wi-Fi does not connect on Android or iOS devices.
  
  
  
  
• Consider installing a Mesh system or Wi-Fi repeaters if the signal is weak throughout your home.

4. Limited connection or no Internet connection.

Sometimes, Wi-Fi is connected on your phone, but you see a message saying «Limited connection» or «No Internet connection». In this case, the Internet does not work.

• Check if the Internet works on other devices.
• Restart your router to clear any possible network conflicts.
• Check your DHCP settings — IP addresses may not be assigned correctly.
• Check whether your MAC address matches the one registered with your provider.

5. Overloaded network.

If many devices are connected to Wi-Fi at the same time — TVs, computers, other phones — the network may be overloaded, and in this case, the Internet on your phone will not work, even though there is a connection.

• Turn off unnecessary devices.
• Upgrade your Internet connection to support Gigabit speeds.
• If the problem persists, it may be time to upgrade to a more powerful router.

6. Router problems.

The reasons why Wi-Fi is not working may also be related to the router settings:

• An old Wi-Fi standard (e.g. 802.11n) that is not supported by the new phone.
• Incorrect channels or security settings.
• Problems with firmware updates.

• Check whether your phone supports the Wi-Fi standard used by your router (Wi-Fi 4/5/6).
• Update your router's firmware.
• Reset the settings to factory defaults if other methods do not help.

7. The phone does not see Wi-Fi or cannot connect.

Sometimes the phone does not see the Wi-Fi network, but the error «Unable to connect to the network» appears. This may be due to:

• Incorrect frequency settings (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
• The phone does not support the encryption type.
• Firmware issues.
• The Wi-Fi network name (SSID) is hidden from public access.

• Ensure that the Wi-Fi network is operating at a frequency supported by your phone.
• Try changing the encryption type from WPA3 to WPA2.
• If your tablet is not connecting to Wi-Fi, try updating its software.

8. Mobile Internet issues.

The problem is not always with Wi-Fi. Sometimes mobile Internet does not work.

• Check if mobile data is enabled.
• Check your balance and APN settings.
• Restart your smartphone or tablet.

As you can see, there are many reasons why Wi-Fi may not connect on your phone, ranging from a simple incorrect password to more complex problems with your router or firmware. If Wi-Fi is not working, do not panic — try the methods listed above. If the Internet still does not work on your devices after trying all of these steps, contact a specialist or your provider.