9 Ways to Fix Android Wi-Fi Not Turning On [2023]

In Summary

99 percent of the Wi-Fi issues you run into on Android are easily fixed by restarting the device.
Sometimes, however, something more drastic is required. For example, if you’ve tried all the normal things, like restarting the device, and you’re still having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, it might be time to try the tips outlined in this article.
This article will discuss some of the more common issues that cause Wi-Fi not to turn on and how to fix them.

Internet is the basic need of every person nowadays, and it is really hard to live without it. A large part of our day is spent using the Internet in one way or another. We all have Wi-Fi at home and at the office, but sometimes it just does not turn on. It’s really frustrating when you want to access the Internet, and the Wi-Fi just will not turn on. There can be many reasons for this, but do not worry, we will help you solve the problem.

Reasons for Android Wi-Fi Not Turning On

First of all, you need to understand that there can be many reasons why your Wi-Fi does not turn on. It could be a problem with your device, or it could be a problem with the router. In most cases, your phone is in flight mode, or you have disabled Wi-Fi in the settings.

So before you start troubleshooting, make sure you have checked all these things. Sometimes it is also possible that there is a problem with the Internet connection itself.

9 Ways to Fix Android Wi-Fi Connectivity

If your Wi-Fi is not working on an Android phone, then here are some ways to fix it.

Fix #1: Restart Your Phone:

This is the first thing you should do if you have a problem with your phone. Sometimes a simple reboot can fix many problems. So restart your phone and see if the problem is fixed.

To restart your phone, long press the power button and tap on “Restart.”

Fix #2: Turn Off Battery Saver

Battery saver mode is a great feature, but it can also cause problems with Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi consumes more battery. When battery saver mode is enabled, it tries to save the battery by turning off the Wi-Fi.

So if your Wi-Fi is not working, you should try to disable the Battery Saver mode.

To turn Off Battery Saver mode, go to Settings > Battery and toggle off the Battery Saver.

Fix #3: Turn Off Airplane Mode

As mentioned earlier, sometimes your phone is in airplane mode without you realizing it. All wireless connections are turned off when your phone is in airplane mode. So, if your Wi-Fi is not working, you should try to disable airplane mode.

To turn Off Airplane mode, long press the power button and tap on “Airplane mode.”

Alternatively, you can drag down the notification panel and tap on the Airplane mode icon.

Fix #4: Forget the Wi-Fi Network

The Wi-Fi often turns on but doesn’t connect to the network. If this is the case, you should try to forget the Wi-Fi network and then connect to it again.

To forget a Wi-Fi network, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi and tap the gear icon next to the Wi-Fi network you want to forget. Alternatively, you can long press on the Wi-Fi network and tap “Forget Network.”

Fix #5: Power Cycle the Phone

If none of the above methods work, you should try turning off your phone. This means completely disconnecting your phone from the power source and then turning it back on. This way, you can fix many problems, including the Wi-Fi problem.

If you have a phone with a removable battery, take the battery out and put it back in after a few seconds. If you have a phone with a non-removable battery, then long press the power button and tap “Power off,” and boot after 10-15 minutes.

Fix #6: Uninstall Vicious Third-Party Apps

Sometimes the reason Wi-Fi does not work is a malicious third-party app. Some apps are contaminated with viruses and Trojans that can cause many problems, including the Wi-Fi problem. So, if you have recently installed a third-party app, you should try uninstalling it to see if the problem is fixed.

You should only download apps from trusted sources like the Google Play Store.

To uninstall an app, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications and tap on the app you want to uninstall. Alternatively, you can long press on the app icon and tap on “Uninstall.”

uninstall malicious third-party apps — Note: Internet Speed Meter Lite is a safe app. This was just for reference.

How to Check Which Third-Party App Is Causing the Problem?

If you don’t know which third-party app is causing the problem, you can try booting your phone in safe mode. In safe mode, only the pre-installed apps can run. So if the Wi-Fi works in safe mode, you know that a third-party app is causing the problem.

To start your phone in safe mode, long press the power button and tap “Safe Mode.” Alternatively, you can launch Safe Mode by long-pressing the power button and then tapping the “Safe Mode” option that appears on the screen.

Fix #7: Reset the Network Settings

If you have tried all the above methods and the Wi-Fi still does not work, you should try resetting the network settings. When you reset the network settings, all saved Wi-Fi networks and other network-related settings will be deleted. So make sure to back up your Wi-Fi passwords before you reset the network settings.

To reset the network settings, go to Settings > System > Reset options and tap “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.”

Fix #8: Update Software

If you have recently updated your phone to a new software version, the new software may be causing the problem. Therefore, try to return to the previous software version and see if the problem is fixed.

You need to flash your phone to revert to the previous software version. Flashing requires you to install the software manually. So make sure that you back up your data before flashing the phone.

Fix #9: Factory Reset

If none of the above methods work, you should try resetting your phone to factory settings. Factory reset deletes all data on your phone and resets the phone to factory settings. So make sure you back up your data before you factory reset your phone.

To factory reset your phone, go to Settings > System > Reset options and tap “Erase all data (factory reset).”

Get Your Wi-Fi Back to Running

The Internet is now an integral part of our lives, and being unable to use it can be very frustrating. If your Wi-Fi isn’t working, it can be a big problem. But you don’t need to worry because there are many ways to fix the problem of not working Wi-Fi. So, try the above methods and see which one works for you.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below.

FAQs About Android Wi-Fi Not Turning on

How can I fix Wi-Fi not working?

There are many ways to fix the Wi-Fi not working issue. You can try the methods mentioned in the article above. In addition, you should also check if the router is working properly and if the Wi-Fi passwords are correct. Try restarting the router and see if the problem is fixed.

How do I know if my Wi-Fi is working slowly?

To check if your Wi-Fi is working slowly, connect your Wi-Fi router with your laptop using an ethernet cable and check the internet speed. If the hardwire connection is fast, but the Wi-Fi connection is slow, then it is likely that your Wi-Fi equipment is not working properly.

What to do if my Wi-Fi network disappeared completely?

If you have placed your router somewhere in a cramped place, then it is possible that the network has been completely blocked. It may be possible that the Wi-Fi has automatically shut down due to overheating. In this case, you should try moving the router to a cooler place. If the problem persists, then you should try resetting the router.

I’m not able to find my Wi-Fi network even when it is turned on. What should I do?

If you're not able to find your Wi-Fi network even when it is turned on, then you should try restarting the router. If the problem persists, then you should try resetting the router. You should also check if the Wi-Fi network is hidden. To do this, go to the router's settings and look for the option to show hidden networks.

How can I boost my Wi-Fi internet speed?

There are many ways to boost your Wi-Fi internet speed. For starters, place your router in a central location so that the Wi-Fi signal can reach all corners of your house. You should also try using a Wi-Fi repeater or mesh router. In addition, you should also check if any devices are causing interference with the Wi-Fi signal. Finally, you should also try updating the router's firmware.

How can I troubleshoot my Wi-Fi connection?

There are many ways to troubleshoot your Wi-Fi connection. You should check if the router is working properly and if the Wi-Fi passwords are correct. Check internet speed using an ethernet cable. Try restarting the router and see if the problem is fixed. If the problem persists, then you should try resetting the router. You should also check if the Wi-Fi network is hidden.

Why is Wi-Fi suddenly not working on my phone?

You need to troubleshoot the reasons for Wi-Fi not working on your phone. Check with your modem, router, and/or Wi-Fi repeater to ensure they are working fine. More often than not, that's the primary issue. Next, look for airplane mode and ensure it's disabled. Finally, try turning off the battery saver mode and see if it fixes the issue.