If your Android phone refuses to connect to WiFi even though you’re entering the correct password, you’re not alone. This issue is extremely common across Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Vivo, Pixel, and other Android devices. The good news? You can fix it—without needing a technician.
This guide walks you through every proven solution, from simple network resets to advanced router-level fixes. Follow each step carefully, and your WiFi connection should be restored.
Why Your Android Won’t Connect to WiFi (Even With Correct Password)
WiFi connection failures usually happen because of:
- Incorrect saved network settings
- Corrupted WiFi configuration files
- Router glitches or outdated router firmware
- WiFi MAC filtering enabled
- Too many devices connected to the same network
- IP address conflicts
- Weak WiFi signal
- Outdated Android software
- Network throttling by the router
Below are the most effective fixes, starting from the easiest.
Fix 1: Restart Your Phone
A simple restart clears temporary network glitches and refreshes WiFi settings.
How to do it:
- Hold the Power button
- Tap Restart
This solves the problem for many users immediately.
Fix 2: Restart Your WiFi Router
Most WiFi issues come from the router, not the phone.
Steps:
- Unplug the router from power
- Wait 30 seconds
- Plug it back in
After the router fully boots, try connecting again.
Fix 3: Forget the WiFi Network and Reconnect
Sometimes your phone saves corrupted WiFi data. Resetting it fixes the issue.
How:
- Go to Settings
- Tap WiFi
- Select your network
- Tap Forget
- Reconnect by entering the password again
Fix 4: Make Sure You’re Using the Correct WiFi Band (2.4GHz or 5GHz)
5GHz has faster speeds but a shorter range. If you’re too far from the router, your phone may not connect.
Try switching:
- Connect to the 2.4GHz network
- Move closer to the router if using 5GHz
Most Android devices connect more reliably to 2.4GHz.
Fix 5: Check if Airplane Mode Is Enabled
Airplane mode disables all wireless connections, including WiFi.
- Swipe down the Quick Settings Panel
- Turn Airplane Mode OFF
Fix 6: Enable and Disable WiFi
This quickly refreshes your WiFi adapter.
- Go to Settings → WiFi
- Turn WiFi OFF
- Wait 10 seconds
- Turn WiFi ON
Fix 7: Reset Network Settings
This is one of the strongest fixes. It resets all WiFi, Bluetooth, and mobile data settings without deleting personal data.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap System
- Tap Reset options
- Select Reset WiFi, mobile & Bluetooth
- Confirm
Reconnect to your WiFi after the reset.
Fix 8: Check the Password Carefully
Even if you think the password is correct, check for:
- Uppercase letters
- Extra spaces
- Similar characters (0 vs O, 1 vs l)
Ask the WiFi owner to confirm the exact password.
Fix 9: Toggle “Adaptive WiFi” or “Smart Network Switch”
Some Android phones automatically switch between mobile data and WiFi, which can block connections.
Turn it OFF:
- Go to Settings → WiFi
- Tap Advanced
- Disable Smart Network Switch
Fix 10: Disable VPN
VPN apps can interfere with WiFi authentication.
Turn off your VPN or uninstall it temporarily.
Fix 11: Remove MAC Address Filtering on Your Router
If your router blocks unknown devices, your phone won’t connect.
Steps:
- Log in to router admin page (usually 192.168.1.1)
- Go to Security settings
- Disable MAC filtering
Or add your Android’s MAC address to the allowed list:
- Open Settings → About Phone → Status
- Find your WiFi MAC address
Fix 12: Set a Static IP Address
If your router cannot assign an IP automatically, use a static IP.
How to set static IP:
- Go to Settings → WiFi
- Tap your network → Advanced
- Change IP settings to Static
Enter:
- IP: 192.168.1.50
- Gateway: 192.168.1.1
- DNS1: 8.8.8.8
- DNS2: 8.8.4.4
Fix 13: Check Router Settings for Device Limits
Some routers limit the number of connected devices (e.g., 10 devices max).
Solution:
- Disconnect other devices
- Restart router
- Try connecting again
Fix 14: Update Your Android Software
System updates often fix WiFi bugs.
How:
- Go to Settings → Software Update
- Tap Download and Install
Fix 15: Update the Router Firmware
Old router software can cause WiFi password errors, connection drops, and slow speeds.
Check updates in your router admin panel.
Fix 16: Reset Your Router to Factory Settings
If nothing else works, your router may be misconfigured.
To reset:
- Find the tiny reset button
- Hold for 10 seconds
You will need to set up your WiFi again afterward.
Fix 17: Turn Off Battery Saver Mode
Battery saver can limit WiFi functionality to reduce power use.
- Go to Settings → Battery
- Turn off Power Saving Mode
Fix 18: Disable Developer Options WiFi Modifications
If you enabled Developer Options, some settings may interfere with WiFi.
Turn everything in Developer Options back to default.
Fix 19: Move Closer to the Router
If the signal is weak, your phone won’t connect.
Try standing right next to the router and reconnecting.
Fix 20: Factory Reset Your Android (Last Resort)
This will fix even deep software issues.
WARNING: This deletes everything. Back up your data first.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → System → Reset Options
- Tap Erase All Data
When to Replace Your Router
If your router is more than 5–7 years old, slow, or constantly disconnects devices, it may be time for an upgrade.
You should replace your router if:
- The speed is below 100 Mbps
- It frequently disconnects
- It has weak coverage
- It doesn’t support dual-band WiFi
Conclusion
When your Android won’t connect to WiFi even with the correct password, the cause is almost always fixable. By following the steps in this guide—from forgetting the network to adjusting router settings—you can restore your connection quickly.
If the problem continues, consider updating your router or checking with your internet provider.
For more Android connectivity tutorials, explore our Network, WiFi & SIM Issues category.