Phone Stuck on “Connecting…” When Joining WiFi – Complete Fix Guide

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If your phone gets stuck on “Connecting…” every time you try to join a WiFi network, you’re dealing with a very common Android problem. The connection never completes, the WiFi icon never appears, and sometimes the phone eventually says “Saved”, “Connection failed”, or stays stuck forever.

This issue can come from your router, phone software, saved WiFi settings, incompatible WiFi bands, interference, or security protocols. The good news? This problem is almost always fixable. In this guide, you’ll learn every working method to break the endless “Connecting…” loop and get your WiFi working again.

Why Your Phone Gets Stuck on “Connecting…”

Here are the most common reasons:

  • Corrupted saved network settings on your phone
  • Incorrect router security mode (WPA/WPA2/WPA3 mismatch)
  • IP address conflict between devices
  • Weak WiFi signal or interference
  • Wrong WiFi password stored on your phone
  • Router overload (too many connected devices)
  • Outdated Android software
  • MAC address filtering enabled on the router
  • Phone using randomized MAC causing router rejection
  • DNS problems on either phone or router

Below are all the solutions—go through them in order.

Fix 1: Restart Your Phone

Restarting your device clears temporary WiFi processes and resets the network stack.

Steps:

  • Hold the Power button
  • Tap Restart

Then try connecting again. This simple step fixes the issue for many users.

Fix 2: Restart Your WiFi Router

A router glitch is the #1 cause of WiFi connection loops.

How to restart your router correctly:

  • Unplug the router
  • Wait 30 seconds
  • Plug it back in
  • Wait until all lights stabilize

Once the router fully boots, attempt to reconnect your phone to the WiFi network.

Fix 3: Forget the WiFi Network and Reconnect

Your phone may be storing incorrect WiFi data (old password, settings, or corrupted configuration).

How to fix:

  • Go to Settings → WiFi
  • Tap your network
  • Tap Forget
  • Reconnect and re-enter the password

This is one of the fastest solutions for a stuck “Connecting…” loop.

Fix 4: Disable & Enable WiFi

This refreshes your phone’s WiFi driver instantly.

Steps:

  • Go to Settings → WiFi
  • Turn WiFi OFF
  • Wait 10 seconds
  • Turn WiFi ON

Fix 5: Toggle Airplane Mode

Airplane mode refreshes all network radios at once.

  • Swipe down Quick Settings
  • Turn Airplane Mode ON
  • Wait 15 seconds
  • Turn it OFF

Now try connecting again.

Fix 6: Switch Between 2.4GHz and 5GHz

Your phone may get stuck if the chosen WiFi band is incompatible or too weak.

Try this:

  • If you’re on 5GHz, switch to 2.4GHz
  • If you’re on 2.4GHz, try 5GHz

2.4GHz has better range and rarely causes connection loops.

Fix 7: Move Closer to the Router

A weak signal often results in the phone looping on “Connecting…” because the authentication cannot complete.

Stand next to the router and try again.

Fix 8: Turn Off VPN

VPN apps sometimes block WiFi authentication or slow down the process.

Turn off your VPN and check if WiFi connects normally.

Fix 9: Disable MAC Address Randomization

Some routers reject devices when they use a randomized MAC address.

How to fix:

  • Go to Settings → WiFi
  • Select your network → Advanced
  • Change “MAC Address Type” to Phone MAC

Fix 10: Reset Network Settings

This is a powerful fix that clears all network-related issues.

Steps:

  • Go to Settings → System
  • Tap Reset options
  • Select Reset WiFi, Mobile & Bluetooth
  • Confirm

Reconnect to your WiFi afterward.

Fix 11: Reduce Connected Devices on the Router

Some routers can only handle a limited number of clients (10–20 on older models).

Try this:

  • Disconnect unused devices
  • Restart the router
  • Try connecting your phone again

Fix 12: Change Router Security Mode

If your router uses a mode your phone cannot understand, it will stay stuck on “Connecting…”

Best options:

  • WPA2-Personal (recommended)
  • WPA3 (supported on newer devices)

Avoid:

  • WEP
  • Mixed WPA/WPA2

After changing this setting, reconnect your phone.

Fix 13: Change the Router Channel

WiFi interference on a crowded channel can cause connection loops.

Login to your router → Wireless Settings → Channel

Try switching to these stable channels:

  • 2.4GHz: Channel 1, 6, or 11
  • 5GHz: Any low-traffic channel

Fix 14: Assign a Static IP Address

If the router fails to assign an IP automatically, the connection will get stuck.

How to assign static IP:

  • Go to Settings → WiFi
  • Select your network → Advanced
  • Change IP settings to Static

Use these values:

  • IP: 192.168.1.50
  • Gateway: 192.168.1.1
  • DNS1: 8.8.8.8
  • DNS2: 8.8.4.4

Fix 15: Disable Battery Saver Mode

Battery saver limits your phone’s WiFi performance and can block authentication.

Turn it off:

  • Go to Settings → Battery
  • Disable Power Saving Mode

Fix 16: Update Android Software

WiFi bugs often get fixed in system updates.

Update steps:

  • Go to Settings → Software Update
  • Tap Download and Install

Fix 17: Update Router Firmware

Outdated router firmware can cause authentication failures or constant “Connecting…” loops.

Check for updates inside your router admin panel.

Fix 18: Reset Router to Factory Settings

If your router is severely misconfigured, resetting it helps.

Steps:

  • Find the reset button
  • Hold for 10 seconds

You will need to set up your WiFi again afterward.

Fix 19: Remove WiFi Interference Sources

Objects and other electronics can block or weaken the signal:

  • Microwaves
  • Bluetooth devices
  • Walls/floors
  • Cordless phones

Try switching rooms or repositioning the router.

Fix 20: Factory Reset Your Phone (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, this eliminates deep system-level issues.

Warning: This deletes everything. Back up first.

Steps:

  • Go to Settings → System → Reset Options
  • Tap Erase All Data

Conclusion

When your phone stays stuck on “Connecting…” while joining WiFi, the cause is usually small and fixable. By applying the methods in this guide—from forgetting the network to adjusting router settings—you can restore WiFi access in minutes.

If the issue continues, your router may be faulty, overloaded, or outdated. Upgrading your router or contacting your internet provider may provide a permanent fix.

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