You’re connected to WiFi, but the internet doesn’t work. Your phone shows full bars, apps won’t load, websites won’t open, and the connection feels completely dead. This is one of the most frustrating problems on any Android device, and it can happen at home, in public places, or even when the router seems perfectly fine.
The good news? This issue is usually easy to fix. In this complete guide, you’ll learn the real reasons behind “WiFi connected but no internet” and all the working solutions to bring your connection back instantly.
Why Your WiFi Connects but There Is No Internet
This issue happens when your phone is connected to the router, but the router itself cannot reach the internet — or your phone cannot communicate properly with the router.
Common reasons include:
- Router malfunction or temporary freeze
- ISP (Internet service provider) outage
- Incorrect DNS settings
- IP address conflict
- Weak signal strength
- Blocked device on the router
- Outdated router firmware
- Incorrect WiFi password saved
- Overloaded router with too many devices
- Damaged internet cables
- VPN interference
Let’s go step-by-step and fix the problem.
Fix 1: Restart Your Router (Most Effective)
This is the fastest and most reliable fix. When your router is overloaded or frozen, it connects to devices but stops providing internet access.
How to restart the router:
- Turn off the router using the power button
- Unplug it for 15–20 seconds
- Plug it back in and wait for all lights to stabilize
Once restarted, connect your phone again and test your internet. For many users, this fix solves the issue immediately.
Fix 2: Restart Your Phone
Your phone may be storing a bad network configuration. Restarting resets temporary network files.
Steps:
- Hold the power button
- Tap Restart
After reboot, reconnect to WiFi.
Fix 3: Check if Internet Works on Other Devices
This step identifies whether the problem is with your phone or your router.
Test:
- Use another phone, laptop, or tablet
- Connect to the same WiFi
- Try opening Google or YouTube
If internet works on other devices:
The problem is on your phone.
If internet doesn’t work on other devices:
The router or your ISP is the issue.
Fix 4: Forget the WiFi Network and Reconnect
Your phone may have saved an old or corrupted WiFi profile.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → WiFi
- Select your WiFi name
- Tap Forget
- Reconnect and enter your password again
This refreshes your network profile completely.
Fix 5: Turn Off Mobile Data
Sometimes Android gets confused and prioritizes mobile data over WiFi, causing conflicts.
Solution:
- Turn off mobile data temporarily
- Wait 5–10 seconds
- Reconnect to WiFi
Fix 6: Turn Off VPN
A VPN may kill your internet if:
- Its server is down
- You are connected to a slow region
- The app is malfunctioning
Solution: Disconnect or uninstall your VPN temporarily.
Fix 7: Check Router for Overloaded Devices
Cheap routers can only handle a limited number of connected devices. If too many people are using the network, the router collapses.
Fix:
- Disconnect unused devices
- Restart the router
- Reconnect only essential devices
Fix 8: Change DNS Settings
If your ISP’s DNS server is slow or down, you will see WiFi connected but no internet.
Use Google DNS:
- Primary: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary: 8.8.4.4
Steps:
- Go to Settings
- Tap WiFi
- Select your network
- Tap Advanced Settings
- Manually enter DNS
Fix 9: Check Date and Time Settings
Incorrect date/time settings break your phone’s ability to connect securely to the internet.
Fix:
- Settings → Date & Time
- Enable Automatic Time
- Enable Automatic Time Zone
This simple fix works more often than you think.
Fix 10: Reset Router Settings
If multiple devices show “no internet,” your router may be misconfigured.
Reset steps:
- Find the tiny reset button on the router
- Press and hold for 10 seconds
- Router will reboot and return to default settings
Warning: You may need to re-enter your WiFi password after reset.
Fix 11: Check for Signal Interference
Weak or unstable WiFi signals can connect but fail to load anything.
To fix interference:
- Move closer to the router
- Remove thick walls between you and the router
- Keep router away from microwaves, TVs, and Bluetooth devices
Fix 12: Check Your ISP for Outages
Sometimes, the problem isn’t your phone or router — it’s your internet provider.
Steps:
- Try opening your ISP’s website
- Check outage maps online
- Call customer support
If your ISP is down, you cannot fix it — you must wait.
Fix 13: Disable Smart Network Switch
Some phones automatically switch between WiFi and data, causing conflicts.
Fix:
- Go to Settings → WiFi → Advanced
- Disable Switch to mobile data automatically
Fix 14: Reset Network Settings on Your Phone
This is a powerful fix if nothing else works.
Steps:
- Settings → System → Reset Options
- Select Reset WiFi, Mobile & Bluetooth
- Confirm
This will NOT delete your data, only network configurations.
Fix 15: Update Your Router Firmware
Old firmware causes connection problems, device blocking, and internet drops.
How to update:
- Login to your router admin panel
- Look for Firmware Update
- Download the latest version
After updating, reboot the router.
Fix 16: Switch to a Different WiFi Frequency (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)
Your router broadcasts two networks:
- 2.4 GHz – better for long distance
- 5 GHz – faster but shorter range
If you’re far away: use 2.4 GHz
If you’re close to the router: use 5 GHz
Switching can instantly solve no-internet issues.
Fix 17: Reduce Router Load
Too many connected devices equal slow internet or no internet.
Weekly maintenance:
- Disconnect smart TVs
- Remove unused devices
- Stop large downloads
Fix 18: Check if Your Device Is Blocked on the Router
Some routers block devices automatically for security.
Fix:
- Login to router admin page
- Check connected device list
- If your phone is blocked, remove it from the blacklist
Conclusion
“WiFi connected but no internet” is one of the most common but easily fixable problems on Android. Whether the issue is from your router, ISP, or phone settings, the solutions above will help you restore your connection quickly.
Start with simple fixes like restarting your router and forgetting the network. If the issue continues, reset network settings, update firmware, or contact your service provider.
For more network and SIM troubleshooting, visit our Network, WiFi & SIM Issues category.