“Technology is best when it brings people together.” — Matt Mullenweg. But what happens when your phone refuses to connect to the network, leaving you stranded during video calls or streaming?
Few things are as frustrating as a dropped connection. Whether you’re working remotely or binge-watching, unreliable WiFi can disrupt your day. Thankfully, Asurion’s 24/7 experts—trusted by 300 million customers—have solutions.
From quick reboots to advanced network resets, we’ll guide you through seven actionable steps. Avoid costly data overages and explore uBreakiFix® repairs if needed. Let’s get you back online.
1. Restart Your Phone and Router
A sudden loss of connection can throw off your entire routine. Before diving into complex fixes, try rebooting your phone and router. Studies show this resolves 75% of network issues (Lifewire®).
How to Restart Your Phone
Glitches often block your device from linking to the internet. Here’s how to refresh it:
- Hold the power button until the shutdown menu appears.
- Tap Restart (or power off, then turn it back on after 30 seconds).
How to Restart Your Router
Your router might need a reset too. Follow these steps:
- Unplug the power cable for 30 seconds.
- Wait 5 minutes after plugging it back in for a full reconnect.
Note: If the router doesn’t reboot, contact your ISP. Asurion reports reboots solve 60% of connectivity cases.
2. Forget and Reconnect to the WiFi Network
Struggling with persistent connection drops? Your device might be holding onto outdated network data. Cached credentials often cause authentication failures, especially after router updates or password changes. Forgetting the network and reconnecting forces a fresh handshake, resolving most glitches.
For iPhone Users
On iOS, navigate to Settings > Wi-Fi and tap the (i) icon next to your network. Select Forget This Network, then reconnect by choosing it again and entering the password. Asurion experts recommend double-checking capitalization to avoid typos.
For Android Users
Android steps vary slightly by brand:
- Stock Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, tap the gear icon, then Forget.
- Samsung: Open Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi, long-press the network, and select Forget.
After rejoining, your device will auto-connect when in range. If issues persist, a full network reset may be needed—covered in the next section.
3. Reset Network Settings
When your internet keeps failing, a deeper reset might be needed. Resetting network settings clears corrupted configurations without deleting apps or photos. Asurion data shows this resolves 80% of stubborn connection issues.
For iPhone Users
On iOS, follow these steps:
- Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device].
- Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
Note: This also removes saved Bluetooth and cellular data preferences.
For Android Users
Android paths vary by brand:
- Samsung: Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Google Pixel: Settings > System > Reset options.
After resetting, reconnect to preferred networks manually. Test your internet immediately to confirm the fix.
4. Check Airplane Mode and WiFi Toggle
That tiny icon at the top of your screen could hold the answer. Accidentally enabled airplane mode or a switched-off WiFi toggle are common culprits behind connection drops.
“Airplane mode disables all wireless signals—double-check it’s off before troubleshooting further.”
Disabling Airplane Mode on iPhone
On newer iPhones (X and later), swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. Tap the airplane mode icon (orange when active). Older models use a swipe-up gesture.
Disabling Airplane Mode on Android
Swipe top of the screen downward to open the Notification Panel. Look for the airplane symbol—tap it to disable. Some brands require a second swipe for full quick settings.
Ensuring WiFi Is Turned On
Both platforms let you toggle WiFi from quick settings or the Settings app:
| Platform | WiFi Toggle Location |
|---|---|
| iPhone | Control Center (swipe-down) or Settings > Wi-Fi |
| Android | Notification Panel (swipe-down) or Settings > Network & Internet |
Pro Tip: If networks appear but won’t connect (ghost networks), restart your router. Thick phone cases may also block signals—try removing them temporarily.
For detailed Android steps, consult AVG’s WiFi troubleshooting guide.
5. Update Your Device Software
Outdated software often clashes with modern network hardware. If your device struggles to maintain a stable connection, outdated drivers or bugs might be the culprit. Regular updates optimize performance and resolve compatibility issues.
Updating iOS
Apple devices simplify the process:
- Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install if an update is available.
- Ensure your device is charged above 50% or plugged in.
Pro Tip: Enable automatic updates under Software Update settings for seamless security patches.
Updating Android
Paths vary by manufacturer:
- Samsung: Settings > Software Update > Download.
- Google Pixel: Settings > System > Advanced > System update.
For detailed steps, consult Google’s Android update guide. Avoid mobile data by connecting to WiFi first.
“Security updates protect against vulnerabilities while improving network stability.”
If an update fails, restart your device and retry. Persistent errors may require a factory reset—back up data first. Schedule updates during off-hours to avoid disruptions.
6. Verify Password and Network Compatibility
Network issues often stem from overlooked details like incorrect credentials or signal disruptions. Before blaming your hardware, rule out simple fixes—like a mistyped password or a crowded frequency band.
Re-entering the Correct Password
Typos happen, especially with case-sensitive passwords. Use these tips to ensure accuracy:
- Toggle the show password option (eye icon) to confirm characters.
- Check for accidental spaces—some routers treat them as part of the password.
- Update saved passwords after router resets or internet service provider changes.
Checking for Network Interference
Your home might harbor invisible signal blockers. Common culprits include:
- Microwaves/Bluetooth devices: These compete with 2.4GHz bands, causing drops.
- Physical obstructions: Concrete walls or metal furniture weaken signals.
- ISP throttling: Monitor ISP traffic limits if speeds drop during peak hours.
Pro Tip: Dual-band routers reduce congestion by offering 5GHz (faster, shorter range) and 2.4GHz (slower, wider coverage). Switch bands in your device settings if one is overloaded.
“The 5GHz band excels in dense areas, while 2.4GHz penetrates walls better—choose based on your environment.”
Still facing a problem? Contact your internet service provider to rule out outages or account restrictions.
Conclusion
Getting your device back online doesn’t have to be a problem. By following these steps—from a simple reboot to a reset—you can often solve the connection issue yourself.
If the steps don’t work, your service provider or a professional repair service like Asurion’s uBreakiFix® can help. They offer same-day solutions for stubborn issues.
Remember, using a stable network saves data costs. Found a fix that worked? Share it to help others!
For more Android troubleshooting, check Google’s guide on network settings.