Reset Network Settings on Android to Fix Connection Issues
Resetting network settings on Android can be useful if you’re having issues with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular data, like if Wi-Fi keeps dropping or won’t connect, or your headphones aren’t receiving audio.
Most of the time, resetting network settings resolves all kinds of connectivity issues. This is one of the first troubleshooting steps a phone repair service will perform, so why not troubleshoot yourself for free before seeking additional expert advice?
It’s really easy to do, but you should know first what happens when you reset network settings and when you should do it in the first place. All of this is covered below.
What Happens When You Reset Network Settings?
This is what resetting network settings does on Android:
- Deletes saved Wi-Fi passwords and Wi-Fi networks (SSIDs and passwords).
- Disconnects hotspot and tethering connections.
- Deletes Bluetooth devices that have been paired with your phone.
- Shuts down active VPN connections.
- Resets the cellular network selection mode to be automatic.
- Erases downloaded SIMs (this is one of the available options on some phones; you can choose to skip it).
So what does this actually mean? You’ll have to re-add any Wi-Fi networks you want to use, such as your home or work Wi-Fi, and any and all past Wi-Fi networks you’ve saved on the device for autoconnect, will be immediately deleted. If you don’t know your Wi-Fi password, now is a good time to view your saved Wi-Fi passwords, and record them for later.
You’ll also have to re-pair your Bluetooth devices with your Android phone, so headphones and computers that were previously able to transfer data to and from your phone will need to be set up again.
None of these things take long to set up again, but they are something to remember before making the hasty decision to reset all network settings.
If you’re concerned about what else might happen with your Android phone during a network reset, just know that it’s nothing that can’t be rebuilt later. All of the above is all you need to be concerned about. Your cellular settings, like which provider you use, will not be reset, so you won’t have to reactivate your phone, and neither will your apps be deleted, because this isn’t a factory reset.
When Should You Reset Network Settings?
Reset network settings on an Android smartphone when you’re having issues with network-related things. This could include any of the items that are reset when you perform these steps (the list above).
Here are some examples:
- Bluetooth headphones won’t connect to your phone.
- You can’t seem to connect to a working Wi-Fi network.
- Calls sometimes drop or you can’t initiate a new phone call.
- Your new phone won’t activate.
Note that there’s no reason to reset network settings if you’re wanting to perform a mobile data reset; that’s not how this works. In other words, if you’ve reached your mobile data limit, there’s nothing you can do except buy more data from your carrier (if they allow it) or wait until the next billing cycle starts. A network reset will not give your Android device more data than it’s allowed to use.
How to Reset Network Settings on Most Android Phones
Regardless of why you need to reset these settings, there are a few ways to go about it, depending on how you want to navigate to the option or who built your device.
Steps to Reset Network Settings Using Search
The best reset Wi-Fi, mobile, and Bluetooth method is to use the search function in the Settings app. Every Android device works in much the same way, no matter who made your phone or tablet.
Follow these steps first, and then move on to the next directions if these don’t work well for your phone:
- Swipe down from the top of the phone or tablet with two fingers to show the notification area.
- Tap the settings button (the gear icon). If the settings button doesn’t show, make a second swipe to expand the panel further.
- Enter reset into the search bar.
- Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. It might be called something slightly different on your device.
- Select it again if you’re asked, and then choose Reset settings.
Steps to Reset Network Settings Using System Settings
These directions are very similar to the above, but instead of searching for reset settings, browse through the Settings app to find the option. This time, it’s in an area called System. These steps should work on Pixel phones and some other Android devices.
- Open your phone’s settings app by tapping the Settings shortcut on your home screen.
- Scroll down and select System.
- Select Reset options at the bottom.
- Choose Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
- Start the reset process by tapping Reset settings..
Steps to Reset Network Settings Using Network & Internet
This method is more of a soft reset, so it could more accurately be called a refresh of the network settings, similar to Airplane Mode. Follow these steps if the above directions didn’t help.
- Open the Settings app. You can do this by finding the icon on your home screen, or by swiping down from the top of the device and tapping the gear icon.
- Go to Network & internet > Internet.
- Tap the reset circle at the top-right of the screen to immediately begin the reset procedure.
Steps to Reset Network Settings on a Samsung Galaxy Phone
Some Android devices, such as Samsung Galaxy phones, use different menus to house network reset options.
Here’s what to do to reset a Samsung Galaxy phone’s network settings:
- From the apps menu, open Settings.
- Tap General Management from the list.
- Select Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Finally, select Reset Settings > Reset.
