Smartphones based on Android process gigantic amounts of data every day, constantly switching between cell towers, Wi-Fi hotspots, and Bluetooth peripherals. Over time, system files accumulate configuration errors, outdated security certificates, and junk connection registry entries. This leads to the fact that the phone stops seeing the network, the Internet speed drops to critical levels, and Bluetooth headsets refuse to pair.
In such situations, a regular reboot of the device is often powerless, since it only updates the RAM, but does not affect the deep settings of the network stack. The only effective solution is complete resetting network settings. This procedure returns all communication modules to the factory state, removing accumulated errors without the risk of losing your personal photos, contacts or installed applications.
However, the process of performing this operation may vary significantly depending on the version of the operating system and the manufacturer's shell. Owners of devices Samsung, Xiaomi or “clean” Pixel will encounter different paths in the settings menu. In this article, we will analyze in detail the action algorithms for various interfaces, explain the consequences of a reset, and answer frequently asked questions from users.
What happens when you reset network settings
Many users are afraid to use the reset function due to a lack of understanding of what data will be deleted. It is important to clearly distinguish between concepts: resetting network settings does not delete media files, documents, contacts in the phone book or call history. Your personal data remains completely safe on the internal storage of the device.
The procedure only affects configuration files responsible for communication with the outside world. The system forcibly clears the DNS cache, deletes all stored encryption keys for wireless networks, and resets traffic routing settings. This allows you to eliminate IP address conflicts that often arise when you frequently change roaming zones or providers.
After executing the command, the phone will behave as if you just took it out of the box in terms of connections. You will have to re-enter your home Wi-Fi passwords and re-pair with your smart watch or headphones. The factory settings for mobile data will also be returned, which may be useful if you changed the parameters of the access point APN manually.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting the procedure, be sure to write down or photograph the password for your main Wi-Fi access point, as it will be completely deleted from the device’s memory and it will not be possible to restore it without access to the router.
If you are using a corporate Wi-Fi network with complex security certificates, make sure that you have access to the IT department to reconfigure the access profile after the reset.
Preparing the device for the reset procedure
Although the operation itself takes a matter of seconds, ignoring the preparation step can lead to a temporary loss of connection at the most inopportune moment. Make sure the battery level is at least 30-40%. A sudden power outage while rewriting system configuration files could theoretically cause a software failure of the communication module.
It is also recommended to turn off all active Bluetooth devices that are not critical right now to avoid conflicts when the system searches for devices again. If you use a SIM card with a PIN code, keep it handy, as after rebooting the phone may ask you to enter it to unlock the operator's network.
It's worth checking if airplane mode is currently activated. Although the system usually turns it off automatically upon reset, it is better to do this manually in advance to avoid confusion about the status of the link indicators. In rare cases, custom firmware requires temporary removal of the memory card if system network logs are stored on it, but for standard users this is not required.
Instructions for pure Android (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia)
On devices with a reference shell Android the path to the reset function is as standardized and intuitive as possible. The settings interface here is devoid of unnecessary add-ons, which simplifies navigation even for inexperienced users. The algorithm of actions is the same for most versions of the system, starting from Android 10 to the latest releases.
First, open the main settings menu and scroll the list to the very bottom. You need to find the section, which may be called "System" or "Advanced", depending on the specific firmware version. Inside this menu, the option you are looking for is often hidden under the “Reset settings” or “Reset options” item.
Having selected the desired section, you will see several options for rolling back the system. We are only interested in item Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings. Don't confuse this with a full factory reset, which will erase all data from your phone. After clicking, the system will request confirmation of identity by entering a PIN code, pattern key or fingerprint.
Settings → System → Additional settings → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile. Internet and BluetoothThe final step is to press the red confirmation button. The device will instantly clear network profiles and automatically reboot the radio modules. The screen may blink or go dark for a second - this is normal system behavior when initializing the network stack.
☑️ Check after reset
Resetting the network on Samsung smartphones (One UI)
Shell One UI from the company Samsung has its own a unique menu structure that changes periodically with the release of major updates. In the latest versions of the interface, the engineers of the Korean giant have moved the management of network resets into a separate, easily accessible section so that users do not wander through deep menus.
Go to the settings and find the section General settings. Here, at the bottom of the list, is the “Reset” item. By clicking on it, you will be taken to a menu that lists all the available options for rolling back settings. Select the option Reset network settings.
The system will display a detailed warning about what data will be deleted: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile network settings. Please note that on some models Galaxy there may also be an option to reset all settings, so be careful when choosing. Confirm the action by entering the security code.
An interesting feature of the devices Samsung is the ability to reset only certain types of connections in some firmware versions, although in most cases a comprehensive cleaning is performed. Once the procedure is complete, the phone will notify you of success, and the network icons in the notification shade should update.
⚠️ Attention: On Samsung devices with the Dual Messenger function or a protected folder, a network reset does not affect the settings of isolated profiles, but may require re-authorization in applications that depend on network permissions.
Reset features on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (MIUI/HyperOS)
Users of the ecosystem Xiaomi often encounter the fact that the interface MIUI or new HyperOS hides important functions in non-obvious places. The logic of the Chinese developers is different from the standard: here the network settings are often scattered between the “Connections” and “Advanced Features” sections.
To perform a reset, go to the settings and find the “Connections and Sharing” section (sometimes it is called simply “Advanced Features” in older versions). Scroll down the menu to the very bottom. There you will find an item Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings.
Unlike other manufacturers, Xiaomi sometimes offers to select specific types of networks to reset through checkboxes, although all are selected by default. This gives flexibility if the problem concerns only one type of connection. However, for a comprehensive solution to problems, it is recommended to leave all the checkboxes active.
After clicking the reset button, the system may require you to enter your account password Mi Accountif device protection is enabled. This is a security measure that prevents unauthorized access to changing critical parameters of the phone by attackers.
Secret code for resetting the network on Xiaomi
On some older MIUI models, the engineering menu works. Dial the code ##4636##, select "Phone Information" and click "Reset Radio Settings". This is an alternative method, but it is less stable than the standard menu reset.
Comparison table of paths in the settings menu
For ease of navigation, we have compiled a summary table that will help you quickly find the item you need depending on the model of your smartphone. Please remember that section names may vary slightly depending on the interface language and firmware version.
| Brand / Shell | Main section | Subsection | Function name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel / Pure Android | System | Advanced / Reset | Reset Wi-Fi, mobile. Internet and Bluetooth |
| Samsung (One UI) | General settings | Reset | Reset network settings |
| Xiaomi / Redmi (MIUI) | Connections | Additional functions | Reset Wi-Fi, settings mob. Internet |
| Huawei / Honor (EMUI) | System | Reset | Reset network settings |
| Realme / OPPO (ColorOS) | Advanced settings | Restore and reset | Reset WLAN settings, mob. networks and Bluetooth |
As can be seen from the table, the general logic remains the same: the function is almost always located in sections related to the system or additional connection settings. If you cannot find an item by name from the table, use the built-in search in the phone settings by entering the query “network reset.”
⚠️ Attention: Shell interfaces are constantly updated by the developers. If the specified paths do not match your screen, use the search bar at the top of the settings menu - this is the most reliable way to find the function.
Using the settings search saves time and ensures that you find the right item even after major interface updates when menu names change.
Actions after performing a reset
After the phone has completed the cleaning procedure, it will automatically restart the network adapters. You will notice that the Wi-Fi icon in the status bar has disappeared or turned gray, and the list of available networks has updated. This is a signal that you need to reconfigure your Internet connection.
First, turn on Wi-Fi and select your home network from the list. Re-enter your password. If the connection is successful, check your web browser. Then proceed to setting up the mobile data: in most cases, the parameters APN will be adjusted automatically from the operator, but sometimes they need to be selected manually in the SIM card settings.
Don't forget about Bluetooth. Go to the appropriate menu, turn on the search for devices and pair with your headphones, watch or car stereo. Old records about paired devices have been deleted, so gadgets will consider the phone a new device and require connection confirmation.
If, after all the manipulations, the problem with the Internet or connection persists, perhaps the problem is not in the phone’s software settings, but in a hardware malfunction of the antenna or a problem on the provider’s side. In this case, resetting the network was only the first stage of diagnosis, and a deeper intervention or a visit to the service center is required.
After resetting the network settings, it is recommended to check the availability of system updates (OTA). Sometimes old network errors block the downloading of security updates, and a reset solves this problem indirectly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will a network reset delete my photos and contacts?
No, this operation only affects the configuration files of network modules. Your personal data, including photos, videos, contacts, messages and installed applications, will remain completely safe. Only passwords for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth pairing are deleted.
Why does the mobile data not work after a reset?
Most often the reason is incorrect access point settings APN. After a reset, the phone may have selected the wrong operator profile. Go to the SIM card settings, select “Access points (APN)” and make sure that your operator’s point is active, or create a new one by taking the data from the provider’s official website.
Do you need to remove the SIM card before resetting?
No, you do not need to remove the SIM card. The procedure is performed programmatically and does not affect the physical contact of the card with the device. Moreover, the presence of a SIM card allows the system to check registration in the operator’s network immediately after the reset.
Resetting the network helps if the phone does not see the Wi-Fi router?
Yes, in most cases it helps. The problem often lies in the DNS cache or a conflict in frequency channels stored in the phone's memory. Resetting clears this data, allowing the Wi-Fi module to perform a fresh scan of the airwaves and correctly connect to the router.
Is it possible to cancel resetting the network settings?
No, the process is irreversible. Deleted passwords and settings cannot be recovered automatically. You will have to enter them again manually. That is why it is important to know the password for your main Wi-Fi network before starting the procedure.