How to reset Wi-Fi settings on Android: a complete guide

Resetting Wi-Fi settings on Android is a necessary procedure when the smartphone stops connecting to the network, constantly loses connection, or displays an authentication error. In 80% of cases, the problem lies not in the router, but in the parameters saved on the device: outdated IP addresses, conflicting profiles, or broken DNS settings. This article will help you understand how to properly reset Wi-Fi without losing data, what methods exist for different versions of Android, and what to do if the standard methods do not work.

We will look at both “soft” options (deleting individual networks, resetting network settings) and “hard” (full reset via recovery mode or ADB). We will pay special attention to the nuances for devices Samsung, Xiaomi and Google Pixel, where the interface may differ. If you encounter the error “IP configuration not received" or "Connecting without Internet access", solutions can be found below.

1. Deleting a saved Wi-Fi network (the easiest method)

Start with the safest method - deleting the problematic network from the list of saved ones. This does not affect other connections and does not require administrator rights.

How to do this:

• 📱 Open Settings → Wi-Fi (or Network and Internet → Wi-Fi on pure Android).
• 🔍 Find the network with which problems are occurring in the list and tap on its name.
• 🗑️ Select "Delete" or "Forget network" (on some firmware there is a trash can icon).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and try to connect again by entering the password.

This method is effective if:

• 🔑 The network requires a new password (for example, after changing router).
• 📡 Previously, the connection worked, but now it gives the error “Saved, WPA/WPA2 protection».
• 🔄 After updating Android or updating the router firmware.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Xiaomi (MIUI 12+) after deleting the network, you may need to disable the "Auto-connect to open networks" function in the additional Wi-Fi settings, otherwise the phone will try to connect to unsafe points.

2. Resetting network settings (without data loss)

If deleting the network did not help, the next step is resetting all network parameters. This will return to factory settings:

• List of saved Wi-Fi networks.
• mobile data settings (APN).
• Bluetooth and VPN settings (on some devices).

Your data (photos, applications, accounts) will remain untouched. Instructions:

For Android 9 and later:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
2. Select “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings" (the name may vary).
3. Confirm the action by entering a PIN code or pattern.

For Samsung One UI:

1. Open Settings → General management → Reset.
2. Tap "Reset network settings».
3. Confirm by clicking "Reset settings" at the bottom of the screen.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ after resetting, you may need to repeat enable the “Improved location detection" option (in location settings), otherwise some applications will lose access to geodata via Wi-Fi.

Make sure you remember your Wi-Fi passwords

Check whether the APN settings for the mobile are saved Internet

Disable VPN (if used)

Write down the MAC address of the device (tied to some networks)

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3. Reset via recovery mode (for experienced users)

If the phone does not connect to Wi-Fi at all (even after resetting the settings), or the system generates critical errors, a reset via recovery mode (Recovery Modewill help. This method does not delete user data, but resets all system settings, including network ones.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the smartphone.
2. Hold down the key combination to enter Recovery (depending on the model):
   • Samsung: Volume up + Power + Bixby (hold for 10 sec).
   • Xiaomi/Redmi: Volume up + Power.
   • Google Pixel: Volume down + Power, then select Recovery Mode.

In the recovery menu, select "Wipe cache partition" (clear cache), then "Reboot system now».

If the problem persists, repeat the steps and select "Wipe data/factory reset" - this will completely reset the phone to factory settings, deleting all data. Use this option only as a last resort!

What to do if you can’t enter Recovery?

If the button combination does not work, try connecting the device to the PC and using the command adb reboot recovery via Platform Tools. On some models (for example Huawei), special software is required to enter Recovery, for example HiSuite.

4. Resetting Wi-Fi via ADB (for developers)

Method for advanced users who have access to Android Debug Bridge (ADB). Allows you to reset Wi-Fi settings without completely resetting the device, but requires a connection to a PC.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Install Platform Tools on your computer (download from official Android website).
2. Enable "USB debugging» (Settings → About phone → Build number on your phone (tap 7 times) → For developers → USB debugging).
3. Connect your smartphone to the PC and run in the command line:

   adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.settings
   adb shell settings delete global wifi_on

4. Reboot the device.

This command clears the settings Wi-Fi onlywithout affecting the mobile network or Bluetooth. Suitable for devices with Android 8.0+.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use of ADB can lead to system malfunctions. Do not execute commands if you are not sure of their purpose. On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo), additional permission may be required via adb shell su.

5. Checking the MAC address and resetting through the engineering menu

In rare cases, the problem lies in a “blocked” MAC address Wi-Fi adapter. Some routers remember the MAC of devices and can block the connection if the address has changed (for example, after a firmware update). To reset the MAC:

Method 1: Through the engineering menu (works on Mediatek and some Qualcomm):

1. Enter the code in the phone dialer: ##36446337## (for Mediatek) or ##4636## (general menu).
2. Go to the section "Wi-Fi Information" or "Connectivity».
3. Find the option "Reset Wi-Fi MAC" or "Restore MAC" and confirm the reset.

Method 2: Through the developer settings (for Android 10+):

1. Activate "Developer mode" (7 taps on the build number in "About phone»).
2. Go to Settings → System → For developers.
3. Find the option "Wi-Fi MAC address" and select "Reset to factory».

Processor model	Engineering menu code	Partition for MAC reset
Mediatek (MTK)	##36446337##	Wi-Fi → MAC Address → Reset
Qualcomm Snapdragon	##4636##	Wi-Fi Information → Reset MAC
Exynos (Samsung)	*#0011#	Service Mode → Wi-Fi → MAC Reset
Kirin (Huawei)	##2846579##	Project Menu → Background → Wi-Fi MAC

6. When resetting Wi-Fi does not help: alternative solutions

If none of the methods worked, the problem may lie deeper:

• 🔌 Wi-Fi module malfunction: Physical damage to the antenna or chip (often after falls or moisture) Check whether the phone can pick up other networks in different locations.
• 📱 Firmware conflict: Custom ROMs (for example, LineageOS) may not have drivers for Wi-Fi. Try flashing the device.
• 🛡️ Blocking at the router level: Some models (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U) have a "Protection against attacks" function that can block the connection. Check your router settings.

Diagnostics:

1. Try connecting to Wi-Fi from another device (phone, laptop). If it doesn’t work, the problem is in the router.
2. Turn on your phone airplane mode for 30 seconds, then turn it off and try connecting again.
3. Install an application for Wi-Fi analysis (for example, WiFi Analyzer) and check the signal level.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting Wi-Fi on Android

🔍 Why does the phone not see the network after resetting Wi-Fi?

This may be due to:

• Disconnected Wi-Fi adapter (check in Settings → Connections).
• The module malfunctions (restart the phone).
• Regional restrictions (on some firmware Xiaomi 5G Wi-Fi bands are disabled for Russia).

Solution: Try turning on "Airplane mode" for 1 minute, then turn it off. If it doesn't help, reset via Recovery.

🔄 How to reset Wi-Fi on Android without losing saved passwords?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. file wpa_supplicant.conf, and any reset of network settings deletes it. To avoid losing passwords:

• Make a backup via Titanium Backup (root access required).
• Use applications like WiFi Password Viewer (works without root on some devices).

📱 Why did the mobile data disappear on Samsung after resetting Wi-Fi?

On devices Samsung resetting network settings often resets and APN (access points for mobile data). To restore:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Access points (APN).
2. Click "Add" and enter the parameters of your operator (can be found on its website).
3. Save and reboot the phone.

🔧 Is it possible to reset Wi-Fi via Fastboot?

No, Fastboot does not provide commands for resetting only Wi-Fi settings. Through this mode you can:

• Reflash the device (fastboot flash system).
• Clear the cache partition (fastboot erase cache).

To reset Wi-Fi, use ADB or Recoveryas described above.

🛠️ What to do if after resetting the Wi-Fi, the phone connects, but the Internet does not work?

The problem is most likely in the settings DNS or IPTry:

1. In the Wi-Fi network settings, select. "Change network» → «Advanced».
2. Set "Settings IP" to "Static" and enter:
   • IP: 192.168.1.X (where X is a number from 2 to 254).
   • Gateway: 192.168.1.1.
   • DNS: 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1.

Save and reconnect.

If that doesn’t help, reset the router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel).