If you’re an Android user, you’ve likely encountered the frustrating issue where your device shows the WiFi network as "saved" but doesn’t connect. Whether at home, work, or a public place, it’s an annoying problem that many Android users face. But don’t worry! In this article, we'll walk you through the possible causes and solutions for this "Android WiFi saved but not connecting" issue.

What Does "WiFi Saved" Mean?

When your Android phone shows a WiFi network as "saved," it means that your device has remembered the WiFi network's credentials (SSID and password). However, being saved doesn’t necessarily mean your phone is connected. Sometimes, you’ll see that the network is saved, but your phone refuses to connect, leaving you without internet access.

So, what could be the problem? Let’s dive into the possible causes and how to fix them.

Possible Causes for "Android WiFi Saved but Not Connecting"

1. Incorrect Password

   • Even though the network is saved, an incorrect password could be causing the problem. If the WiFi password has changed and your phone hasn’t been updated with the new password, it won’t connect. This happens frequently if you're trying to connect to a network that other people manage, such as a workplace or a friend’s home.

2. Weak Signal Strength

   • If the WiFi signal is too weak, your device may fail to establish a stable connection. Even if your phone detects and saves the network, weak signal strength could prevent it from connecting.

3. Network Configuration Issue

   • The issue might be with the WiFi router itself. Misconfigurations, such as DHCP issues, can block your device from obtaining an IP address, even if the network is saved.

4. IP Conflict

   • If multiple devices are trying to connect to the network and there’s an IP address conflict, your device may fail to connect to WiFi, showing it as saved but not connected.

5. Outdated Software

   • Outdated Android versions or bugs in the system can cause network issues. If your device is running outdated software, it might have trouble connecting to certain networks.

6. Disabled Network

   • The WiFi network could be temporarily disabled or turned off, either by the administrator or due to technical problems with the router.

How to Fix the "Android WiFi Saved but Not Connecting" Problem

Now that you know the possible causes, here’s how to fix this annoying issue.

1. Forget and Reconnect to the Network

The simplest solution is often the most effective. Follow these steps to "forget" the network and reconnect:

1. Go to Settings > WiFi & Network.
2. Tap on the WiFi network that says "saved."
3. Select Forget Network.
4. Re-enter the correct password and try connecting again.

2. Check the WiFi Password

Double-check the WiFi password to ensure it’s correct. If you're unsure or think it might have changed, ask the network administrator or try reconnecting with the updated password.

3. Restart Your Phone and Router

Sometimes, restarting your device or router can resolve the issue. Restart your Android phone by holding the power button and selecting Restart. You should also power cycle your WiFi router:

1. Unplug the router for 30 seconds.
2. Plug it back in and wait for the network to come back online.
3. Try reconnecting to the WiFi on your phone.

4. Check Signal Strength

Weak signals can prevent your phone from connecting to WiFi. Move closer to the router and see if the signal strength improves. If the network works fine with other devices but not your phone, it could be a hardware issue with your device’s WiFi receiver.

5. Change IP Settings to Static

If the issue is caused by an IP address conflict, switching to a static IP might help. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Settings > WiFi & Network.
2. Tap on the WiFi network that’s saved.
3. Tap Advanced Options.
4. Change the IP Settings from DHCP to Static.
5. Enter a new IP address, such as 192.168.1.15 (make sure it’s different from other devices on the network).

After entering the new IP address, try reconnecting to the WiFi.

6. Update Your Android Software

Outdated software can cause network problems, so it’s essential to keep your device updated. To check for updates:

1. Go to Settings > System.
2. Tap Software Update.
3. If an update is available, download and install it.
4. Once updated, try reconnecting to the WiFi network.

7. Reset Network Settings

If none of the above solutions work, you might need to reset your phone’s network settings. This will clear all saved WiFi networks and Bluetooth connections, but it often solves persistent connection issues. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings > System.
2. Tap Reset Options.
3. Select Reset WiFi, Mobile & Bluetooth.
4. Confirm and let your phone reset the network settings.

After the reset, try reconnecting to the WiFi network by entering the password again.

8. Factory Reset the Router

If the issue persists and you suspect the router is the problem, a factory reset may fix the issue. Each router has a different reset method, but most have a reset button. Hold the reset button for about 10-30 seconds until the router lights blink. This will return the router to its default settings. You’ll need to reconfigure the network afterward.

9. Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If none of the above steps work, and you still face the "Android WiFi saved but not connecting" issue, contact your ISP. There might be a network-wide issue that only they can resolve.

Conclusion

Dealing with the "Android WiFi saved but not connecting" issue can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can often fix it quickly. By forgetting and reconnecting to the network, ensuring the WiFi password is correct, or adjusting network settings, you can usually solve the problem. If the issue persists, it’s a good idea to check for software updates or reset your network settings.

For more tech tips, troubleshooting guides, and Android hacks, stay tuned to TekPuk, your go-to source for all things tech.