How to Fix 'Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting' on Android: A Complete Guide

TL;DR: If your Android Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting, start by restarting your phone and router. Check for software updates, forget and reconnect to the network, and reset network settings if needed. For persistent issues, consider router placement, interference, or contacting your ISP.

I know how frustrating it is when your Android phone’s Wi-Fi keeps dropping. You’re in the middle of a video call, streaming, or just browsing, and suddenly—no connection. As an Android user myself, I’ve faced this issue multiple times and found reliable fixes. In this guide, I’ll walk you through practical, step-by-step solutions to get your Wi-Fi stable again.

Why Does Android Wi-Fi Keep Disconnecting?

Before diving into fixes, it helps to understand common causes. Wi-Fi disconnections on Android can happen due to:

• Software glitches or outdated OS
• Router issues or outdated firmware
• Network congestion or interference
• Power-saving modes limiting connectivity
• Incorrect network settings

Identifying the root cause isn’t always straightforward, but trying the fixes below systematically often resolves the problem.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Start with these simple steps—they often work wonders:

1. Restart Your Android Phone: A reboot clears temporary glitches. Hold the power button, tap restart, and check if Wi-Fi stabilizes.
2. Restart Your Router: Unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This refreshes the network connection.
3. Toggle Airplane Mode: Swipe down, enable Airplane mode for 10 seconds, then disable it. This reinitializes wireless radios.
4. Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength: Move closer to the router. Weak signals cause frequent dropouts.

These are low-effort, high-impact solutions I always recommend first.

Update Software and Apps

Outdated software can cause connectivity bugs. Here’s how to update:

• Go to Settings > Software Update (or System > Advanced > System update) and download any available OS updates.
• Update apps via Play Store > My Apps & Games.

Manufacturers often release patches for Wi-Fi issues, so keeping everything updated is crucial.

Forget and Reconnect to the Network

Sometimes, saved network settings get corrupted. To refresh:

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
2. Tap your network name > Forget.
3. Reconnect by selecting the network and entering the password again.

This clears any incorrect configurations and re-establishes a clean connection.

Adjust Wi-Fi Sleep Settings

Android’s power-saving features might turn off Wi-Fi when the screen is off. To prevent this:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi preferences.
2. Tap Advanced (or similar, varies by device).
3. Set Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep to Always.

This ensures background apps stay connected, though it may slightly reduce battery life.

Reset Network Settings

If nothing else works, reset network settings. This clears all Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data configurations without deleting personal data:

1. Navigate to Settings > System > Reset options.
2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
3. Confirm and restart your phone.

You’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks afterward, but it often resolves stubborn issues.

Check Router and ISP Factors

Your Android might not be the culprit. Consider these external factors:

• Router Firmware: Update your router’s firmware via its admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 in a browser).
• Interference: Other electronics (microwaves, cordless phones) can disrupt Wi-Fi. Keep your router away from them.
• Band Selection: If your router supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, try switching bands. 2.4GHz has better range; 5GHz is faster but shorter-range.
• ISP Issues: Contact your internet provider if problems persist—there might be outages or line faults.

Advanced: Use Static IP (If DHCP Issues)

Dynamic IP assignment (DHCP) can sometimes fail. Setting a static IP helps:

1. In Wi-Fi settings, long-press your network > Modify network.
2. Tap Advanced options > IP settings and change to Static.
3. Enter IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.150), gateway (router IP, often 192.168.1.1), and DNS (try 8.8.8.8 for Google DNS).

Use this only if you’re comfortable with network settings; incorrect entries can cause more problems.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Router Updates: Old router firmware is a common cause of disconnections.
• Overlooking Physical Obstacles: Walls and furniture weaken Wi-Fi signals. Reposition your router centrally.
• Using Wrong Security Protocols: Avoid WEP; use WPA2 or WPA3 for better stability.
• Skipping Basic Reboots: Always try restarting devices before complex fixes.

Case Study: Resolving Persistent Dropouts

My friend’s Samsung Galaxy S21 kept disconnecting every few minutes. After trying reboots and forgetting networks, we updated the router firmware (which was 2 years outdated) and switched from 5GHz to 2.4GHz due to distance issues. The disconnections stopped immediately. Often, the solution lies beyond the phone itself.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Checklist

Follow this sequence for best results:

1. ☑ Restart phone and router.
2. ☑ Toggle Airplane mode.
3. ☑ Check for Android OS updates.
4. ☑ Forget and reconnect to Wi-Fi.
5. ☑ Adjust Wi-Fi sleep settings to "Always."
6. ☑ Update router firmware.
7. ☑ Try switching Wi-Fi bands (2.4GHz/5GHz).
8. ☑ Reset network settings on Android.
9. ☑ Set static IP (advanced).
10. ☑ Contact ISP if issues continue.

Pros and Cons of Common Fixes

Fix	Pros	Cons
Restart Devices	Quick, no data loss	Temporary if underlying issue remains
Forget/Reconnect	Refreshes connection	Need to re-enter password
Reset Network Settings	Resets all configs	Lose saved networks and Bluetooth pairs
Static IP	Bypasses DHCP problems	Requires technical knowledge

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried all steps and Wi-Fi still disconnects, it might be:

• Hardware failure in your phone’s Wi-Fi module
• Router hardware issues
• Complex network problems needing ISP intervention

Consider visiting a service center for diagnosis or replacing your router if it’s old.

Glossary

• DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol; assigns IP addresses automatically.
• Static IP: A fixed IP address manually set for a device.
• Firmware: Software embedded in hardware devices like routers.
• ISP: Internet Service Provider (e.g., Jio, Airtel, ACT).

Conclusion

Wi-Fi disconnections on Android are annoying but usually fixable. Start with simple steps like restarting devices and toggling settings, then move to advanced solutions if needed. Remember, often the issue is with the router or network environment, not your phone. If nothing works, don’t hesitate to call your ISP or visit a repair shop. Got questions? Drop them in the comments below!

FAQ

Q: Why does my Android Wi-Fi disconnect when the screen is off?
A: This is likely due to power-saving settings. Go to Wi-Fi preferences and set "Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep" to "Always."

Q: Can a VPN cause Wi-Fi disconnections?
A: Yes, poorly configured VPNs can interrupt connectivity. Try disabling VPN temporarily to check.

Q: How do I know if my router needs updating?
A: Access your router’s admin panel (check manual for IP) and look for a firmware update section.

Q: Will resetting network settings delete my photos or apps?
A: No, it only removes Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and mobile data settings.

Q: Should I use 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi?
A: Use 2.4GHz for better range through walls; use 5GHz for faster speeds near the router.

Q: What if Wi-Fi disconnects only on one app?
A: The app might have bugs. Update it, clear its cache (Settings > Apps > [App] > Storage > Clear Cache), or reinstall.

References

[^1]: Android Authority – Wi-Fi Disconnecting Fixes
[^2]: Google Support – Android Network Troubleshooting

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

When I face persistent Wi-Fi disconnections on my Android, I follow a structured approach to isolate the issue:

1. Restart Devices: First, I restart both my phone and router. This clears temporary glitches and re-establishes connections cleanly.
2. Check Wi-Fi Settings: I ensure "Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep" is set to "Always" (Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi preferences).
3. Forget and Reconnect: I forget the problematic network (tap on the network name > Forget) and reconnect by entering the password again.
4. Safe Mode Test: I boot my phone into Safe Mode (hold power button > long-press "Power off" > tap "Safe Mode") to check if a third-party app is causing interference[^1].
5. Network Settings Reset: If issues persist, I reset network settings (Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth). Note: This removes saved networks and Bluetooth pairings.
6. Router Check: I access my router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) to update firmware and ensure DHCP is enabled.
7. ISP Contact: If all else fails, I call my ISP—they can often detect line issues or reset connections remotely.

Pros and Cons of Common Solutions

• Restarting Devices:
  • Pros: Quick, no data loss.
  • Cons: Temporary fix; may not address root cause.
• Resetting Network Settings:
  • Pros: Resolves software conflicts.
  • Cons: Inconvenient (re-enter passwords, repair Bluetooth devices).
• Using Static IP:
  • Pros: Avoids DHCP conflicts.
  • Cons: Requires manual configuration; not ideal for multiple devices.
• Router Replacement:
  • Pros: Solves hardware aging or incompatibility.
  • Cons: Costly; time-consuming to set up.

Comparison: 2.4GHz vs. 5GHz Wi-Fi Bands

I often switch between bands based on my needs:

• 2.4GHz: Better range and wall penetration, but slower speeds and more prone to interference from microwaves or other devices[^2]. Ideal for general browsing away from the router.
• 5GHz: Faster speeds and less congestion, but shorter range. Best for streaming or gaming near the router.

If disconnections occur on one band, I test the other to see if stability improves.

When to Seek Professional Help

If I’ve tried all software fixes and hardware restarts without success, I consider:

• Phone Service Center: For suspected hardware issues (e.g., faulty Wi-Fi antenna).
• ISP Technician Visit: If the router logs show persistent errors or other household devices also disconnect.
• Network Analyzer Apps: Tools like "WiFi Analyzer" help me identify channel overcrowding or weak signals, guiding next steps.

Staying patient and methodical usually pays off—most Wi-Fi problems are solvable without expert intervention!

Step-by-Step: Diagnosing Persistent Wi-Fi Dropouts

When my connection keeps dropping, I follow a structured approach to isolate the cause:

1. Isolate the Device: I first check if the issue is device-specific by testing other phones, laptops, or tablets on the same network. If only one device disconnects, I focus on its settings or hardware.
2. Check Router Logs: I log into my router’s admin interface (often 192.168.1.1) and review system logs for error messages or repeated disconnection events. This can reveal DHCP failures or signal interference[^3].
3. Test with Ethernet: I connect my device directly to the router via Ethernet cable. If the connection stabilizes, the problem is likely Wi-Fi-related (e.g., interference or band congestion).
4. Change Wi-Fi Channel: Using a tool like WiFi Analyzer, I identify crowded channels and switch my router to a less congested one (e.g., channel 1, 6, or 11 for 2.4GHz)[^4].
5. Update Drivers/Firmware: I ensure my device’s network drivers (on laptops) and router firmware are up to date, as outdated software can cause instability[^5].
6. Monitor Signal Strength: I move closer to the router to see if dropouts cease—weak signal often causes intermittent disconnects, especially on 5GHz.

Pros and Cons of Advanced Fixes

• Wi-Fi Extenders/Mesh Systems:
  • Pros: Extends coverage to dead zones; improves stability in large homes.
  • Cons: Can be expensive; may introduce latency if not properly configured.
• Factory Reset Router:
  • Pros: Clears deep-seated configuration errors or corruption.
  • Cons: Time-consuming; requires re-setting up all custom settings (e.g., port forwarding, parental controls).
• VPN Testing:
  • Pros: Rules out ISP throttling or regional routing issues.
  • Cons: May reduce speed; not a permanent fix for hardware problems.

Physical Factors I Overlooked Initially

Early on, I didn’t realize how much physical environment affects Wi-Fi. Now I always consider:

• Interference Sources: Microwaves, cordless phones, and even neighboring Wi-Fi networks can disrupt signals, especially on 2.4GHz[^6]. I keep my router away from these devices.
• Router Placement: Central, elevated locations (not on the floor or in cabinets) improve coverage. Walls and metal objects can block or reflect signals.
• Antenna Orientation: Adjusting my router’s antennas vertically for omnidirectional coverage helped—horizontal placement can limit range.

When I Finally Call for Help

If my own troubleshooting fails after these steps, I contact professionals:

• ISP Technician: For line issues, signal degradation, or modem problems beyond my control.
• Device Manufacturer: If hardware faults are suspected (e.g., failing Wi-Fi chip on my phone).

Staying systematic saves me time and frustration—and often avoids unnecessary service calls!