Wi-Fi doesn't work - what's the solution?

1. The basics: Aeroplane mode and system reboot

Never overlook the simple solutions! Often we look for complicated, geeky methods, but if the WIFI does not work, one of the classic remedies might provide the cure. First you should deactivate and reactivate the connection. Open the Quick settings menu with a swipe-down gesture from the top of the screen and select the Wi-Fi icon to disable it. If the drop-down menu does not offer this icon, open the app drawer, head to Settings and open it from there.

Do the same with your home router: turn it off and, after at least two minutes, switch it on again. Another simple solution is to turn Aeroplane mode on for a few seconds, turn it off and check your connection again.

In the event that your Wi-Fi connection continues to cause trouble, try restarting your device. If the problem has occurred after an update to Android Lollipop, try restarting your smartphone in safe mode:

• Press the power button
• From the on-screen options, hold down the Power off option for a few seconds
• Select OK when asked if you want to reboot to safe mode.
• Once in safe mode, restart your device normally

If you're still on Android KitKat, these solutions should be much the same, but you can view a more detailed overview of common KitKat problems here:

• Android KitKat problems and how to fix them

You should now be able to connect to the WiFi network without any problems, but if the issue persists, keep reading.

2. Wi-Fi disconnects on its own

The most obvious reason is that you have not enabled the Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep option. This setting automatically disconnects your device from the Wi-Fi network to save battery.
To change this, follow these steps:

• Go to the Settings menu     
• Select Wi-Fi, press the trio of dots at the top right of the screen, and press Advanced
• Press Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep.
• Select Yes / Always to enjoy seamless connectivity

3. How to access an ad-hoc or hidden network

There are two things that restrict automatic access to a network: the network to which you want to connect belongs to specific type or the network is hidden for security reasons.

Regarding the first problem, most Android phones are not configured to work on ad-hoc networks. But the kind folks over in the XDA developers forum managed to create a patch to bypass this limitation. With the patch wpa_supplicant file, you can connect to these types of networks.

Warning: This solution from the XDA Developers forum is intended for for advanced users only; we at TechyWall will not be held liable in the event of damage to your device.

If the problem is related to a hidden network, you can try to add it manually. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Add network. Enter the SSID and the correct password, and you can once again surf the web and respond to your WhatsApp messages.

4. Problems acquiring an IP address? Think WiFi Fixer!

Do you have problems with IP acquisition? Are you trapped in the clutches of an infinite loop during the authentication process? Sometimes the Wi-Fi does not work because it fails to carry out this process. If your Android is not able to connect to a network, first reboot the router. If the problem persists, carry out a factory reset.

Does this seem like a drastic solution to the problem? Indeed it is, but thankfully there is another solution, before you go the hard way: you can visit the Google Play Store and download WiFi Fixer (assuming you have mobile data).

The application restores Wi-Fi system files and some services essential to the proper functioning of the network. WiFi Fixer will take care of your device when it attempts to acquire an IP address. It is especially easy-to-use app, lacking a pretty interface, but once you understand how it works and gone through the short tutorial, WiFi Fixer will help you solve problems with your connection.

5. Wi-Fi is very slow

So you’re finally able to connect, but the speed is so slow, you can’t even browse the web? If you are connected to a public Wi-Fi network, the problem may simply be network congestion: too many users at once.

If you are sure that your router is functioning smoothly, that the signal is strong enough, and that there is no interference, check the speed of the network by installing Speedtest on your device. It is a reliable and accurate service that, in a few seconds, will show you your actual download and upload speeds and ping, helping you to identify the underlying problem.

If you have root permissions, and you are already familiar with Android, you can speed up the connection on your device by editing a specific system file that contains a TCP / IP configuration:
These are the most common solutions that you should try out if you're having problems with your Wi-Fi. Do you know any others? Leave us a comment.

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