How to reset your Android or iOS network settings to fix problems

If your phone has trouble with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, resetting its network settings could fix the issue. Whether you use one of ourfavorite budget Android phonesor a top-tier flagship, the settings that govern these wireless connections can cause problems when they go wrong. This guide provides easy-to-follow instructions for resetting your device’s network settings on Android and iOS mobile devices. We also dive into what a network reset does and what to expect during the process.

What happens when you reset the network settings on your phone or tablet?

Resetting the network settings on your phone or tablet affects related services like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Here’s a breakdown of everything that happens when you reset your network.

Removes saved Wi-Fi networks

Resetting network settings is one of the simplest ways to fix Wi-Fi issues on your phone. If your phone or tablet doesn’t discover available devices or connect to a saved Wi-Fi hotspot, reset the network settings and try again. This trick removes the saved Wi-Fi settings and passwords from your device.

Before proceeding, check thesaved Wi-Fi passwords on your phoneand store them in a capablepassword manager.

4

Deletes saved Bluetooth profiles

When you reset your network settings, saved Bluetooth devices are deleted from your phone. This means you’ll need to reconnect yourwireless earbuds, headphones, car stereos, and smart speakers afterward.

Changes cellular network settings

The system reverts cellular settings to default when you reset your phone’s network settings. You must select your cellular network preferences from the settings menu again.

Deletes saved VPN profiles

Resetting network settings deletes saved VPN configurations on your phone. You must reconnect to your preferred VPN network.

Doesn’t affect installed apps, media content, your files, or other settings

A network reset only affects your connection settings. It doesn’t impact your installed apps, photos, videos, or documents. Your wallpaper, lock screen, home screen arrangement, and other preferences remain unchanged. You don’t need to back up your Android phone or Apple iPhone before performing the steps.

Here are six potential reasons your phone’s display changed to black-and-white

4

How to reset network settings on your Android phone or tablet

Most Android phone manufacturers use a nearly identical Settings app with some minor variations. The following steps allow you to reset your network settings.

The following tutorial uses Motorola screenshots. Some Android devices may group cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth resetting into a single function, giving you less granular control of what to reset.

How to reset your network settings on Android and iOS

How to reset the network settings on a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet

Samsung One UIhas a different Settings menu compared to stock Android. The steps to reset network settings differ on a Samsung Galaxy phone.

If you can’t find the Reset network settings option on your Android phone, open your phone’s Settings app and typenetworkin the search box.

A Samsung Galaxy with a black and white display sits on a white table with rainbow light.

How to reset the network settings on your iPhone or iPad

Follow the steps below to reset network settings on an iPhone.

These steps work on iPhones and iPads with iOS and iPadOS 11 and later. If you use an older iOS version, typenetworkinto the Settings search bar to find it.

Resetting wireless on a Motorola

When should you reset network settings on Android and iPhone?

Reset the network settings on your phone when you frequently run into the following issues:

What other reset options are available?

Most smartphone manufacturers offer options to reset all settings or erase all data and restore the device to default in the general reset menu. Google includes the option to delete eSIMs and reset app preferences. Samsung lets you reset accessibility settings for features like Talkback, visibility, and hearing enhancements without affecting related keyboard and font size data. You can reset an iPhone’s mobile plans, location and privacy settings, keyboard dictionary, and home screen layout.

Reset all settings vs. reset network settings

Your phone offers different reset options to troubleshoot issues.Reset app preferences(similar toReset all settingson an iPhone) restores your apps to their default settings, affecting things like app notifications, default apps, background data restrictions, and app permissions. This is helpful for problems like delayed notifications or apps that do not use mobile data.

By comparison,Reset network settingsfocuses on your phone’s connections, clearing saved Wi-Fi networks, paired Bluetooth devices, and cellular preferences. This is useful for troubleshooting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular data problems. Choose the reset option that best addresses the issue you’re experiencing.

Give your beloved iPhone a fresh start

Troubleshoot network glitches in no time

Don’t let network problems keep you from staying connected. A quick network reset can often resolve Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular issues. If the problem persists, a factory reset is always an option. A factory reset wipes your phone’s data and settings. If you still experience connectivity issues after trying these steps, considerswitching to a new deviceor visiting the repair shop.

We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.

Your comment has not been saved

353995107017760

The note-taking app I should have used all along

Broader branding hints at wider paid-tier ambitions

Via the Phone Link app, of course

The gimmicks phone makers keep selling us every single year

I found the only AI photo app worth keeping on my phone

PlayStation Plus subscribers of all tiers are getting access to three excellent titles, including Psychonauts 2, in September