A few weeks ago, I encountered a frustrating problem, my phone was connected to WiFi, but there was no internet access. The signal was strong, but apps wouldn’t load, and websites wouldn’t open. I tried restarting my phone, but nothing changed. After digging into the problem, I found multiple ways to fix it, and I realized that this is a common issue on both Android and iPhone.
Many smartphone users experience this problem, and the reasons vary. It could be due to router issues, DNS conflicts, network misconfigurations, or even software bugs. While restarting your phone or router might fix it sometimes, other times, you need advanced troubleshooting.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through detailed step-by-step solutions to restore internet access while keeping your phone connected to WiFi. Each method includes clear instructions for both Android and iPhone, ensuring you can fix the issue regardless of your device.
Understanding the Issue
Before jumping into fixes, let’s understand why your phone might be connected to WiFi but still has no internet access.
Common Causes of No Internet on WiFi
- Router Issues
- The WiFi router may be working, but it isn’t providing internet access.
- Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) may be experiencing downtime.
- Incorrect Network Settings
- A misconfigured IP address, DNS settings, or VPN can prevent internet access.
- WiFi Signal Issues
- Even if connected, weak signals can cause data transmission problems.
- Device-Specific Issues
- Software bugs, outdated system updates, or temporary glitches can disrupt connectivity.
- MAC Address Filtering or ISP Restrictions
- Your router may have blocked your device’s MAC address, or your ISP may have restrictions.
Now that we know what might be causing the issue, let’s move on to fixing it step by step.
Fix 1: Restart Your Router and Phone
Tools Needed:
- Power button (on the router)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Restart Your Router:
- Unplug the WiFi router from the power source.
- Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute before plugging it back in.
- Allow it to fully restart (wait until all indicator lights stabilize).
- Restart Your Phone:
- On Android: Press and hold the Power button > Tap Restart.
- On iPhone: Press and hold the Power button + Volume Down until the slider appears, then power it off and on.
- Reconnect to WiFi:
- Go to Settings > WiFi, select your network, and check if the internet works.
If the issue persists, move on to the next fix.
Fix 2: Forget and Reconnect to WiFi
Tools Needed:
- WiFi settings on your phone
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Forget the WiFi Network:
- On Android:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi.
- Tap the WiFi network and select Forget Network.
- On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > WiFi, tap your WiFi name, and select Forget This Network.
- Reconnect to WiFi:
- Select your WiFi network and enter the password.
- Check if the internet works.
Fix 3: Check Internet Connection on Another Device
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Connect a laptop or another phone to the same WiFi network.
- Try loading a website.
- If other devices also have no internet, the problem is with your router or ISP.
- If only your phone has the issue, the problem is with your device settings.
If multiple devices are affected, contact your ISP. Otherwise, continue with the fixes below.
Fix 4: Check for ISP Outages
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Visit your ISP’s website or contact support using mobile data.
- Use “DownDetector” or similar websites to check for service outages in your area.
- If there’s an outage, wait for your ISP to resolve it.
Fix 5: Reset Network Settings
Tools Needed:
- Access to phone settings
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- On Android:
- Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset WiFi, Mobile & Bluetooth.
- Confirm the reset.
- On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
Your phone will restart. Try connecting to WiFi again.
Fix 6: Change DNS Settings
Tools Needed:
- Access to WiFi settings
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- On Android:
- Go to Settings > WiFi and tap your WiFi network.
- Tap Modify Network > Advanced Options > IP Settings > Static.
- Enter these DNS servers:
- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- Save and reconnect.
- On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > WiFi, tap the (i) icon next to your WiFi.
- Scroll to DNS > Configure DNS > Manual.
- Enter Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1).
Check if the internet works.
Fix 7: Disable VPN or Proxy
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- On Android:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN.
- Disable any active VPN.
- On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
- Turn off the VPN.
Pros and Cons of Each Fix
| Fix | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Restart Router & Phone | Quick & easy | Temporary fix if deeper issues exist |
| Forget & Reconnect to WiFi | Resolves authentication issues | Requires re-entering password |
| Reset Network Settings | Fixes deep network issues | Erases all saved WiFi passwords |
| Change DNS | Speeds up browsing | Requires manual configuration |
| Disable VPN/Proxy | Solves network conflicts | Disables VPN security features |
Conclusion
If your phone is connected to WiFi but has no internet, the problem is usually router-related, a network misconfiguration, or an ISP issue. By following these detailed step-by-step fixes, you should be able to restore your internet connection quickly.
If the issue still persists, you might need to contact your ISP or reset your router completely.
Did any of these fixes work for you? Share your experience in the comments!
