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 our favorite budget Android phones or 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.
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 your wireless 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.
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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.
- Swipe up from the home screen to open the app drawer.
- Launch the Settings app (the one with a gear icon).
- Scroll down and tap System.
- Select Reset options. It displays a series of settings and preferences you can delete.
- Select the function that you wish to reset.
- Tap Reset settings and follow the prompt.
How to reset the network settings on a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet
Samsung One UI has a different Settings menu compared to stock Android. The steps to reset network settings differ on a Samsung Galaxy phone.
- Swipe up from the One UI home screen to open the app drawer.
- Launch the Settings app.
- Scroll down to General management.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset network settings.
- Choose a SIM card if you have more than one.
- Tap the Reset settings button from the following screen. This deletes your selected SIM card’s Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data settings.
If you can’t find the Reset network settings option on your Android phone, open your phone’s Settings app and type
network
in the search box.
How to reset the network settings on your iPhone or iPad
Follow the steps below to reset network settings on an iPhone.
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Scroll to General.
- Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset at the bottom of the screen.
- Select Reset Network Settings and enter your device password to confirm.
These steps work on iPhones and iPads with iOS and iPadOS 11 and later. If you use an older iOS version, type
network
into the Settings search bar to find it.
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:
- Wi-Fi doesn’t work, or the Wi-Fi network name doesn’t show on your phone.
- Bluetooth disconnects automatically or doesn’t work.
- Your phone doesn’t receive or make calls.
- Frequent call drops.
- The VPN doesn’t work as expected.
- There isn’t a signal error on your phone.
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 to Reset all settings on 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 settings focuses 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.
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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, consider switching to a new device or visiting the repair shop.
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