How to fix Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus that can no longer connect to a WiFi network?
A smartphone as powerful as the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus should be able to connect to the internet without any problem either through mobile data or WiFi. However, there seems to be owners whose devices can no longer connect to the WiFi network they used to connect and that’s the problem we need to address as many of our readers contacted us regarding this issue.
So, in this post, I will walk you through in troubleshooting your Galaxy S9 Plus that can no longer connect to the WiFi network it used to connect. We will try to consider every possibility and rule them out one after another so we can determine what the problem is and what to do about it. So, if you’re one of the owners of this device and are currently bugged by a similar issue, continue reading as this article may be able to help you.
Now, before anything else, if you have other issues with your phone, make sure you drop by our troubleshooting page for we have already provided solutions to hundreds of problems reported by our readers. Odds are that we may have already provided a solution to the problem you currently have so try to find issues that are similar with yours on that page and feel free to use the solutions we suggested. If they don’t work or if you need further assistance, fill up our Android issues questionnaire and hit submit to contact us.
Troubleshooting Galaxy S9 Plus that can’t connect to WiFi network
When it comes to this problem, there are always, at least, two factors you need to do consider because it may be just an issue with the network or your phone. However, you should try troubleshooting your device first especially if you’re only getting connection from somebody’s WiFi. With that being said, here’s what you need to do about it:
Forced Reboot
You have to do this to rule out the possibility that it’s just a minor glitch in the system. The forced reboot will refresh your phone’s memory and reload all apps and services. More often, this is enough to make your device work perfectly again. To do this, simple press both the volume down button and power key simultaneously and hold them down together for 10 seconds or more. If done correctly, your device will reboot like it normally does and the problem may be fixed.
You can then proceed to testing if the phone still can’t connect to the WiFi network you’re trying to connect. If the problem remained, then move on to the next procedure.
Reset Network Settings
By doing this, you’re bringing your phone’s network settings back to factory defaults and the following changes will occur:
- Stored Wi-Fi networks will be deleted.
- Paired Bluetooth devices will be deleted.
- Background data sync settings will be turned on.
- Data restrictive settings in applications that were manually turned on/off by the customer will be reset to the default setting.
- Network selection mode will be set to automatic.
Only Mobile Data will be left enabled so to be able to connect to the network, you need to enable WiFi. When it comes to fixing network problems, this procedure is enough to fix them provided the problem is with the phone and not with the network. Here’s how you do it:
- From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
- Tap Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset network settings.
- Tap RESET SETTINGS.
- If you have set up a PIN, enter it.
- Tap RESET SETTINGS. Once complete, a confirmation window will appear.
Your phone will scan the area for available WiFi hotspots so try to connect to the same network. It is at this point that you would know if the problem is with authentication as you will be prompted with errors.
After doing this and your Galaxy S9 Plus still can’t connect to the same WiFi network, then try the next procedure.
Reboot network equipment
This is only applicable to those who are trying to connect to their own WiFi hotspots and have access to the modem or router. Simply unplug your network equipment and leave them powered down for a minute or two and then plug them to the power source. Once your phone rebooted already, try to get your phone to reconnect to the same network. If the problem isn’t fixed, then move on to the next solution.
Reset All Settings
We’ve already tried resetting all the network settings to no avail so this time, we need to reset all settings. This will bring the device back to its default or factory settings and configuration without deleting your personal files and other data. It’s also very effective so you should try it this time:
- From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
- Tap Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset settings.
- Tap RESET SETTINGS.
- If you have set up a PIN, enter it.
- Tap RESET SETTINGS.
- The device will restart to perform the reset of settings.
Wipe Cache Partition
Wiping the cache partition will delete the system cache and rule out the possibility that this problem is caused by some corrupt cache. It’s safe to do yet very effective as well. All you gotta do is reboot your phone into recovery mode and wipe the cache partition from there:
- Turn off the device.
- Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Bixby key, then press and hold the Power key.
- When the Android logo displays, release all three keys.
- An ‘Installing system update’ message will show for 30 – 60 seconds before the Android system recovery menu options appear.
- Press the Volume down key several times to highlight wipe cache partition.
- Press Power key to select.
- Press the Volume down key to highlight yes, them and press the Power key to select.
- When the wipe cache partition is complete, Reboot system now is highlighted.
- Press the Power key to restart the device.
If the problem continues after this, then the next solution may help you.
Backup files and reset your phone
As long as the problem is with the phone and doesn’t include a serious hardware issue specifically on the phone’s radio chip, then a reset will be able to fix it. However, make sure to backup your files and data prior to doing this as they will be deleted and you may not be able to retrieve them. Here’s how to do the master reset effectively:
- Back up data on the internal memory. If you have signed into a Samsung account on the device, you have activated Anti-theft and will need your Samsung credentials to finish the master reset.
- Turn off the device.
- Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Bixby key, then press and hold the Power key.
- When the green Android logo displays, release all keys (‘Installing system update’ will show for about 30 – 60 seconds before showing the Android system recovery menu options).
- Press the Volume down key several times to highlight ‘wipe data / factory reset’.
- Press Power button to select.
- Press the Volume down key until ‘Yes — delete all user data’ is highlighted.
- Press Power button to select and start the master reset.
- When the master reset is complete, ‘Reboot system now’ is highlighted.
- Press the Power key to restart the device.
I hope that we’ve been able to help you one way or another. If you have other issues you want to share with us, feel free to contact us anytime or leave a comment below.
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