It is one of the most common complaints: the phone is connected to Wi-Fi, but apps say “no internet”. Most of the time, the problem is on the phone, and it is easy to fix.
First, check other devices
If other phones, laptops or the TV are working, your connection is fine and the problem is only this phone. If nothing works, follow our home troubleshooting checklist instead.
Quick fixes
- Turn Wi-Fi off and on on the phone.
- Turn Airplane mode on for 10 seconds, then off.
- Restart the phone.
- Forget the network and reconnect: go to Wi-Fi settings, tap your network, choose “Forget”, then connect again with the password.
Check these settings
- Date and time: set them to automatic. A wrong date breaks secure websites.
- VPN: turn off any VPN or “data saver” app and test again.
- Private DNS (Android): set it to “Automatic” or “Off” if a custom one was added.
- Private Wi-Fi address / MAC randomisation: if your router uses device filtering, this setting can block the phone. Try turning it off for your home network.
Too many devices?
Some older routers can only handle a limited number of devices. If your home has many phones, TVs and cameras, restarting the router can help, and upgrading the router may be the long-term fix.
Reset network settings
As a last step, reset the phone’s network settings. This removes saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings, but does not delete your photos or apps.
- Android: Settings, then System, then Reset options, then Reset Wi-Fi, mobile and Bluetooth.
- iPhone: Settings, then General, then Transfer or Reset iPhone, then Reset Network Settings.
Still no luck? Call SF Networking support and tell us your phone model.