How to reset the network settings on your smartphone

Is the internet on your phone acting up? Or maybe the Bluetooth is refusing to pair to your TWS earbuds. Well, a quick network settings reset could be the simple fix you’ve been looking for. Your network settings are basically the instructions your device uses to connect to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data, storing things like saved Wi-Fi passwords and paired Bluetooth devices.

But over time, they can get buggy or outdated, causing connection issues. A network reset clears these configurations and restores them to their factory defaults. So, we will walk you through the steps on how to quickly and easily reset your smartphone’s network settings.

Reasons why you may need to reset the network settings on your phone

As mentioned earlier, resetting the network settings on your phone clears potentially corrupt configurations and allows you to re-establish stable connections with your Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth devices, and cellular networks. Here are a few possible reasons why you may need to consider resetting the network settings on your phone. 

1. Wi-Fi not working, or network not showing

If the Wi-Fi info stored on your phone gets corrupt like passwords and network settings, then, it might be time for a reset. Resetting your network settings will erase these details, allowing you to reconnect to the network using the correct credentials.

Sometimes, your phone might experience glitches and forget all the Wi-Fi networks around it. Resetting the same makes it scan again for those networks.

ALSO READ: 5 reasons why your mobile network may not be working and how to fix them

2. Bluetooth disconnecting suddenly or malfunctioning

Just like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth settings can get corrupted or become outdated. Resetting clears these issues and lets you reconnect your Bluetooth devices to your phone. Sometimes, Bluetooth connection issues usally happen because of conflicts with other apps’ settings. Resetting network settings wipes these configurations and restores Bluetooth to its default settings.

3. Phone call issues

If you’re having trouble receiving calls or experiencing frequent drops, then resetting your network settings might fix the issue with your phone’s cellular connection setup. Sometimes, glitches caused by background apps interfering with call functionality can also be fixed with a network settings reset.

4. VPN not working properly

VPN connections need specific network configurations on your phone to function properly. Resetting network settings clears any incorrect configurations that might be preventing the VPN from working as expected.

How to reset network settings on Android smartphones and iPhones

If you’re having trouble connecting to the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or experiencing any other network issues, then resetting your network settings is a quick (and the best) fix. Here, we’ll explain the steps to reset your network settings on both Android smartphones and iPhones. 

Resetting network settings on Android

1. Head to the Settings app on your Android device.

2. If you’re using stock Android, then simply:

i. Scroll down and tap on ‘System.’ 

ii. Select ‘Reset options.’ 

iii. Tap on ‘Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.’ 

iv. Tap on ‘Reset settings.’ 

ALSO READ: What is network latency and how to reduce it?

3. If you own a Samsung phone or tablet, then:

i. Scroll down to ‘General Management.’ 

ii. Tap on ‘Reset.’ 

iii. Tap ‘Reset network settings.’ 

iv. Choose a SIM card if you have more than one. 

v. Tap on ‘Reset settings.’

Resetting network settings on iPhones or iPads

1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. 

2. Scroll to ‘General.’ 

3. Then, tap on ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone.’

4. Select ‘Reset’ at the bottom of the screen. 

5. Then, choose ‘Reset Network Settings’ and enter your device password to confirm.

And that’s how you can successfully reset your network settings, and say goodbye to all your connectivity woes on your smartphones.