If you’ve been seeing the message "WiFi says saved but won’t connect", don’t worry. This problem is usually easy to solve. In this blog, we’ll explain what’s happening and guide you through a few simple solutions.
Why Is This Happening?
When your device shows “WiFi saved,” it means it remembers the network (SSID) and the password, but for some reason, it can’t actually connect. The issue can pop up due to several reasons, but it’s usually linked to minor settings, signal issues, or even a glitch in your router or phone.
Let’s break down some of the most common causes before jumping into solutions.
Common Reasons for "WiFi Saved but Won't Connect"
1. Incorrect Password
This might seem obvious, but sometimes the issue is as simple as an outdated or incorrect password. If someone has changed the password and your device hasn’t updated, it will say “saved” but won’t connect.
2. Weak WiFi Signal
If you’re too far from your router, your phone may recognize the WiFi network but not have enough signal strength to connect. The saved network pops up, but a weak signal prevents a solid connection.
3. IP Address Conflicts
Sometimes, devices connected to the same WiFi network can end up fighting over the same IP address. This conflict can prevent your device from establishing a proper connection, even though it recognizes the network.
4. Router Issues
Your router could be at fault if the network settings are misconfigured, too many devices are connected, or the firmware is outdated. This can result in your device not being able to connect to WiFi.
5. Outdated Device Software
Outdated software on your device could cause connection issues as well. If your device’s OS is behind the latest update, it might struggle to connect to certain WiFi networks.
How to Fix "WiFi Says Saved but Won't Connect"
Now that we’ve pinpointed a few possible causes, let’s get into how you can fix the problem. The good news is that most of these solutions are quick and easy, and they don’t require any special technical know-how.
1. Forget and Reconnect to the Network
The first thing you should try is forgetting the network and reconnecting to it with the correct password. It’s a simple but effective fix.
- Go to your WiFi settings.
- Find the network and tap Forget.
- Reconnect to the network by selecting it and entering the password.
This step works well when the saved password is incorrect or outdated.
2. Restart Your Device and Router
A quick restart is sometimes all you need to refresh the connection between your device and the router.
- Restart your phone or device: Just hold down the power button and choose restart.
- Restart your router: Unplug your router from the power source for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
After everything restarts, check if the WiFi connection is back.
3. Move Closer to the Router
If the signal is too weak, moving closer to the router could solve the problem. Thick walls, floors, or other obstacles can weaken the WiFi signal, making it harder for your device to connect.
4. Update Your Device Software
Check if there are any software updates available for your device. Outdated operating systems can cause issues with connectivity, so it’s always a good idea to keep your device up to date.
- Go to Settings > System Updates.
- Download and install any available updates.
After updating, reconnect to your WiFi and see if the issue is fixed.
5. Reset Network Settings
If the problem persists, resetting your network settings might help. This will remove all saved WiFi networks and Bluetooth connections, so you’ll have to reconnect to your networks.
- Go to Settings > System > Reset Options.
- Select Reset WiFi, Mobile & Bluetooth.
Once the reset is complete, reconnect to your WiFi network and enter the password again.
6. Check Router Settings
Sometimes, the problem is with the router, especially if other devices are also having trouble connecting.
- Check if there’s a limit on the number of devices that can connect.
- Make sure your device’s MAC address isn’t blocked (some routers have security features like MAC address filtering).
You can access your router settings by entering the router’s IP address into a web browser and logging in with the admin credentials.
7. Change IP Settings to Static
If you suspect there’s an IP conflict, try setting a static IP address. Here’s how:
- Go to WiFi settings.
- Tap the network name, then tap Advanced Options.
- Change IP Settings from DHCP to Static.
- Enter a unique IP address that doesn’t conflict with other devices.
Once done, reconnect to your WiFi and check the connection.
8. Factory Reset the Router
As a last resort, you can try resetting your router to its factory settings. This will erase all custom configurations and give you a fresh start. Here’s how:
- Press and hold the reset button on your router for 10-30 seconds.
- Once reset, reconfigure your WiFi settings and try connecting your device again.
Final Thoughts
We’ve all been there—"WiFi says saved but won’t connect" can be a frustrating problem, but thankfully, it’s usually not too hard to fix. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to get your device back online in no time.
At TekPuk, we’re passionate about keeping you connected and helping you navigate the world of technology with ease. If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to check out more of our blogs for simple solutions to everyday tech problems.
Stay connected and stay tuned for more tech tips from TekPuk.