Before you start
- An Android phone or iPhone
Method 1 Quick fixes
-
Step 1: Restart
Restart the phone and the router.
-
Step 2: Forget and rejoin
Android: Settings > Network & internet > Internet, gear icon > Forget. iPhone: Settings > Wi-Fi > (i) > Forget This Network. Then reconnect.
-
Step 3: Check signal
Does it drop only in certain rooms? That’s coverage, not the phone.
-
Step 4: Update
Install software updates for the phone and router firmware.
Method 2 Android settings
-
Step 1: Stop auto-switching
Turn off Adaptive connectivity (Pixel: Settings > Network & internet), and on Samsung turn off Switch to mobile data in Wi-Fi > ⋮ > Intelligent Wi-Fi.
-
Step 2: Keep the device MAC
In the network’s settings, set Privacy to Use device MAC if your router uses MAC filtering. Newer Android versions may rotate MAC addresses.
-
Step 3: Battery saver
Ultra/Max power saving modes can turn off Wi-Fi. Check Settings > Battery.
Method 3 iPhone settings
-
Step 1: Wi-Fi Assist
Settings > Cellular, scroll down and turn off Wi-Fi Assist to stop switching to mobile data on weak Wi-Fi.
-
Step 2: Private address
In Settings > Wi-Fi > (i), set Private Wi-Fi Address to Fixed or Off for your home network.
-
Step 3: Auto-Join
Make sure Auto-Join is on for your home network.
Method 4 Reset network settings
This removes saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings, but not your data.
-
Step 1: Android
Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Mobile Network Settings / Reset Wi-Fi & Bluetooth (Samsung: General management > Reset > Reset network settings).
-
Step 2: iPhone
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Troubleshooting
Drops only when the screen is off
Battery optimisation. Disable aggressive power saving, and on some brands allow Wi-Fi during sleep in advanced Wi-Fi settings.
Says “Connected, no internet” then drops
The phone thinks the network has no internet and leaves. Check router internet access and turn off Private DNS to test.
Frequently asked questions
Can a phone case affect Wi-Fi?
Metal or magnetic cases can reduce signal slightly.
Will resetting network settings delete my photos?
No. It only resets network settings.
Summary
Forget and rejoin the network, turn off Adaptive connectivity/Switch to mobile data or Wi-Fi Assist, fix private MAC settings and battery saving, and reset network settings if drops continue.
