How to Reset Network Settings (Step-by-Step)

To reset network settings, open your device’s Settings app, find the reset options, and choose the option for Wi-Fi, mobile networks, or Bluetooth. A network settings reset can clear connection problems without performing a factory reset, but you will need to reconnect to saved networks afterward.

What Does Resetting Network Settings Do?

Resetting network settings returns selected connection settings to their defaults. The exact scope depends on the operating system, version, manufacturer, and reset option shown on the confirmation screen.

A network reset may remove or reset:

• Saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords.
• Manually entered cellular or APN settings. APN means Access Point Name, the configuration a phone uses to connect to a carrier’s data network.
• VPN settings that were added manually. VPN settings installed by an employer, school, configuration profile, or device-management system may remain.
• Bluetooth pairings when the device offers a combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth reset.
• Other preferences related to mobile data, network selection, or roaming.

A network settings reset is different from erasing or factory-resetting the device. It generally does not remove personal photos, messages, contacts, apps, or documents. Read the confirmation screen before proceeding, however, because reset choices differ between devices. Do not select Erase All Content and Settings or Factory Data Reset when you only want to reset your network settings.

When Should You Reset Your Network Settings?

Reset your network settings after simpler fixes—such as turning Airplane Mode on and off or restarting the device—have failed. A reset may help when damaged or conflicting connection settings are causing the problem.

Common reasons to try a network settings reset include:

• Wi-Fi is available, but the device cannot connect or repeatedly disconnects.
• Calls drop or the phone cannot connect reliably to the carrier’s network.
• Mobile data is unusually slow even where coverage is normally reliable.
• A Bluetooth accessory will not pair after Bluetooth and the accessory have both been restarted.
• Connectivity stopped working after an interrupted or unsuccessful software update.
• Several unrelated Wi-Fi, cellular, or Bluetooth problems began at the same time.

A reset cannot repair an unavailable router, a carrier outage, damaged hardware, an inactive line, or a problem affecting only one website or app.

How Do I Reset Network Settings on iPhone?

On current iPhone software, Apple places Reset Network Settings inside the Transfer or Reset iPhone menu. Older iOS versions may place Reset directly under General.

1. Open Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Select Reset.
5. Select Reset Network Settings.
6. Enter the iPhone passcode if requested.
7. Read the confirmation and approve the network reset.

The iPhone disconnects from its current Wi-Fi network, removes previously used network information, and turns Wi-Fi off and back on. Manually added VPN settings are removed unless they came from a configuration profile or mobile-device management. Cellular data roaming may be turned off. This option does not erase the iPhone’s personal content.

Do not choose Erase All Content and Settings. That is a separate operation with much broader consequences.

How Do I Reset Network Settings on Android?

Android menu names vary by manufacturer and software version. A common path on Android is Settings, System, Reset options, then Reset Wi-Fi, mobile and Bluetooth. Confirm the exact items listed on your screen before approving the reset.

1. Open Settings.
2. Use the Settings search box and search for “reset Wi-Fi,” “reset mobile network settings,” or “reset network settings.”
3. If your phone uses the common Android layout, select System, then Reset options.
4. Select the network-related reset that matches the problem.
5. Review whether the option covers Wi-Fi, mobile networks, Bluetooth, or a combination.
6. Enter the device PIN, pattern, or password if requested.
7. Select the on-screen confirmation to complete the reset.

On many Samsung Galaxy devices, the path is Settings, General management, then Reset. Recent models may show Reset mobile network settings separately from Reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings. This distinction matters: resetting the mobile network does not necessarily clear Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings.

If neither path matches your phone, search within Settings or consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your exact model and Android version.

What Happens After a Network Settings Reset?

After a network settings reset, the device may restart or may simply disconnect and reload its connection services. Wait until the status icons return before testing the connection.

You may need to:

• Select your Wi-Fi network and enter its password again.
• Pair Bluetooth headphones, vehicles, watches, or other accessories again if the chosen reset removed their pairings.
• Restore a manually configured VPN or APN setting using information from its administrator or carrier.
• Review mobile-data, roaming, hotspot, and preferred-network settings.

Carrier-provided cellular settings normally reload when the phone reconnects to the carrier. If mobile service does not return, restart the device once and confirm that the SIM or eSIM line is enabled. Do not enter guessed APN values.

What If Resetting Network Settings Does Not Fix the Problem?

If resetting network settings does not restore the connection, identify whether the problem affects Wi-Fi, cellular service, Bluetooth, or every connection type.

1. Restart the phone, tablet, or computer.
2. For Wi-Fi trouble, restart the router according to its manufacturer’s instructions and test another device on the same network.
3. For cellular trouble, check the carrier’s official outage information from another connected device.
4. For Bluetooth trouble, restart the accessory, place it in pairing mode, and remove the old pairing from both devices if possible.
5. Check for an operating-system update while connected to a reliable network.
6. Contact the device manufacturer for problems affecting several connection types, or the carrier for persistent calling and mobile-data problems.

If only one app, website, router, or accessory fails, seek help for that specific service or product before resetting anything else.

Still Having Connection Trouble?

If you are still asking “how can I reset my network settings?” or “how to reset my network settings?” confirm your exact device model and software version first. Those details help support identify the correct network reset settings without confusing a connection reset with a full device erase.

Open {site} and look for the general support and contact-help resource. Use it to find the appropriate support route for your device, carrier, router, account, or accessory.