Samsung Galaxy tablet won't connect to Wi-Fi? Here’s how to fix it

⚡ Fast fix

• Wi-Fi off? Sounds obvious, but double-check before troubleshooting anything else. Happens to all of us.
• Airplane Mode trick. Turn it on, wait a few seconds, then turn it back off.
• Forget and reconnect. A fresh connection often fixes stubborn network issues.
• Router or tablet? Test another device on the same Wi-Fi to make sure you're not blaming the wrong culprit.

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Picture this: You're in the middle of a routine video call with your parents who live states away, only to notice that the Wi-Fi isn’t connecting to ‌your Samsung Galaxy® tablet. You’re a glitching, frozen image. Then, the call drops.

Don’t worry, we’ll help your tablet get re-connected so you can pick up where you left off. At Asurion, we make tech easy. From device repair to showing you how to get the most out of your gadgets—we've got you covered. Here’s how to troubleshoot a Samsung® tablet that’s not connecting to Wi-Fi.

Confirm that Wi-Fi is turned on

It sounds obvious, but it's worth checking before you go any further. Open Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi and make sure the switch is on. Sometimes a tap, software update, or battery-saving setting can disable Wi-Fi without you realizing it.

Try Airplane Mode

Sometimes your tablet just needs a clean break from every wireless connection it's juggling.

Go to Settings > Connections, turn Airplane Mode on for a few seconds, then switch it back off and see if Wi-Fi reconnects.

Check your router

When figuring out why your Samsung Galaxy tablet won’t connect to the internet, the last thing you’ll want is to focus your troubleshooting efforts on the wrong device. Before blaming the tablet, make sure the Wi-Fi network itself is working.

Try loading a website on another device connected to the same network. If that device is having trouble too, your router may be the real problem.

If the router seems unresponsive, unplug it for 30–60 seconds and plug it back in. Once everything is back online, try reconnecting your tablet.

Try a different Wi-Fi band

Many routers broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks.

If your tablet struggles to stay connected on one, try the other. The 2.4 GHz band usually reaches farther, while 5 GHz is typically faster when you're closer to the router. Sometimes a simple switch is all it takes.

Restart your tablet

A restart clears temporary glitches and gives the network hardware a fresh start.

1. Press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button.
2. Wait for the screen to go black.
3. Turn the tablet back on.

If that doesn't work, hold the Power button for 1–2 minutes until the screen shuts off, then restart the device.

Reconnect to the network

Sometimes your tablet just needs a fresh introduction to the Wi-Fi network.

1. Go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi.
2. Tap and hold your network name.
3. Select Forget network.
4. Reconnect and enter the password again.

You'll need your Wi-Fi password handy, but this step often clears up stubborn connection issues.

Check Power Saving Mode

Power Saving Mode is great for stretching battery life, but it can occasionally get a little too aggressive with background activity.

To rule it out:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Battery and device care > Battery.
3. Turn off Power Saving Mode temporarily.
4. See if the connection becomes more stable.

If the disconnects stop, you've found your culprit.

Check for software updates

Wi-Fi problems aren't always caused by hardware or network settings. Sometimes the fix is already waiting in a software update.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Software update.
3. Select Download and install.
4. Install any available updates.

Once the update finishes, give the tablet another try.

Reset network settings

Before you wipe the entire tablet, try resetting just the network settings.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General management.
3. Tap Reset.
4. Select Reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings (or the closest equivalent on your model).
5. Follow the prompts.

This removes saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth connections but leaves your photos, apps, and personal files alone.

Reset to factory defaults

If nothing else has worked, a factory reset is the final troubleshooting step.

This returns the tablet to its original settings and removes your apps, accounts, and personal data, so make sure everything important is backed up first. Need help? Read these steps on how to safely back up your tablet.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset.
3. Tap Reset.
4. Allow the process to finish.
5. Follow the prompts to set up the tablet again.

What if your Samsung tablet still won't connect to Wi-Fi?

If you've worked through all of the above and your tablet still won't connect, the issue may be hardware-related.

Wi-Fi problems can sometimes be caused by a damaged antenna, a failing wireless chip, or internal damage from a drop, liquid exposure, or normal wear over time.

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FAQ

Why does my Samsung tablet keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

A weak signal, router issue, software bug, or even Power Saving Mode can cause random disconnects. If it happens often, start by restarting both the tablet and router.

Why won't my Samsung tablet connect to Wi-Fi even with the correct password?

Forget the network and reconnect to it. If that doesn't work, restart the tablet and make sure the router is working properly with other devices.

Should I reset network settings or factory reset my tablet?

Start with a network reset. It's faster, less disruptive, and often solves Wi-Fi issues without touching your personal data.

Can a software update fix Wi-Fi problems?

Absolutely. Software updates frequently include fixes for connectivity bugs, security issues, and network performance problems.