A reset is a quick way to fix a smartphone error, whether you use one of our favorite budget Android phones or a top-tier flagship. Android, Pixel, and iOS phones allow quick app resets, closing down software with one or two swipes. The settings that govern Wi-Fi connections and Bluetooth pairings can cause problems when they go wrong, which is why understanding the step-by-step process of resetting your device's network settings is important.
This guide shows how to reset the network settings on your Pixel, iOS, and Android mobile devices, as well as a few notes on what that process entails.
What happens when you reset the network settings on your phone or tablet?
Resetting the network settings on your phone or tablet affects related services like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Here's a breakdown of everything that happens when you reset your network.
Removes saved Wi-Fi networks
Resetting network settings is one of the simplest ways to fix Wi-Fi issues on your phone. If your phone or tablet doesn't discover available devices or connect to a saved Wi-Fi hotspot, reset the network settings and try again. The trick removes all the saved Wi-Fi settings and passwords from your device. Before proceeding, check the saved Wi-Fi passwords on your phone and store them in a capable password manager.
Deletes saved Bluetooth profiles
Resetting network settings deletes the Bluetooth devices saved on your phone. You must reconnect your high-end wireless earbuds, headphones, smart car head unit, and smart speaker to your phone after resetting.
Changes mobile network settings
When you reset network settings on your phone, the system reverts cellular settings to default. You must select your cellular network preferences from the settings menu again.
Deletes saved VPN profiles
Resetting network settings deletes saved VPN configurations on your phone. You must reconnect to your preferred VPN network.
Doesn't affect installed apps, media content, and personal files
The network reset doesn't affect your installed apps, photos, videos, or documents. You don't need to back up your Android phone or Apple iPhone before performing the steps.
Doesn't change other settings
Resetting network settings doesn't touch your applied wallpaper, lock screen settings, home screen setup, or other preferences.
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How to reset the network settings on your iPhone or iPad
Follow the steps below to reset network settings on an iPhone.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll to General.
- Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset at the bottom of the screen.
- Select Reset Network Settings and enter your device password to confirm.
These steps work on iPhones and iPads running iOS and iPadOS 11 and later. If you use an older iOS version, type network in the Settings search bar to find it.
How to reset network settings on your Android phone or tablet
Most Android phone manufacturers use a static Settings app, so things should feel familiar. If you use a Google Pixel or Motorola Phone, the following steps allow you to reset your network settings.
The following tutorial uses Pixel screenshots, but the steps are similar on most Android mobile devices.
- Swipe up from the home screen to open the app drawer.
- Launch the Settings app (the one with a gear icon).
- Scroll down and tap System.
- Select Reset options. It displays a series of settings and preferences you can delete.
- Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
- Tap Reset settings.
How to reset the network settings on a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet
Samsung One UI has a different Settings menu compared to stock Android. The steps to reset network settings differ on a Samsung Galaxy phone.
- Swipe up from the One UI home screen to open the app drawer.
- Launch the Settings app.
- Scroll down to General management.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset network settings.
- Choose a SIM card if you have more than one.
- Tap the Reset settings button from the following screen. Your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data settings for your selected SIM card are deleted.
If you can't find the Reset network settings option on your Android phone, open your phone's Settings app and type network in the search box.
When should you reset network settings on Android and iPhone?
Reset the network settings on your phone when you frequently run into the following issues:
- Wi-Fi doesn't work, or the Wi-Fi network name doesn't show on your phone.
- Bluetooth disconnects automatically or doesn't work.
- Your phone doesn't receive or make calls.
- Frequent call drops.
- The VPN doesn't work as expected.
- There isn't a signal error on your phone.
What other reset options are available?
Most smartphone manufacturers offer options to reset all settings or to erase all data and restore the device to default in the general reset menu. Google includes the option to delete eSIMs and reset app preferences. Samsung lets you reset accessibility settings for features like Talkback, visibility, and hearing enhancements without affecting related keyboard and font size data. On an iPhone, you can reset mobile plans, location and privacy settings, keyboard dictionary, and home screen layout.
Reset all settings vs. reset network settings
You'll find the Reset app preferences (reset all settings on iPhone) and Reset network settings options under the Reset menu on your phone. What's the difference between the two? When you reset all settings, the system resets all preferences for deactivated apps, app notifications, default applications for specific actions, background data restrictions for apps, and permission restrictions. Reset all settings when you experience notification delays, mobile data failure in apps, and other system malfunctions.
Resetting network settings only affects your phone's connections, like Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth. You don't lose app data with either option.
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Troubleshoot network glitches in no time
If you have a connectivity-related issue, try a network reset. If that doesn't work, factory reset your phone. If neither helps, it may be time for an upgrade. Look for a good Android phone with solid 5G and LTE coverage.
