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How to fix common Wi-Fi problems on your phone

Wi-Fi jobs you can finish on the phone: find the saved password, forget a network that keeps failing, stop the phone burning cellular data, and make a hotspot an old laptop can see.

  1. How to see a saved Wi-Fi password on iPhone or Android

    On iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the (i) next to the network, then tap Password. On Android, open the network in Wi-Fi settings and tap Share. You get a QR code with the password written under it.

    Use it when: The password is already on a phone in the house. You do not have to crawl behind the router.

    Wi-Fi & Home tech · Easy · 1 min · Full steps

  2. How to set Private DNS on Android

    Go to Settings > Network & internet > Private DNS, choose Private DNS provider hostname and enter dns.google. If pages stop loading, switch back to Automatic.

    Use it when: DNS queries leave the phone encrypted, which matters on a network you do not trust. A wrong hostname looks like the internet is down.

    Wi-Fi & Home tech · Moderate · 2 min · Full steps

  3. How to make an iPhone hotspot show up on a laptop

    Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and turn on Maximize Compatibility. The hotspot switches to 2.4 GHz, which older laptops can see.

    Use it when: A laptop that cannot see the hotspot usually cannot see the 5 GHz name, not the password.

    Wi-Fi & Home tech · Easy · 1 min · Full steps

  4. How to turn off Wi-Fi Assist on iPhone

    Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service), scroll to the bottom and turn off Wi-Fi Assist. The phone stops jumping to cellular when the Wi-Fi is weak.

    Use it when: You stay on the Wi-Fi you chose, instead of quietly using mobile data because the router is slow.

    Wi-Fi & Home tech · Easy · 1 min · Full steps

  5. How to forget a Wi-Fi network on Android

    On a Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > Internet, tap the network and tap Forget. On Samsung, open Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi, tap the gear next to the network, then Forget.

    Use it when: The phone stops preferring a dead saved network over one that works.

    Wi-Fi & Home tech · Easy · 2 min · Full steps

  6. How to forget a Wi-Fi network on iPhone

    Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the (i) next to the network, then Forget This Network. Join it again and type the password fresh.

    Use it when: A half-saved configuration is a common reason a network you used to join now spins forever.

    Wi-Fi & Home tech · Easy · 2 min · Full steps

Questions people ask

Which iPhones can show a saved Wi-Fi password?

Any iPhone on iOS 16 or later. Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode unlocks the field.

Does Private DNS block ads?

Not with dns.google. Some DNS providers filter ads, but this one only looks up addresses.

Why can't my laptop see my iPhone hotspot?

Many older laptops can't see the 5 GHz band. Maximize Compatibility fixes that. It also helps to keep the Personal Hotspot screen open while the laptop searches.

How much data has Wi-Fi Assist used?

The number is shown right under the Wi-Fi Assist switch.

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