Top 13 Solutions to Fix Android WiFi Authentication Problem

Did you try to connect to a Wi-Fi network recently, but got an authentication problem? Or, did you try to connect your Android device to a Wi-Fi network that you have used with the smartphone before, but authentication error occurred? Don't worry, because this issue is common in some Android smartphones and can be fixed easily.

The authentication error may occur suddenly even if you are sure that you have used the correct Wi-Fi password. This can be annoying when you want to use the internet urgently and it can be even worse when you are unable to use your mobile network. This problem can occur because of various reasons. There can be an issue with the wireless network or with your Android phone or both.

We have given the top 13 solutions in this guide to solve the authentication error Wi-Fi problem. You just need to follow these steps carefully.

Part 1. What Does It Mean When Wi-Fi Says Authentication Problem?

The Wi-Fi authentication error occurs when you are unsuccessfully trying to connect to any Wi-Fi network with the correct password.

Normally, when you try to connect to a Wi-Fi network, the device will connect to that network and save the password. But with this problem, you will get a notification telling that it is authenticating and after a few minutes, you will see "authentication problem" under the network name you are trying to connect to.

When you are trying to connect to a Wi-Fi network, the device will first send a connection request, in an encrypted form, along with the password to the router. Then, the router will compare the password stored on it with the received data.

If the data matches, it will send a signal and the device will get connected. If it doesn't, you will get an authentication error. So, the Android Wi-Fi authentication problem will not let your device connect to the Wi-Fi network.

Part 2. Why Does Authentication Error Occur with Wi-Fi on Android?

The Wi-Fi authentication problem can occur due to multiple reasons. Let's see the possible reasons for this error.

• Whenever the router malfunctions, your device will not connect to Wi-Fi and will deliver a notification saying an authentication error.

• Have you recently updated your device? If yes, the issue might be with its drivers.

• The connection between the device and router must be stable otherwise the authentication error can occur.

• Are you sure you are connecting to the correct Wi-Fi network? You may try to connect to a network with the duplicate name for many times. In such a case, you will get the authentication error.

• Sometimes, based on user's settings, the number of devices that can use the Wi-Fi network is limited. Your device won't connect to the network if that number exceeds.

Part 3. 6 Advanced Ways to Fix Authentication Problem on Android

Most users do not want to waste time trying too many ways to fix this, so the advanced ways are recommended first.

1. Change Wireless Network Configuration from DHCP to Static

An IP conflict can cause any type of connection to drop, regardless of the wireless router you use. Even the Android devices can face such kind of issue, giving you authentication error. Solve this issue by changing the setting from DHCP, which is the default setting, to Static IP.

Step 1: Open Settings and choose the Wi-Fi connection.

Step 2: Long press on the Wi-Fi name and choose Modify Network.

Step 3: Check the Show Advanced Settings box and then look for IP settings. Now, change the network from DHCP to Static.

Step 4: You will see an IP address field below. Note down and save the information that is in the static IP address field and then delete it.

Step 5: After a few seconds, re-enter the same information and then save it.

Contact your service provider if you are unsure of the settings that are displayed.

2. Update Android OS

Always make sure that your Android OS is updated to the latest version. When you don't update the device, the chances are that many of the bugs will not be solved.

Step 1: Go to Settings -> About Phone.

Step 2: The "System Updates" option will be displayed. This will show if there is an update available. In some Android models, there will be a separate tab for System Update in the Settings.

Step 3: Now, if there is an update available, download the update first and then install it.

Step 4: You will be asked to reboot the device. Confirm and check if the issue is solved.

3. Use WPS Push Button

WPS, also known as Wi-Fi Protected Setup, is a security standard for creating a home network without any password.

Step 1: Go to Settings -> Wireless & Networks -> Advanced Settings. Depending on your modes, you can find multiple WPS options.

Step 2: Tap on a WPS Push-button. WPS setup, waiting for configuration from your router, will appear on your screen.

Step 3: On your router, press the WPS button and wait for the connection to establish.

4. Use A Specialized Android System Repair Tool

Sometimes this authentication error will occur due to unknown software problems, so the best way is to rely on a professional Android system repair tool to help you. Here iMyFone Fixppo for Android is highly recommended. It has the highest repairing rate and speed, so all related Android issues can be solved within minutes. In addition, it has been trusted by many famous websites.

The steps are very simple: download the proper firmware -> enter device into download mode with the on-screen instructions -> start to fix automatically. So what are you waiting for? Download the free trial version now!

5. Factory Reset Your Android Device

When you have tried all the possible solutions for solving this problem and still you are getting Wi-Fi authentication error, the last option is to factory reset your Android smartphone. Please note that this method will erase all the data on your device.

When you perform a factory reset, all the Android apps and data will be removed and all the settings will be reset to default. So before performing the factory reset, make sure that you back up all the personal data of your device.

6. Contact Your Mobile Carrier

Even after trying all the methods if you see Wi-Fi authentication error, you need to contact your mobile carrier to check whether there is something wrong with the hardware. Don't forget to mention the solutions you have already tried for solving this error so that you don't have to go through the above methods again.

Part 4. Common Checks to Fix Android Wi-Fi Authentication Problem

Just like most of the issues, there cannot be a single solution for the Wi-Fi authentication problem. If you want to use the simple ways first, try these following solutions one by one for solving the Android Wi-Fi authentication problem.

1. Reset the Wi-Fi Network

To solve this error, the first thing you can do is to reset the connection between the router and the Android device. This solution has helped many users in solving the Wi-Fi authentication error. When you reset, many other network-related issues also get solved.

Step 1: Open Settings and open Wi-Fi under Network Connections.

Step 2: Multiple Wi-Fi connection names will be listed. Find the one you are trying to connect to and then long-press on it. Two options will be shown-Forget Network and Modify Network.

Step 3: Choose the Forget Network option.

Step 4: Now enter the password and try to reconnect to the Wi-Fi network. Check if the device is connected to the network.

2. Restart the Router

Sometimes the electronic devices start working correctly when restarted. All the elements in the device will start afresh, thereby solving the issues you are facing. So, try to restart the router to see if you are able to connect your device to the Wi-Fi network.

Step 1: Press the switch and turn off the wireless router. Wait for a few minutes and then turn on the router.

Step 2: It will take time before any device can connect to the router.

Step 3: Now, connect your device and check if the connection is established.

3. Reset Network Settings

One of the simplest solutions is to reset the network settings of your Android device. All the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile network settings will be reset to the factory settings.

Step 1: Open Settings and go to Backup & Reset.

Step 2: Next, go to the Network Reset settings option.

Step 3: Tap on Reset Settings and wait for the process to complete.

Step 4: Once the process completes, open the Wi-Fi settings and try to connect to the Wi-Fi network.

4. Turn Airplane Mode on/off

Many of us use the Airplane mode either when we want to play a game without any disturbance or when we board a plane. Turning on Airplane mode can be useful because often the mobile network signal may interfere with the wireless network. When you enable the Airplane mode, the RF signal transmission on your phone is turned off.

Step 1: Open Settings on your device and turn off the mobile and Wi-Fi network. You can also do this by pulling down the quick settings menu.

Step 2: Now, turn on the Airplane mode.

Step 3: With the Airplane mode on, turn on Wi-Fi on your device and connect to the wireless network. If your device gets connected to the Wi-Fi network successfully, you can open settings and turn off the Airplane mode.

5. Check the Number of Supported Devices

Few modems can support only a certain number of devices. You need to check through the manufacturer or the service provider. Now, go to the Wi-Fi router settings and check the maximum number of devices that can connect to the wireless network. Increase the number of devices and save the settings.

6. Check Network Security Type

Sometimes the network security type can be a reason for this error. If you know the username and password of the wireless router, you can easily change the network security type.

If WPA is the security protocol, change it to WPA2 and vice versa. Now, in your Android smartphone, follow the steps given above and tap on Forget Network. After a few minutes, reconnect to the wireless network.

7. Check the Network Name for Duplicates

Often the authentication problem occurs when the username and password of the wireless network do not match. You might be confident of entering the right password, but the chances are that you are connecting to the wrong network with a similar name.

If you are connecting to some other wireless network by mistake, you will definitely experience this error. The only solution for this is to change the network name (if you are on the home wireless network) to avoid any confusion. Now check if your device is able to connect to the wireless network.

Conclusion

These are the top solutions for solving the authentication problem. After trying the above methods, we hope your device successfully got connected to the desired wireless network. You need to follow the steps carefully in order to solve this problem or you can give a try on Fixppo for Android. The authentication error can occur at any time, but now you know what to do when it occurs in the future.