Recently, I tried to connect to my WIFI network but I got the “Android WIFI Authentication Error.” I must admit that I was taken aback by the error, however, I managed to compile a list of tips to help solve the WIFI authentication problem for Android devices. The WIFI authentication problem pops up when you fail to successfully connect to a WIFI network even after you have entered the correct password. Now, this error is puzzling for it does not identify why you have failed to connect to the network. That’s when this guide will play the “Wonder Woman” role.
Contents
Check Number of Supported Devices
Before you put the blame on your Android device, check the maximum supported devices of your WIFI source. Some WIFI sources (Routers, Modems, MIFIs) limit the number of device connections at a particular time. For example, I usually hotspot from my iPhone 5 device, and the number of device connections enabled is only 3. Therefore, if the fourth device connects it will automatically get an authentication problem until one of the connected devices disconnects.
Enable & Disable the Airplane Mode
Now that you are considering troubleshooting your Andriod phone, toggling on and off your Airplane Mode feature might eradicate your Authentication problem. To do that, swipe down from the top of your phone to see the quick access icons, and tap “Airplane mode.” (The icon will be shaped like an airplane.) Wait several seconds and tap the icon a second time to turn it off. Check your Wi-Fi and see if it now connects properly.
Reset WIFI Connection
Consider resetting your WiFI connection every time the authentication problem pops up. This simply details the act of switching off the WIFI connection then switching it on after a few minutes.
- Launch the Settings app on your Android device.
- Tap on WIFI.
- Toggle the WIFI connection off.
- Then toogle the WIFI connection on after a few seconds.
- Select the WIFI you want to connect to.
I hope you have connected your device successfully. If you still face an Authentication problem, tap on the WIFI connection that you have chosen then click on “Forget this Network“. Go back to the WIFI menu, select the WIFI network you want to connect to, and enter the password.
Change from DHCP to Static
- On your Android device, go to Settings > Wireless and Networks > Wi-Fi.
- Tap the Wi-Fi name you want to connect to, and a popping-up box will appear.
- Hit the Modify Network option or any related option depending on the model.
- Check the box beside Show advance options.
- Under the IP settings, change it from DHCP to Static. An IP Address field will appear below.
- Write down the information included in the static IP address fields then delete it from the device, re-enter it again, and save.
Update your Android Device
If your phone is up to date, I guarantee you that your Android phone will rarely face such errors. Each new update provides improvements that are meant to support your device to work smoothly. Outdated software might have bugs that affect the functionality of your device. To update your Andriod Software;
- Launch the Settings app on your device.
- Opt for the System option from the displayed Setting Menu.
- Choose System Update.
- Tap on Check Update then click Update.
Use WPS Push Button
WIFI Protected Setup (WPS) can be best explained as a network security standard that creates a secure wireless home network without entering your password.
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Tap on Wireless and Networks then select the Advance settings.
- Click on the WPS connection
- The WPS setup page will appear on the screen waiting for the configuration from the router.
- Go to your router and press the WPS button and wait for the connection to be successful on your android device.
Restart Andriod Device or Wifi Device
When facing the authentication problem, you might not know which of the two devices is causing the issue. Therefore to solve the problem, you will have to restart both the Android device and the Wifi device. Restarting the devices will clear out everything in RAM including whatever is causing the authentication issue.
- To Reboot Andriod Device;
- Press and hold the Power button on your Andriod device.
- Click on the Restart option.
- The phone will immediately restart. Patiently wait for the restart process to complete.
- Turn off and on the Wifi Source Device (Router, Moderm, MIFI) or if you are using a hotspot from a phone, just press the power button and restart.