We often think that the only way to fix a malfunctioning Android phone is to perform a complete factory reset. However, Before reaching that dramatic point, it is usually better to try less aggressive solutions.especially when the problems are related to the internet connection or wireless devices.
When your WiFi keeps disconnecting, mobile data isn't working properly, or Bluetooth is choppy, a very useful option is Reset only network settings on AndroidThis function erases the settings of all connections (WiFi, mobile data, Bluetooth, and in many cases, VPN) and returns them to their original state, without affecting your photos, apps, or personal files.
What does resetting network settings on Android really mean?
When you perform this type of reset, the system removes any custom settings you've accumulated over time, so that All network options are reset to their factory settings.It's something like resetting only the connectivity part of the phone, without affecting the rest of the operating system.
In practice, this means that they are deleted all the WiFi networks you had saved, including their passwords, so you'll have to manually re-enter them when you want to reconnect to your router or any other wireless network.
They are also eliminated saved Bluetooth connectionsThis means the phone "forgets" the headphones, watches, speakers, or other accessories you had paired, and you'll have to pair them again from scratch, as if it were the first time you connected them.
On many Android devices, a network reset also affects mobile data and APN settingsThis will delete any custom access points and advanced settings you may have changed, which is helpful if any changes to those menus have caused your mobile internet to stop working properly.
In some cases, this type of reset also intervenes in VPN and call settings, restoring parameters that may have been damaged or misconfigured and that may cause problems with the secure connection or with the quality and stability of voice calls.
Common problems that can be solved by resetting the network
Resetting network settings isn't magic and doesn't solve absolutely everything, but It is one of the first recommended actions when the problem is clearly related to connectivity. and not with the overall performance of the phone or with failures of specific applications.
One of the most typical cases is when The WiFi disconnects on its own, fails to connect, or gets stuck on "obtaining IP address".If the router works fine with other devices and only your mobile phone is malfunctioning, this type of reset can clear a corrupted configuration that prevents the phone from properly negotiating the connection.
Problems also frequently arise with mobile dataThis can happen, for example, when the 4G/5G icon appears but pages don't load, or when the signal is good but you still can't access the internet. In these cases, clearing and resetting the network settings will regenerate the internal configurations that manage the connection with your carrier.
Bluetooth is another sensitive area: pairing failures, sound cuts when using wireless headphones, problems connecting the phone to the car… All of this can stem from damaged or improperly saved Bluetooth profilesThis is usually solved by resetting network parameters and re-linking devices from scratch.
If you use VPN for remote work or for secure connectivitySome issues (such as the VPN not connecting, continuously disconnecting, or interfering with the rest of the connection) may also disappear after deleting the configuration and recreating the VPN profile from a "clean" state.
To a lesser extent, network reset can help with certain anomalies when making or receiving callsFor example, when there is network registration problems from your operator or specific errors in the configuration of VoLTE calls or similar, although it is not a universal solution for everything related to telephony.
In contrast, this type of restoration It doesn't delete your photos, videos, documents, apps, or accounts.So all your personal content remains intact. It also doesn't modify other phone settings that aren't directly related to connectivity (sound, screen, language, etc.).
Unlike a factory reset, here It is not strictly necessary to make a full backupSince you won't lose your personal data, it's still a good idea to keep your Wi-Fi passwords and other relevant configuration information written down or saved somewhere.
It is also important to consider that this process can't be undoneOnce the network settings are deleted, there is no "back" button, so you will have to configure everything manually again if you want to restore the previous state.
On many Android models, after the reset is complete The phone restarts automatically to apply the changes, something that is within normal limits and usually only takes a few seconds to complete, without you having to intervene.
How to reset only network settings on Android step by step
The exact menu may vary slightly depending on your phone brand (Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, etc.) and the Android version you have, but the general idea is always the same: access the reset section within the system settings and choose the specific network settings option.
On many devices, the typical path is to go to Settings > System > Reset options And within that menu, tap on the option similar to “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth” or “Reset network settings”, which is the one you need in this case.
On Samsung phones and other similar custom interfaces, the path may vary slightly, often being found under Settings > General management > Reset > Reset network settingsAt that point, you just need to press the button to start the process.
If you can't find the option because the manufacturer has placed it elsewhere, a very simple way is to go into the Settings app and use the internal search engine at the topby typing texts like "reset network settings" or "reset network" so that the system itself takes you directly to the correct section.
When you tap on the reset option, the phone will display a message warning that All saved WiFi networks, data connections, and Bluetooth devices will be deleted.There will usually be a button like “Reset network settings” that you will have to press to confirm.
For security reasons, the phone will ask you to you identify yourself with your PIN, pattern, password or fingerprintso that no one can perform this action without your consent. Once the credentials are entered, the system will proceed with the deletion.
The time required to complete the reset is usually very short, just a few secondsIn most cases, the device will automatically restart or display a notification indicating that the process has finished and the network settings have been reset.
When your phone is working again, you'll notice that You are no longer connected to any WiFi networkThe Bluetooth headphones or watches may not appear as paired, and you may need to reconfigure the data connection if necessary, although Android usually detects the mobile network automatically.
In some models, within this same reset menu you will also find additional options such as “Reset app preferences”These don't directly affect the network, but they can be useful if you're having problems with apps that crash, close on their own, or behave strangely.
When does it make sense to reset network settings?
This type of reset is especially useful when the phone's behavior has changed for no apparent reason and problems begin to appear. connection failures that are difficult to explainespecially if you have ruled out that the problem comes from the router, your operator or another external factor.
If you've been tinkering with advanced network menus, changing APNs, WiFi settings, or network modes, and now you can't remember exactly what you changed, Resetting the network is a quick way to undo all those changes. and get back to a clean base without having to go through each adjustment individually.
It can also be very practical when the mobile phone has been used by someone else (for example, a family member has had it for a while) and You don't know in detail which network configurations have been alteredbecause in one step you ensure that everything is as if you were turning it on for the first time in this respect.
On the other hand, if you're only detecting problems with isolated applications (for example, an app that keeps crashing, running slowly, or constantly crashing), you might not need to touch the network; instead, you can reset that application individuallyby clearing its cache or data from the Settings > Applications menu.
When the problems are more widespread, such as apps crashing in sequence, consuming too much battery or data, or causing the phone to become unstable, there is a specific option on many Android devices called “Reset app preferences” which returns all apps to their default settings, without uninstalling them but removing restrictions, modified notifications, and altered permissions.
What happens when you reset app preferences (related but different)
While it's not exactly the same as resetting network settings, it's still useful to know what this function does. reset application preferencessince it is sometimes confused and, in certain cases, can complement the network reset when the problems are mixed between connectivity and apps.
This reset is used primarily when The applications frequently crash, fail to open, or do not function as they should.as well as when you notice that your mobile phone is slower than normal or responds late and you suspect that an app is causing the problem.
Using this function does not lose your personal data, but it does delete several internal settings: The default apps for opening files or performing specific actions are reset.The applications you had manually disabled reappear, and notification and data access permissions are restored to their original state.
Among the things that are reverted are notification preferences (for example, if you had hidden content on the lock screen), as well as changes to permissions granted or denied to applicationsso many of them will ask you again if they can access the camera, location, storage, etc.
To use this option, you usually just need to go to Settings or Configuration > System > Reset options > Reset application preferences and confirm by clicking the "Reset" button, understanding that this is not a data deletion, but a return to the default settings of all installed apps.
When is it necessary to go beyond network restoration?
It may happen that, despite resetting the network settings, the problems remain exactly the sameIn that case, the problem is most likely not caused by a corrupted phone configuration, but by another issue that you'll need to investigate to avoid wasting time going around in circles.
If the problems affect the WiFi internet connection, one of the first things to check is the router: Restart it, check if other devices connect correctly And check that there are no service interruptions with your operator, which is often the real reason for the problem.
When problems are limited to mobile data (for example, no connection outside the home, very unstable data, or constant signal loss), it's worth checking SIM card statusTry it on another phone and check with your operator if there are any issues in the area or on your particular line.
Regarding Bluetooth, if you've already reset the network and it's still not working, it's a good idea Try the mobile phone with other Bluetooth accessories to see if the problems recur. If it only happens with a specific device, the fault may lie with that accessory and not the phone.
If after all that you suspect the source is in the terminal itself, perhaps there is some kind of hardware failure in WiFi, Bluetooth or mobile network antennas, in which case the most sensible solution is to go to the official technical service or a specialized center for a more thorough review.
And in extreme cases, when there are many mixed faults, performance is very poor and the phone behaves unpredictably, it may be necessary to consider a full factory resetThis option will completely erase all your data and applications, so you should first make sure you have a backup in your Google account or another system you use.
Android, in the most recent models, even offers certain digital wallets the option to save a copy of the transport cards with balance before performing a full wipe, a reminder will appear on devices with Android 15 or higher when the wallet provider supports this feature.
Resetting only the network settings on Android is a very useful tool for resolving connection problems without having to format the entire phone.Provided you keep in mind what should be erased and what shouldn't, and that you're prepared to reconfigure your Wi-Fi networks, mobile data, and Bluetooth devices. If errors persist after trying this, it's time to look further: router, service provider, accessories, or even the phone's hardware itself, relying on other reset options or technical support if the situation requires it.
