Frequent network issues on your Android phone or iPhone can be frustrating, whether it’s persistent signal drops, Bluetooth glitches, or Wi-Fi connectivity issues. A quick reboot or toggling Airplane mode usually fixes the problem. But if that doesn’t work, you may need to reset your phone’s network settings. A network reset is simple and doesn’t delete all the content on your phone. This guide shows the step-by-step process of resetting your network on Android and iOS and what happens when you do so.

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.

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.

Saved Bluetooth profiles

Resetting network settings deletes the paired Bluetooth devices on your phone. You’ll need to reconnect your high-end wireless earbuds, headphones, smart car head unit, and smart speaker to your phone.

Mobile network settings

When you reset network settings on your phone, the system reverts cellular settings to the default. You must select your cellular network preferences from the settings menu again.

VPN profiles

Resetting network settings deletes the saved VPN configurations on your phone. You must reconnect your preferred VPN network.

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 iPhone before performing the steps.

Other settings

Resetting network settings doesn’t touch your applied wallpaper, lock screen settings, homescreen setup, or other preferences.

How to reset the network settings on your iPhone or iPad

Follow the steps below to reset network settings on an iPhone.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll to General.

3. Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Tap Reset at the bottom of the screen.

5. Select Reset Network Settings and enter your device password to confirm.

How to reset network settings on your Android phone or tablet

Most Android phone manufacturers use the stock Settings app. If you own a Google or Motorola phone, follow these steps to reset your network settings.

1. Swipe up from the homescreen to open the app drawer.
2. Launch the Settings app (the one with a gear icon).
3. Scroll down and tap System.
4. Select Reset options. It brings up a series of settings and preferences you can delete.

5. Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
6. Tap Reset settings.

How to reset the network settings on a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet

Samsung’s One UI has a different Settings menu compared to stock Android. The steps to reset network settings differ on a Samsung Galaxy phone.

1. Swipe up from the One UI homescreen to open the app drawer.
2. Launch the Settings app.
3. Scroll down to General management.

4. Tap Reset.
5. Tap Reset network settings. You’re asked to choose a SIM card if you have more than one.
6. Tap the Reset settings button from the following screen. Your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data settings for your selected SIM card are deleted.

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 have options to reset all settings or 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. Meanwhile, 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, your keyboard dictionary, and your homescreen 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. You can reset all settings when you experience notification delays, mobile data failure in specific apps, and other system malfunctions.

Meanwhile, resetting network settings only affects your phone’s connections, like Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth. You don’t lose any app data with either option.

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. You can find a good Samsung phone at every price that has solid LTE and 5G coverage, and they’re perennial contenders on our best 5G phones list.