(Solved) Why does my Wi-Fi keep turning off on my phone – How to fix

Despite 4G and 3G data connections being more flexible and convenient than ever before, none of them beats the rapid transmission rate of Wi-Fi. However, the Wi-Fi function on phones is far from perfect. Let us look at why your Wi-Fi keep turns off on your phone.

Today, Wi-Fi is one of the most used means of connectivity as it allows people to connect to the internet from any device without having to plug into a wall socket or a modem. As a result, it is a convenient and flexible means of accessing the internet since you do not have to stay tethered at one spot.

However, this type of connection can also become very irritating, especially when it keeps turning off when using it for an important task or streaming your favorite shows. The problem could be emanating from the router, the network, or the phone itself. In this article, we shall see some reasons and possible fixes as to why your Wi-Fi keeps turning off on your phone.

Why does my Wi-Fi keep turning off on my phone

Connected to the wrong Wi-Fi network

Your network can connect to the wrong Wi-Fi home network if you have two neighboring unsecured Wi-Fi networks with the same SSID name.  Such misdirection resulting from connecting to the wrong Wi-Fi network causes the Wi-Fi to turn off on connected devices as it tries to establish a secure connection by always leaving one network to join another.

Take the proper security measures on your connected devices to ensure that they are on the right network to avoid connectivity problems. Consider setting up your devices to avoid picking up any unsecured Wi-Fi signals automatically by reassessing its settings.

Insufficient Wi-Fi hotspot network range

Many Wi-Fi users experience poor speeds and connectivity on their devices because they are on the edge of the network. You may notice that the connection is fast in one room, but immediately you walk into another room, the speed slows down, or the Wi-Fi completely turns off on your phone. As the distance from your router/hotspot increases, the more your signal strength reduces, primarily if there exist other interferences and obstructions from consumer electronics.

An immediate solution to this issue is moving closer to the hotspot/router. You may also relocate your router/hotspot to a central location in the house or office to enable all devices to connect anywhere. You can also improving your Wi-Fi signal strength by using antennas, range extenders, or mesh networks. The issue may also be eliminated by purchasing a new wireless router that offers a more reliable connection.

Overloaded Wi-Fi network

Your home and hardware may be suitable to avoid interference and accommodate Wi-Fi signals, but if there are too many connected devices, the available bandwidth in your network reduces significantly for each device. As a result, users experience slow connections as websites do not open, videos stop playing, and eventually, the device will turn off the Wi-Fi.

Test your internet speed and determine whether you are receiving the rates you are paying your ISP for or, as stated on the router’s box. If your speed is drastically slower than expected, the issue may be because of your router or modem, or your network has too many connected devices.

Similarly, disconnect some devices, like the TV, gaming consoles, or some phones, off the network to re-establish the desired Wi-Fi connection speeds. You may also disable applications or programs that consume a lot of bandwidth while in use, like OneDrive.

Interference from radio waves and other obstructions

When connected devices use Wi-Fi signals to access the internet, radio waves transmit such signals. However, various factors can affect the transmission of these radio waves, making your connection quite unreliable.

The most effective way to get rid of such radio interference is to consider the router/hotspot location, possible obstructions, and how to reduce the interference from other household appliances or wireless networks.

The position of your router significantly affects its signal strength and coverage range. It is advisable to strategically locate your router in a central location to ensure all rooms get an equally strong signal. If the router has antennas, position them vertically and elevate your router away from the floors. Pay attention to the materials/obstructions, like a metal desk or a thick wall, next to the router.

Various consumer electronic products, like baby monitors, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, or garage door openers, contain radio signals that interfere with the Wi-Fi network signal. Find out if your phone stops connecting to the Wi-Fi when you are right next to the microwave or other similar appliances. Change the position of your network equipment or alter some Wi-Fi radio settings to avoid such interference.

If you are using cordless phones, replace your phone with a phone that uses a different frequency from your Wi-Fi router. If the problem is your microwave oven, consider changing its position or not connecting to the Wi-Fi network while next to it. You may also consider buying a new microwave with better shielding capabilities.

Outdated network drivers and firmware

Every connected device, including phones, use a Wi-Fi software known as the device driver, while routers utilize firmware to allow connectivity between the internet and various devices. Every once in a while, these pieces of software become obsolete or corrupted, causing a disconnection from the network, among other wireless issues.

Almost every network manufacturer has a support page that allows its consumers to download and install update files for their drivers. If your current driver is an older version from what is available on the site, upgrade it to the newest version to avoid your device from disconnecting the Wi-Fi network.

Similarly, consider updating your device’s network driver, if necessary. For example, if your Android phone continually turns off its Wi-Fi signal, update its network drivers from the relevant website.

Conclusion

After considering all the issues and possible fixes mentioned above, your Wi-Fi connection should be more stable. If you do not notice an improvement, consider replacing your router or restarting your hotspot as the issue may be from your hardware. Contact your wireless provider, or your device’s manufacturer’s for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop my mobile data from turning off automatically on my phone?

Check your Data Usage settings and restrict Background data from the menu to stop your phone from automatically turning off the mobile data.

Is it common for cell phones to lose reception ever time?

Generally, phones made before a specific time are likely to lack the capability to connect to the latest telecommunication networks.