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While you can rely on your data when you’re away from home to go online, you probably use your home network as often as possible. One of the big complaints from Android users that popped up recently is that they get a notice that they need to sign into their WiFi network. Learn how easily you can get rid of this annoying little message.

AdobeStock_222570990 Woman hand using smartphone with wifi icon in cafe shop background

Phone Keeps Asking “Sign-In to Wireless Network”: Causes & Fixes

Even if you have unlimited data from your cell phone provider, the company will likely throttle your speed when you use a certain amount. That’s why so many people now use WiFi whenever possible to reduce the amount of data they use. You can check why your phone keeps telling you to sign in to your network and how to fix it.

1. Start with the Router

While it’s easy to blame your phone for this message, it might be your router’s fault. The router picks up the signal from your modem and allows you to connect all your devices to use that signal. If your router cannot maintain a stable internet connection, your phone will issue this message.

It lets you know that the phone keeps finding and losing the connection. To fix it, do an internet speed test. You can also check how well other devices connect to the router. It’s also a good idea to turn the router off and back on again to refresh it and let it fix any internal problems.

2. Add a Password

Sometimes, your phone asks you to sign into a wireless network because you use a few different networks. Do you use your phone on your home network and one at work?

The chances are good that your phone keeps bouncing between networks and asking you to sign in because you use open or public networks. Adding a password can help you with this problem because it tells your phone that you’re on a closed or private network. You need to add a password to your router and then transfer it to your phone.

3. Change Your Phone Settings

Most Android phones have a setting that automatically alerts you when a WiFi signal is available. Whether you’re at home or on the go, your phone may release this message every few hours as it picks up new signals.

You can turn it off and keep those messages from popping up. Open Settings, Advanced Settings, and WiFi. Disable the setting that alerts you to new connections. You may need to go to Connections, More Connections, and More Connection Settings instead. Find the option for Nearby Device Scanning and turn it off. This keeps your phone from looking and alerting you of new connections.

4. Pick Your Current Network

Before you can use your phone on WiFi, you need to pick a network. Bring down the notification bar on your phone and hold down on the WiFi button to reach the WiFi settings. Turn off your WiFi and then restart your phone. You will then go back to the WiFi settings and look at the available networks.

Pick the one that you use at home and enter your password. The next time that you leave and come back, your phone will automatically find this network and log you into it. It will also establish this as your primary network and keep you from getting messages that you need to sign in to a WiFi network.

5. Look for Updates

Skipping the updates released for your phone is a major mistake. It can prevent you from using some features and cause problems because you don’t get the patches required for some apps. Even missing just one or two updates can cause some big problems in the future.

Go to Settings, Advanced Settings, System Update, and Find the Update Status. When you pick this option, your phone looks for all of the current and available updates. It will let you download and install all of those updates, but you can also pick and choose which ones you want. You usually want to pick all of the available updates.

6. Turn Off Airplane Mode

Airplane mode is a helpful setting that turns off some features of your phone. You can use it on a flight to avoid getting phone calls and text messages until you land. It’s also great to use at home when you want to avoid distractions.

The problem is that you might turn on airplane mode and forget to turn it back off. Use your notification bar to find the airplane mode button. Hold down on the button until it turns dark to ensure it’s off.

7. Turn Off Your Notifications

Phone notifications come in handy for dozens of different reasons. You get notifications when someone calls or sends a text message and when you get messages on social media or fill all of your lives in a popular game. These notifications will also include messages about signing into WiFi networks.

The next time you get this message, use one of your fingers to pull the notification bar down from the top of your phone screen. Press and hold on to the notification and wait for a new window or screen to pop up. You can then turn off or mute the notifications to stop them.

8. Turn Your WiFi On and Off

Turning your WiFi on and off is one of the easiest ways to fix the problem that causes this message to appear. You can pull down the notification bar and press the WiFi button to access its settings on most phones. If you can’t use the notification bar, go to Settings, Advanced Settings, Connection, or WiFi Settings.

You should see a slider bar right next to the WiFi. Slide this bar to the other side to turn off your WiFi. Restart your phone and then go back into the settings. Turn your WiFi back on and see if it will use the same connection for longer without asking you to sign into a network.

9. Reboot Your Phone

When was the last time you rebooted your phone? If you’re like most people, you probably use it 24/7 and never take the time to turn it off and back on again. Now is a good time to take this simple step.

It helps your phone run a little faster and delete temporary files. If you made changes to your WiFi settings and haven’t yet restarted your phone, you should do so now. Keep your phone off for a minimum of five minutes. When you turn it back on, connect to your WiFi.

10. Change the IP Address

All devices you use online have an IP address. Changing the IP address of your phone may help you get rid of these messages and notifications. Go to Wireless & Networks from your Settings and then WiFi. Select Modify Network and Advanced Options.

You need to scroll down to find the IP address box. Click on the box and enter a new address. It’s usually helpful to stick with an address close to your old one as your phone provider may look at your location. You can then restart your phone and see if it cuts down on your sign-in alerts.

Conclusion

If your phone keeps saying that you need to sign in to a WiFi network, it can relate to a problem with your router or phone. We found some of the best solutions you can use to end those messages once and for all. Try all these remedies to use WiFi on your phone without getting multiple notifications daily.