You connect to Wi-Fi, everything works normally, and the password saves without issue. But after restarting the phone, the network appears again as if it were new. The device asks for the password every time it boots. In some cases, multiple saved networks disappear at once.
This usually points to a problem with how Android is storing network credentials rather than an issue with the router itself. Saved Wi-Fi data lives inside system storage tied to user profiles and security services. When that storage fails to write properly — or something clears it during startup — Android simply loads without remembering previous connections.
Check if Battery Optimization Is Restricting System Services
Some devices aggressively manage background processes. If system connectivity services are restricted, saved configurations may not reload correctly after reboot.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps or Apps & Notifications.
- Tap the menu and choose Show system apps.
- Find Wi-Fi, Connectivity Services, or Android System.
- Open Battery.
- Set to Unrestricted or disable battery optimization.
Restart the device once and reconnect to Wi-Fi. Then reboot again to confirm the password remains saved.
Reset Network Settings
Corrupted network configuration files are one of the most common causes. A network reset rebuilds those files without affecting personal data.
- Open Settings.
- Go to System → Reset Options.
- Select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth.
- Confirm the reset.
You will need to reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward. Once reconnected, reboot the phone and check whether the password persists.
Verify Date and Time Settings
Incorrect system time can break credential validation during startup. Android may discard saved authentication data if timestamps do not match security checks.
- Open Settings → Date & Time.
- Enable Automatic date and time.
- Enable Automatic time zone.
Restart the device and reconnect to the network.
Check Work Profile or Guest Mode
If the device switches profiles during reboot, saved networks may belong to a different user environment.
Make sure the phone boots into the main user account and not Guest Mode or a managed work profile. Remove unused profiles under Settings → System → Multiple Users if necessary.
Clear System Cache (Recovery Mode)
After updates, cached system data can interfere with saved configurations.
- Power off the phone.
- Boot into recovery mode using the device’s hardware key combination.
- Select Wipe cache partition (not factory reset).
- Restart normally.
This does not erase personal files but forces Android to rebuild temporary system data.
Optional Alternative: Check for System Updates
Several Android versions have shipped with Wi-Fi credential bugs that were later fixed through security patches.
- Open Settings → System Update.
- Install any available updates.
If passwords remain saved after the next reboot, the issue was likely caused by corrupted network configuration or restricted system services during startup.