If your Wi-Fi stopped connecting right after an Android security update, you’re not imagining things. This happens more often than people expect. In most cases, the update resets or conflicts with saved network settings rather than breaking the hardware itself.
The quickest fix is usually simple: remove the saved Wi-Fi network and add it again. If that doesn’t solve it, work through the steps below in order — each one addresses a common post-update issue.
Start by Forgetting and Re-adding the Network
Security updates sometimes rebuild system networking files. Old connection profiles can become incompatible.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network & Internet → Internet or Wi-Fi.
- Tap your connected network.
- Select Forget.
- Restart the phone.
- Reconnect by entering the Wi-Fi password again.
This alone fixes many cases because it forces Android to create a clean connection profile.
Check If Private DNS Was Changed
Some updates silently enable or modify Private DNS settings. When the DNS server doesn’t respond correctly, Wi-Fi appears connected but nothing loads.
- Open Settings → Network & Internet.
- Tap Private DNS.
- Select Automatic or Off.
- Reconnect to Wi-Fi and test again.
If internet access immediately returns, the DNS configuration was the cause.
Reset Network Settings (Safe but Effective)
If the update altered multiple background settings, resetting networking clears them all at once. This does not erase apps or photos, but it will remove saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings.
- Open Settings.
- Go to System → Reset options.
- Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
- Confirm the reset.
After the phone restarts, reconnect to Wi-Fi normally.
Turn Off Randomized MAC Address (If Your Router Is Strict)
Newer Android updates sometimes switch networks to a randomized MAC address for privacy. Certain routers — especially older ones or office networks — reject the new identity.
- Open Wi-Fi settings.
- Select your network.
- Find Privacy or MAC Address Type.
- Change it from Randomized to Device MAC.
Reconnect afterward and check stability.
Clear System Cache (When Problems Started Immediately After Updating)
Temporary system files left over from the update can interfere with connectivity.
- Power off the phone.
- Boot into recovery mode (usually Power + Volume Up).
- Select Wipe cache partition if available.
- Restart the device.
Not every manufacturer includes this option, so skip it if you don’t see it.
A Practical Tip
Before assuming the phone is at fault, briefly restart your router. After an update, devices sometimes request new security handshakes that older router sessions don’t handle cleanly.
Once the network profile is rebuilt or settings are reset, Wi-Fi normally returns to stable operation without further changes.