Ways to fix authentication errors when connecting to wifi on Android OS. Authentication error when connecting to WiFi - Effective solutions What does it mean that a network authentication error has occurred

16.01.2024 Reviews

The capabilities of modern phones go far beyond voice communication. With no less success, they can be used to store and edit files and, of course, to connect to the global network. Since mobile standards are most often limited by providers, owners of gadgets based on Android and iOS most often use Wi-Fi technology to connect to the Internet. But the mere presence of a Wi-Fi module in a mobile device does not guarantee a connection to the network.

It happens that the phone does not connect to Wi-Fi, displaying errors or notifying the user that the connection is impossible. Most often this happens due to a failure or incorrect settings of the device itself, but the same results can be caused by incorrect router configuration, modification of system files, installation of custom firmware, inconsistency of communication standards, virus infection and, in rare cases, failure of the Wi-Fi module . So, let's try to look in more detail at why the phone doesn't connect to Wi-Fi and how it can be fixed.

Incorrect password entry, temporary failure

This error usually occurs when the Wi-Fi network cannot recognize the device connected to it. The reason is most often trivial - the user makes a mistake when entering the password and, as a result, receives a corresponding message.

Check that the password you entered is correct and try to connect again. Also pay attention to the name of the network. The Wi-Fi module on your phone detects not only your network, but also other access points, which may have similar names, for example, mydoms and mydons. Make sure you are connecting to your network and not your neighbor's.

If up to this point there have been no problems with authentication, first try rebooting your smartphone and the router itself; perhaps there was some kind of temporary glitch. Is your phone still unable to connect to your Wi-Fi network? Delete the saved network in the WLAN settings and try to reconnect.

The example discussed above is the simplest, but more often everything is a little more complicated, being associated with incorrect settings of the router itself.

Router settings

You connect to the network, but the phone does not connect to Wi-Fi, it says saved WPA2 or WPA. After a few seconds, the “Authentication Error” message appears. If the password is correct, there is most likely something wrong with the router's security settings. It may also be that the phone says “Saved,” but the connection is still not established. It’s easy to get into the router settings; you just need to go to the internal address in the browser 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 . It is more difficult to understand its interface, since it can differ significantly in different router models.

By default, the login and password are used to log in admin/admin(look at the bottom of the case). Before making any changes to your router settings, remove the network from your phone, or at least disconnect. It is also advisable to create a backup copy of your router settings - if you suddenly get confused or do something wrong, you can always restore. After making changes to the router settings, it also requires a reboot.

Region

Now a little more about setting up an access point. First, try changing the region.

In the settings this option is located in the section Wi-Fi - Advanced Settings, c – on the “Wireless” tab. In other models it may be located in a different location. In short, you need to first study the interface of your router. In the regional settings, the country in which you live should be selected, although this is not critical. Save your settings and reconnect.

Network mode

A much more important setting that can prevent a gadget from connecting to Wi-Fi is the wireless network operating mode. This is perhaps the main reason for authentication errors when connecting to Wi-Fi on a phone that may not support the current mode. There can be several modes: B, G, N, etc. If you have B/G/N mixed, install it, and you can try experimenting, choosing one or the other mode. Pay attention also to the channel. It should be auto.

Security Settings

Find the security section in your router settings and try playing with the settings. It is advisable that the network authentication be set to WPA/WPA or WPA-PSK (if mixed, enable it), encryption is AES, the key contains only Latin characters, only numbers, or both.

After changing the router settings, reboot it and re-establish the connection on the phone. Unfortunately, the two methods described above can cause problems with connecting other devices, such as a laptop or TV, if they do not support the changed parameters, so everything is not so simple here. If the password has changed, in any case it will also have to be changed on other devices.

Channel width

It is highly unlikely that this will help solve the problem, but just in case, you can try changing the Wi-Fi network channel width. In D-Link routers, look for the setting in the subsection Wi-Fi - Advanced Settings, in TP-Link – Wireless Settings – Channel Width. There are usually several available options: 20MHz, 40MHz, Auto and others.

Filtering by MAC address

Each electronic device has its own unique identifier - MAC address. Find the MAC filter subsection in the router settings and make sure filtering is disabled.

If it is enabled, determine the MAC address of your smartphone, check the settings in the router and, if necessary, remove the phone from the “black” list or, conversely, add it to the “white” list.

Phone stuck on getting IP address

Another common problem is the device getting stuck at the stage of obtaining an IP address. The phone does not connect to Wi-Fi, it says “Obtaining an IP address,” and this message can appear for hours. The cause of the problem, again, may be hidden either in the settings of the mobile device or router. The latter is indicated by problems connecting to Wi-Fi and other devices. The DHCP server in the router is responsible for distributing IP addresses to devices, changing the address pool and the router itself. If it is disabled, your device will never receive an IP address.

Is DHCP enabled?

Let's check the operation of DHCP. The location of this setting differs in different router models. In TP-Link you need to look for it in the Local Network or LAN section; in D-Link it is usually located in the subsection Network – LAN.

The mode must be selected "Allow". Instead of a drop-down menu, the “Enable” and “Disable” radio buttons can be used in the router settings. Here, we believe, everything is clear too.

Static IP

You can solve the problem of “eternally” obtaining an IP address by setting a static IP in the advanced connection settings of your device.

To do this, click on your connection in the list of networks, select Change network – Advanced settings – DHCP – Custom(in earlier versions of Android you will need to check the “Static” box).

In the panel that opens, enter the IP address 192.168.X.YYY in the appropriate fields, where X is 1 or 0, this depends on the address at which you access the router settings (you can try both options), and YYY is any number from 0 up to 255.

The gateway must match the address of your router, leave the prefix length at default, do not touch DNS 1 (8.8.8.8) and DNS 2 (8.8.4.4). If you have other data instead of those indicated in brackets, do not change them either - they are given by your provider. The exception is DNS 2, which can be left blank. If something is unclear or you doubt the correctness of the data entry, it is better to contact your provider’s support service - it is their direct responsibility to connect their clients’ devices to the network.

Automatic error correction tools

If you encounter an authentication error when connecting to Wi-Fi on Android, but your mobile Internet is working, install the application from the Google Play Store Android WiFi Fixer. This utility is an analogue of the connection troubleshooting tool in Windows and is designed to find and automatically correct Wi-Fi connection errors on mobile devices running Android. Once launched, the application checks all network settings and tries to bypass Wi-Fi.

Other reasons

The above examples of problems and how to fix them are the most common. In reality there may be more reasons. Why doesn't my smartphone connect to Wi-Fi? Perhaps you installed a proxy server program that was not fully developed, caught some kind of virus, rooted the device, changed the firmware, etc. Here you need to look at the circumstances. There have been examples where the wireless connection was blocked by antivirus programs.

In general, if the connection is lost after making some changes, most likely this is the reason. If all else fails, reset your device to factory settings, remembering to first back up important applications and data.

Well, the most unpleasant thing that can happen is the failure of the Wi-Fi adapter. In this case, not only yours, but also other wireless networks will not be detected. There is nothing to do here; you will have to take your gadget to the service center.

Often, users have problems connecting to the Internet when the network is active, but the signal is not heard. The device tries to connect to the access point, but the message “WPA protection saved” appears and as a result there is no connection.

Sometimes it happens that the device connects to the network, but in fact the Internet distribution does not work

What to do about it? In most cases, the problems do not concern the phone or tablet, Android devices, but the router itself. There are several ways to change its settings to make it work correctly and have a good connection with your equipment.

Sometimes, to solve a connection problem when “WPA protection saved” is displayed, it is enough to reboot the Wi-Fi point and reconnect to it. There is probably simply a problem with the router that can be easily fixed by restarting it.

Another possible reason related to the incorrect operation of the equipment may be due to the fact that its firmware is outdated. Download the most current firmware for the router from the manufacturer’s website and upload the file to the settings menu.

The settings open like this: enter the router’s IP address into the address bar of any browser, enter the value “Admin” instead of the login and password if you have not changed them.

After logging in, update your hardware. Even if the issue is not with the firmware, it is always useful to install a new version once again, because by releasing it, the manufacturer corrects all previous problems.

Regional settings

Access to the network may be unavailable for a trivial reason - the region where you live is incorrectly set in the equipment.

To find out, go to the router settings, select the Wireless section, the Wireless Settings line (for TP-Link brand models) and check which region is indicated in the line with the same name. If the data is incorrect, correct it.

If you have a router of a different brand, look for this data in the section where, in addition to the region, the device name and connection parameters are specified.

Password problems

Checking the correctness of the key

In some cases, the line “WPA Security Saved” appears if you entered the wrong password when connecting. To reset it, click on the network icon, select “Delete”, then reconnect and enter the correct combination.

Changing the password and encryption type

It is likely that the device you are using to connect to Wi-Fi does not understand the password or its encryption type. These parameters can be changed in the hardware settings.

To do this on TP-Link brand models, go to the Wireless menu, select the Wireless Security tab. Here you will change the password - try to create a combination consisting of only numbers. Below, select the encryption method - it is best to select WPA/WPA2 - Personal (Recommended), set the type to AES.

Don't forget to save the changes, reboot and reconnect to Wi-Fi from your gadget. Please note that when you set a new password and change settings, you will need to change the data on the remaining devices that previously connected to this wireless connection.

Changing the operating mode

There is often no connection due to the fact that the phone, tablet or other equipment does not support the router’s operating mode. There are three such modes, all of them are called by the Latin letters b, g, n. If the router is set to work in n mode, and the gadget does not support it, then you will not be able to connect them.

Therefore, conduct an experiment: change the way the device operates, for which you must perform the following steps:

Go to the equipment settings, use the previously mentioned Wireless section, Wireless Settings tab.
Stop at the line called Mode.
Now you have to choose a different mode - use the option with all three letters - b, g, n - so that you can connect to Wi-Fi from all devices operating in at least one of these modes.

In ASUS models, you will see such parameters in the “Wireless Network” menu, where there is a tab with a mode selection - stop at the Auto or Mixed option.

Checking Wi-Fi network channels

What else can you do if you don’t have a connection and the message “WPA2 protection saved” appears? Change the channel on which the wireless network equipment operates.

To do this, do the following:

As you can see, there are many reasons why problems arise with connecting to a network via Wi-Fi, and all of them are mainly related to the settings of the router. If the message “WPA protection saved” appears, there are several simple ways to troubleshoot, and you can do it yourself and without any problems.

If Android does not connect to WiFi, then most often the user sees the “Obtaining an IP address” message or the “Authentication Error” notification. Another common connection error is that Android writes “Saved, WPA/WPA2 protection,” but does not connect to the Internet.

This article is suitable for all brands that produce phones on Android 10/9/8/7: Samsung, HTC, Lenovo, LG, Sony, ZTE, Huawei, Meizu, Fly, Alcatel, Xiaomi, Nokia and others. We are not responsible for your actions.

Attention! You can ask your question to a specialist at the end of the article.

Possible causes of failure

If Android cannot connect to Wi-Fi - for example, instead of an active Wi-Fi icon, you see a gray button and an exclamation mark icon - then the reason for this could be:

Wrong from Wi-Fi.
Setting an unsupported security type or wireless standard in the router settings.
Problems with Android firmware.

The first step is to understand which device is having problems. If only your phone does not connect to the point, then the reason should be sought in its settings and firmware. If no device finds the wireless network, then you should check the router settings.

"Obtaining an IP Address" message

If, when you try to connect, a message with the text “ ” appears, but the connection is not established, then the reason for this may be that the DHCP server is disabled in the router settings or problems with Android. A simple reboot of the router can help.

If the DHCP server fails, restarting the device will fix it. When saving an error:

Open your router settings.
Make sure the DHCP server is enabled.

Increase

Depending on the router model, the procedure for enabling/disabling DHCP may vary, so you will need to look for instructions for your device.

Authentication Error

If connection authentication fails, the problem is most likely caused by entering your Wi-Fi password incorrectly. To resolve the error:

Forget the wireless hotspot on your phone/tablet.
Reboot your router.

Increase

Change your password using only Latin letters and numbers.
Make sure that WPA2-PSK is selected for network authentication.

Increase

If your phone does not support the WPA2-PSK standard, then select another mode - WPA, WPA2. It’s clear that you can’t do this in the subway or a shopping center, so you just have to accept it. But at home or in a hotel, you can access the router and check the wireless network settings.

Saved, WPAWPA2 protection

If the connection is made without a password, then there cannot be an authentication error. However, there is another situation - the network is saved, but . Usually rebooting the router helps, but sometimes you have to go into the settings quite deeply.

Increase

Also, look at the number of devices allowed. If it is “0”, then there are no restrictions.

Network discovery problems

If so, then changing the region and channel usually also helps. If Russia is selected in the settings, the router automatically connects to channels from 1 to 13. However, some devices do not support channels more than 10 - this is how an error appears. To fix it:

Select the US region - it only has 10 channels.
Manually change the channel to one of the range 1-10.

If this does not help, then make sure that other devices can see the network. Perhaps the cause of the problem should be sought in the operation of the Wi-Fi module on Android.

Perhaps the most common problem that occurs on an Android phone or tablet is an authentication error when connecting to home Wi-Fi. In order to eliminate it, you need to understand the basic principles of the device’s operation, as well as know what authentication is and why it is not performed.

What is authentication

You cannot solve a problem without understanding its essence. Wi-Fi authentication is the process of verifying a security key. In simple words, the set network password matches the one entered by the user. The main task of authentication on a phone or tablet is to protect the network from unauthorized access.

Not every user understands that any devices connected to a single Wi-Fi network can easily exchange data. This is why open Internet connection points are considered unsafe. In order to connect to a wireless network without fear for the safety of your data, an authentication process was invented. The most common way to authenticate a user is to prompt them for a password.

How does authentication work?

The user connects to the network, then enters the security key;
an Android tablet or phone encrypts the entered information and sends it to the router;
the router decrypts the data;
depending on their compliance or non-compliance, denies or allows the user to connect.

This is why if you enter the password incorrectly, an error occurs. In this case, the Android device writes that you were unable to complete the authentication process, and the phone or tablet does not connect to the Internet.

Steps to connect to wireless Internet

Before connecting to a wireless network, make sure that the wifi module on your Android phone or tablet is turned on. For this:

go to your phone settings;
go to the wireless networks menu;
If your phone or tablet tells you “to see available networks, turn on wifi,” then move the slider at the top to the right position.

After a few seconds, a list of available wireless networks will appear here. If you see a “lock” next to the wifi icon, then you will need to go through an authentication process to connect.

enable the “show password” feature

Decide which wireless network you want to connect your mobile phone or tablet to. Click on it. After this, a dialog box will appear on the display of your device with its name, information about the signal level, type of protection and a field for entering a password (if it is protected). In order not to make a mistake in entering it, scroll down the dialog box and check the “show password” box.

This way you will see exactly what characters you are entering. After entering the appropriate password combination, click the “connect” button. The phone or tablet will report that it has successfully connected to the selected wifi network or an error will appear.

Main problems

It often happens that when you enter the wrong password and try to connect to a wireless network, the phone or tablet under its name, instead of the “connected” message, writes: “Saved, protected by WPA2” (WPA2 is the type of network used, so it can change). This is followed by several authentication attempts and eventually the message “authentication error” or “network connection error” (which is basically the same thing) appears. In such a situation, the user has basic questions: what to do and why does the error appear?

There are three most common problems that prevent an Android phone or tablet user from completing the authentication process:

incorrectly typed password for connecting to wifi (security key);
mismatch between the router data encryption type and the settings on your phone or tablet;
wifi router malfunction.

Depending on the type of problem, the ways to solve it vary.

Incorrect password

Click on the name of the wireless network that is giving you an authentication error. After opening a small dialog box, select “delete”. Don’t worry, it won’t disappear anywhere, but will appear again in this list, after which you can repeat the operations performed by entering the correct password. Don't forget to check the "show password" checkbox. Double-check the key carefully. Users often confuse the symbol zero with the letter “o”, one with the Latin “i” and “l”, the capital letter “I” (i - “ai”) and the small “l” (L - “el”), and so on. Don't forget that the password may be case sensitive (small and UPPERcase letters).

If you are sure that the entered password is correct, but your phone or tablet on the Android operating system still displays this error, turn off the Wi-Fi module and turn it back on and try to connect to this network again, or completely restart your mobile device and try to connect again.

Faulty router

Also, the problem may lie in the router itself that distributes the Internet. In this case, you can try to connect to other wireless networks, other routers. For example, to free Wi-Fi in restaurants, shops, etc. If the problem persists, then most likely you will have to completely reset your smartphone to factory settings. At the same time, do not forget to backup the information stored on your android phone or tablet, otherwise you will lose it.

Data encryption type mismatch

The error may appear due to a mismatch in the data encryption type or an unknown wifi network mode for the device. The problem is resolved by changing their types. To do this, you need to connect to the router (via Wi-Fi or using a cable) and enter the router settings. Enter the access point IP in the address bar of your browser (this information can be found on the case, box, or in the router instructions).

How to find out the IP access points through the Network and Sharing Center

- open the “Network and Sharing Center”;

- find the line “connection” and select “wireless network connection”;

- in the dialog box that opens, click on the “details” button;

- “default gateway IP v4” is the IP of the access point to the router.

Changing the encryption type in the router settings

After entering the IP access point in the browser, you will be taken to the router settings, where you will need to enter a login and password (default: admin, admin). Depending on the manufacturer and model, the program interface may differ.

- after successful authentication, open the advanced settings of your router or router;

select automatic data encryption type or WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK2 mixed;
in the same menu you can change the wireless network password;
click the "save" or "apply" button;
reboot your device;
You don’t need to do anything else, so you can close the router settings.

If you did everything correctly, then the problem of Wi-Fi network authentication on your Android phone or tablet will no longer ruin your life.

The number of devices for Internet connection in each house or apartment increases every year. They use the “global network”, including wireless. When authentication errors occur when connecting to wifi on Android, what to do to correct the situation is the main question. The error is displayed on the tablet or smartphone, and the network in another location is easily connected. However, there is no need to worry, the problem is not complicated and an ordinary person can solve it, regardless of the level of literacy and technical qualifications. Below we will describe in detail why authentication problems occur on Android devices and what should be done about it.

Before analyzing why this happens, we should dwell on the term “authentication” in detail. The concept means authentication. Authentication is a necessary verification mechanism to ensure security. A tablet, phone, computer or laptop, in the process of connecting to the wireless Internet via a wi-fi router, must successfully pass authentication by entering the ID and password set in advance.

How does authentication work?

In essence, authentication is a procedure during which the correctness of the ID and password is verified. Several types of authentication are used. The desired one is selected in the settings menu of the device used as an access point. Authentication usually refers to the type of router data encryption.

The most commonly used technology is WPA-2, which uses the symmetric AES algorithm. The authentication method for wireless clients is WPA2 Personal. It is impossible for an attacker, regardless of his qualifications, to bypass this protection. In normal conditions, for example, at home, one key is installed for everyone. Its use creates a connection to the network.

In conditions where more serious protection is needed, for example, at sensitive facilities, a different approach is used. Each subscriber who has the right to connect to the network receives his own password.

Steps to connect to wireless Internet

The process of connecting a phone or tablet to " Wi-Fi" looks like that. First, Wi-Fi is turned on on your own device. To do this, in most cases, it is enough to swipe - a sliding movement with your finger - from the top of the screen down and click on the desired icon. The name of the network will appear on the screen and prompt you to connect to it. After that, you just need to enter the password in a special field, and everything will go well: the user will gain access. However, sometimes an error occurs during authentication.

Reasons for this malfunction

Situations when, when connecting a device running on Android, for example, a smartphone Samsung Galaxy, on a Sony tablet or any other device, it says on the screen about an authentication error, two: a mismatch in the entered password or a different type of encryption on the router and the connected device. They cover most cases, but sometimes malfunctions and errors are caused by reasons of a different nature.