What Does “Reset Network Settings” Do on Android and iPhone?

Quick Tips

• Resetting network settings factory resets the phone’s network settings, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VPN, and cellular connections.
• It does not affect any data, files, or media stored on your device.
• You can use the feature to troubleshoot network-related issues.

What Is “Reset Network Settings” on iPhone and Android?

Both Android and iOS provide several resetting options that help resolve issues without formatting our mobile phone or tablet. One of them is resetting network settings.

Resetting network settings, in simple words, resets your phone’s network settings, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VPN, and cellular connections to default values. That is, a network settings reset brings back all the network-related settings to their original state.

By original state, we mean how they would appear and work in a new device or when you fully reset (factory reset) your device. So, you would have to set all the network settings up all over again from scratch.

Why Reset Network Settings on Android and iPhone?

• When Wi-Fi doesn’t connect to your iPhone or Android phone.
• Device keeps losing network connection.
• Bluetooth doesn’t work.
• The Wi-Fi connection keeps dropping.
• Cannot make or receive calls.
• When there is no signal on your phone, or you see SOS on iPhone.

What Does Reset Network Settings Do on Android and iPhone?

Let’s check what settings are affected by resetting network settings on iPhone and Android.

1. Wi-Fi Networks and Passwords

Wi-Fi is one of the major things affected by resetting network settings. Basically, it will remove all the saved Wi-Fi networks on your phone, along with their passwords. So, you must connect to a network and enter your Wi-Fi details again after resetting the network settings.

Note: On iPhone, Wi-Fi passwords saved in iCloud Keychain may also get deleted after resetting network settings. To be on the safer side, turn off Keychain on your phone before resetting network settings. For that, go to Settings > [Your name] > iCloud > Passwords and Keychain. Turn off the toggle for Sync this iPhone. After resetting network settings, turn on sync and your passwords will be there.

2. Bluetooth Connections

Similar to Wi-Fi connections, Bluetooth connections will also be removed from your phone. Resetting network settings will forget all the paired Bluetooth devices, so you will have to pair them again manually. It will also turn off Bluetooth on your phone.

3. Cellular Settings

Another area that gets affected is cellular settings. These include preferred mobile network types (2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, or 5G) and network selection modes. SMS, phone calls, and other traditional telephone services are not affected.

4. VPN Settings

Lastly, resetting network settings alters your VPN (Virtual Private Network) settings too. Any VPN information, such as server name, password, VPN type, etc., is deleted from your phone.

5. Personal Data

Resetting network settings will not remove any personal information from your phone. Any of your photos, videos, audio files, contacts, apps, etc., will not be deleted.

6. Other Settings

By resetting network settings on iPhone, its name is also reset, and any manually trusted certificates given to websites are set to untrusted. Similarly, on Android, resetting network settings will clear mobile data limits and remove app data restrictions.

However, the reset network settings storm doesn’t touch settings like a hotspot, wireless display, and AirDrop (on iOS).

How to Reset Network Settings

On iPhone

Step 1: Go to Settings. Tap General, followed by Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 2: Select Reset, followed by Reset Network Settings.

Step 3: You will be prompted for your password (if kept). Then, tap the Reset Network Settings confirmation box to validate your action. Your device will restart, and your network settings will return to the factory version.

On Android

Step 1: Open Settings and go to System.

Step 2: Tap Reset options. Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth from the menu.

The location of this setting varies on Android phones. Here are the various places where you can find it:

• Open Settings > Network & Internet > tap on the three-dot icon at the top > select Reset network settings > Reset settings.
• Open Settings > tap on More > hit Reset network settings > Reset settings.
• Go to Settings > Backup & reset > Reset network settings > tap on Reset settings.

For Samsung Galaxy phones, open Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset network settings.

Hopefully, resetting network settings should resolve all your network issues.