Wi-Fi connectivity is a crucial feature for Samsung Galaxy S5 users, but sometimes it can be a source of frustration. Fortunately, most Wi-Fi problems on the Galaxy S5 can be easily fixed, with solutions often within the reach of users. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore common Wi-Fi issues and provide step-by-step solutions to help you restore your Galaxy S5’s Wi-Fi functionality.
Problem #1: Samsung Galaxy S5 won’t connect to any Wi-Fi
User Complaint: “My Wi-Fi is not working on my Galaxy S5. Although the phone shows that it is connected to Wi-Fi with an excellent signal, most apps fail to work. When I switch to mobile data, everything functions properly. I have tried re-entering passwords, clearing the cache partition, and even factory resetting the phone, but the Wi-Fi still doesn’t work. What can I do?”
Sometimes, third-party apps or hardware malfunctions can cause Wi-Fi connectivity issues. To identify the exact cause, we recommend starting with a reboot in safe mode. Here’s how:
- Turn off your Galaxy S5.
- Press and hold the Power key.
- When the “Samsung Galaxy S5” logo appears, release the Power key.
- Immediately after releasing the Power key, press and hold the Volume Down key.
- Continue holding the Volume Down key until the device finishes restarting.
- “Safe mode” will be displayed in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Release the Volume Down key.
If your Wi-Fi connectivity works in safe mode, the problem may be caused by a third-party app. Uninstall apps one by one until the issue is resolved. If the problem persists even in safe mode, perform a factory reset. However, if the Wi-Fi still doesn’t work after a factory reset, the issue may be hardware-related, and it would be best to have your phone checked by a qualified technician or request a replacement unit from your carrier or retailer.
Problem #2: Galaxy S5 keeps forgetting saved Wi-Fi networks
User Complaint: “Every few days, my Galaxy S5 forgets the passwords and networks of all newly connected Wi-Fi networks. Even manually adding a network doesn’t work after a few days. Strangely, it only forgets networks my Apple device had connected to. What could be causing this issue?”
If you experienced this problem after using Smart Switch to transfer your iCloud settings to your Galaxy S5, it may be related to a syncing issue. Try deleting the system cache to see if it resolves the problem. Here’s how:
- Turn off your phone.
- Press and hold the Power, Volume Up, and Home buttons simultaneously.
- Release the buttons when the Android system recovery menu appears.
- Use the Volume buttons to navigate to the “Wipe Cache Partition” option.
- Press the Power button to confirm the selection.
- After deleting the cache, select the “Reboot System Now” option.
If clearing the cache doesn’t fix the issue, a factory reset may be necessary. Follow these steps to perform a factory reset:
- Power down your Galaxy S5.
- Press and hold the Volume Up, Home, and Power buttons together until you see the Android logo on the screen.
- Use the Volume Down button to highlight the “wipe data/factory reset” option and press the Power button to select it.
- Select “Yes – delete all user data” using the Volume Down button and press Power to confirm.
- Finally, select “Reboot system now” using the Power button.
- After the phone restarts, it should be completely wiped and ready to set up again.
Remember to back up your personal files, such as photos, videos, and contacts, before performing a factory reset, as it will erase everything on your device.
Problem #3: Galaxy S5 no longer works after Lollipop update
User Complaint: “Ever since I updated my Galaxy S5 to Lollipop, it can no longer connect to Wi-Fi. I have wireless in my home, but the phone doesn’t recognize it. The Wi-Fi also doesn’t work anywhere else. I’ve heard this is a common issue with the Lollipop update. What should I do?”
If your Galaxy S5 was running on Android KitKat before the Lollipop update, clearing the cache partition and performing a factory reset may help resolve the issue. Follow the steps provided in the previous section to clear the cache partition. If the problem persists, proceed with the factory reset instructions.
Problem #4: Unable to turn on or off Wi-Fi on Galaxy S5
User Complaint: “I can’t connect to Wi-Fi on my Galaxy S5. When I try to turn on or turn off Wi-Fi, the symbol remains light green and won’t respond. It also continuously uses LTE even when I don’t turn on LTE.”
This issue can be caused by a glitch in the Smart Network Switch feature. To fix it, try the following:
- Perform a soft reset by turning off your phone, removing the battery for 10 seconds, and then restarting the phone. This simple procedure can clear existing errors that may be causing the issue.
- Turn off Smart Network Switch by going to Settings > Wi-Fi > Smart Network Switch. Tap “OK” to confirm.
Problem #5: Galaxy S5 Wi-Fi keeps dropping off after updating to Lollipop
User Complaint: “After installing the recent Lollipop update on my Galaxy S5, my phone’s Wi-Fi and data connections are flickering constantly. Additionally, the phone’s battery drains quickly. It seems that the patch notes for the update didn’t address these issues. How can I resolve them?”
Post-Lollipop problems can vary, but clearing the system cache and performing a factory reset have proven to be effective in resolving many issues. Make sure to follow the steps provided earlier to clear the system cache. Additionally, outdated or incompatible apps can cause unforeseen problems. Consider installing or uninstalling apps as necessary to help isolate the root cause of the issues.
Conclusion
Wi-Fi connectivity issues on the Samsung Galaxy S5 can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, most problems can be resolved. In this guide, we have covered various Wi-Fi issues and provided step-by-step solutions to help you overcome them. Remember to try safe mode, clear the cache partition, and perform a factory reset if necessary. If the issues persist, consult a qualified technician or contact your carrier or retailer for further assistance. Enjoy uninterrupted Wi-Fi connectivity on your Galaxy S5 and make the most of its features!
