Authentication Error

Sometimes when you try to log in to a wireless network, you experience an authentication error. This is a common problem that is faced by many tablet and Android smartphone users. What is annoying is the fact that this error pops up even if you have entered the correct password. This could be extremely vexing if you need to get something done urgently like sending an important email or access a file online. It gets worse if you can’t use the mobile data either, for whatever reasons since there can be a bug that will end up messing up experience. The Wi-Fi authentication error isn’t necessarily a singular issue, and it could signal something wrong in your Android device or the wireless network or both. In this guide, we will help you with these Android Wi-Fi authentication problems.

Understanding Android Wi-Fi Authentication Problems

You can try one of the proposed solutions and your problem will be solved in a jiffy. If not, then there are lots of other ways in which you can solve your conundrums Understanding Android Wi-Fi authentication problems An Android Wi-Fi authentication problem shows up when you are unable to connect to a Wi-Fi network even though the password you have entered is completely valid. Instead of connecting to the network and saving the password for later, the device tells you that it’s authenticating. After some time, you are told that there is an authentication problem or you see an authentication error beneath the name of the network you are trying to connect to. The first thing that most people do is re-enter the password, to ensure that the password that has been punched in is indeed correct. Unfortunately, sometimes you know for sure that the password is valid, especially if it’s your home network that you always connect to. If this is the case, the issue could be deeper than what can be seen with the naked eye. We have compiled a list of possible solutions to help you figure out what caused these Wi-Fi authentication problems in the first place and help you solve them.

Fixing Connection Issues

What works for one device might not work for the other. That’s because there could be different underlying issues that led to this problem. If you are certain that the password is correct and your other devices are connecting just fine to the wireless network, chances are that there is a software issue or pairing problem that is just not letting you connect your device to a Wi-Fi network.

Resetting Your Wi-Fi Connection

The first solution that you can try is resetting the connection between your Android device and the wireless router. Just remove the wireless network from your Android device and add it again as a new connection. This solution usually works for most Android Wi-Fi authentication problems. Go to the Settings app on your device and look for the Wi-Fi below Network connections. Look for the network that you are trying to connect to and long press the name of the network or its SSID. A popup menu will appear with two options: modify network configuration or forget network. Choose the ‘forget network’ Distance yourself enough from the Wi-Fi router so that you just get one signal bar. Then try reconnecting to the network and enter the password again. If all goes well, the password will be authenticated and your device will be connected to the network. If this solution doesn’t work for you, try the next one.

Verifying Wireless Network Details

Most of the time, the ‘authentication failed’ error message is shown when the details of the network such as username and password do not match. You might be confident that the password is correct, but you might be trying to connect to a different network with the same name. For example, your neighbor’s router name might be the same as yours. If coincidentally you are trying to connect to another wireless network with the same name using your password, you will get the Android Wi-Fi authentication error for sure. To avoid this problem, just rename your wireless network.

Changing Network Configuration Settings

No matter which device you are trying to connect to a wireless router, an IP conflict will not let the connection go through. This is true for Android devices too. To solve this issue, change the wireless network setting of your Android device from default DHCP setting to Static IP. Go to Settings app on your Android device and select Wi-Fi as above. Long press on the network you want to connect and then select modify network config in popup menu. Some devices display this option as ‘modify network connection’. Go to next box for advanced options and look for IP settings. Change it from DHCP to Static. You will be shown an IP Address field. Copy down information shown in Static IP field and then delete it. Re-enter information and save it.
If you are confused about IP address, Netmask, gateway, and DNS to enter, just ask your internet service provider for assistance.

Troubleshooting Router Filters

You should also check if someone has recently enabled Mac filter on your Wi-Fi router settings. You need to contact network administrator to disable it or add your Wi-Fi address to allow connection which should fix issue.

Using Airplane Mode

We usually don’t use Airplane mode unless if we do not want to be disturbed or we are actually on a plane. Did you know that this mode can actually solve your Wi-Fi woes? Sometimes your mobile network interferes with Wi-Fi connection.Try following: On your Android device pull down ‘Quick Setting’ Turn off Wi-Fi and mobile network.Turn on Airplane mode.The setting present in Quick Setting menu.WWhile Airplane mode active switch on Wi-Fi try connecting again.If successful turn off Airplane mode enable mobile networks too.This method might seem strange but works by resolving potential conflicts between wireless networks mobile networks.

Resetting Network Settings on Android

Sometimes it might be cumbersome finding out what exactly causing Wi-Fi authentication error.A simple solution just nuke (refresh) all settings including wireless networks mobile networks Bluetooth connections.Go Settings app go ‘Backup & reset’.Go ‘Network settings reset’ option menu.There will ‘Reset Settings’ button.Press wait process complete.After completion go back Wi-Fi menu try connecting again.You won’t lose any important data during reset all details erased.

Updating Your Device Software

Sometimes issue resolved ensuring phone software up-to-date.If delay update face disconnection issues.Go Settings app down ‘About Phone’ tab.Seen menu option called ‘System Updates’ available updates.For some devices separate System Updates tab settings menu separate app.If software update available download install reboot.Then after installing updates try connecting again see if error resolved.Ootherwise try next option.

Factory Reset Option

If everything else fails try factory reset option.It gets rid all apps settings data phone.One these could culprit behind problem.Before proceeding ensure personal data backed up.Go Settings > Backup & reset > Factory data reset.After doing above go back Settings app try connecting again.If problem persists despite trying all proposed solutions above might need professional help.Take device authorized service center get checked hardware software problems causing connection issues.