When an Android phone or tablet shows “IP configuration failure”, it usually means the device connected to a Wi-Fi network but could not receive a valid IP address from the router. Without that address, the device cannot communicate properly on the network or access the internet. The problem may come from the Android device, the router, DHCP settings, weak signal, or a conflicting network configuration.
TLDR: To fix IP configuration failure on Android, the user should first restart the phone and router, then forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network. If that does not work, assigning a static IP address or resetting network settings often resolves the issue. In some cases, the router’s DHCP settings, MAC filtering, or security mode must be checked.
What IP Configuration Failure Means
An Android device needs an IP address to join a Wi-Fi network successfully. Most home and office routers assign this address automatically through a system called DHCP. When Android displays an IP configuration error, the router either does not provide an address, provides one incorrectly, or the device fails to accept it.
This issue may appear as:
- “IP configuration failure”
- “Obtaining IP address” stuck for a long time
- Wi-Fi showing as connected but with no internet
- Repeated disconnecting and reconnecting to the same network
1. Restart the Android Device and Router
The simplest fix is often the most effective. A temporary software glitch can prevent the phone or router from assigning an IP address correctly. The user should restart the Android device first, then unplug the router from power for about 30 seconds before reconnecting it.
After the router fully restarts, the Android device should try to reconnect to the Wi-Fi network. This refreshes the DHCP process and may clear the failed IP assignment.
2. Forget the Wi-Fi Network and Reconnect
If the saved Wi-Fi profile contains outdated or corrupted information, Android may fail to negotiate a proper connection. Forgetting the network removes the saved password, IP details, and security settings.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network & Internet or Connections.
- Select Wi-Fi.
- Tap the affected network.
- Choose Forget.
- Reconnect by selecting the network again and entering the password.
This method is helpful when the error started after a router password change, security update, or Android system update.
3. Toggle Airplane Mode
Airplane mode temporarily disables wireless radios, including Wi-Fi and mobile data. Turning it on and off can refresh Android’s network stack without requiring a full reboot.
The user can swipe down from the top of the screen, enable Airplane mode, wait 10 to 15 seconds, and disable it again. Afterward, the device should attempt to reconnect to Wi-Fi and request a new IP address.
4. Check the Wi-Fi Password and Security Type
An incorrect password can sometimes cause repeated connection attempts that look like IP assignment failures. The user should confirm the Wi-Fi password is correct, especially if other devices were recently disconnected or the router settings were changed.
The router’s security mode can also matter. Most modern Android devices work best with WPA2 or WPA3. Older or unusual settings, such as WEP or mixed legacy modes, may cause connection problems. If possible, the router should be set to WPA2 Personal or WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode.
5. Assign a Static IP Address
If the router’s DHCP service is not assigning an address properly, a static IP can help. This means the Android device uses a manually entered IP address instead of waiting for the router to provide one.
To set a static IP on Android:
- Open Settings and go to Wi-Fi.
- Tap the connected or saved network.
- Select Advanced options or IP settings.
- Change DHCP to Static.
- Enter a suitable IP address, gateway, and DNS server.
For many home networks, the gateway is something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. A static IP might be 192.168.1.50, if that address is not already being used by another device. DNS can be set to 8.8.8.8 and 1.1.1.1.
Important: The chosen static IP must match the router’s network range and must not conflict with another device. If the user is unsure, checking the router admin page or using DHCP again after troubleshooting may be safer.
6. Disable Randomized MAC Address for the Network
Many Android devices use a randomized MAC address for privacy. While this is useful, it can sometimes conflict with router rules, parental controls, or MAC filtering. If the router expects the device’s original hardware address, Android may fail to receive a proper IP.
To change this setting, the user can open the Wi-Fi network details, find Privacy or MAC address type, and switch from Randomized MAC to Device MAC. The phone should then reconnect to the network.
7. Check Router DHCP Settings
If several devices on the same network are having connection issues, the router is likely responsible. The router’s DHCP server may be disabled, overloaded, or out of available addresses.
The network owner should log in to the router’s admin panel and check:
- DHCP server: It should be enabled.
- IP address pool: It should have enough available addresses.
- MAC filtering: The Android device should not be blocked.
- Device limit: The router should allow more connected devices.
- Firmware: The router should be updated if updates are available.
If the DHCP pool is too small, increasing the range can fix the issue. For example, a pool from 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.120 allows only 21 devices. Expanding it may prevent future IP assignment failures.
8. Reset Network Settings on Android
If the Android device still fails to connect, resetting network settings may help. This clears saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, VPN settings, and mobile network preferences. It does not erase photos, apps, or personal files.
The path may vary by device, but it is usually found under Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. On Samsung devices, it may appear under General management > Reset > Reset network settings.
After the reset, the user must reconnect to Wi-Fi and enter the password again.
9. Update Android and Router Firmware
Software bugs can affect wireless connectivity. The Android device should be updated through Settings > System > Software update, or the equivalent menu on that brand. The router should also be updated through its admin interface or companion app.
Updates may include fixes for Wi-Fi stability, DHCP behavior, security compatibility, and device authentication.
10. Test Another Network or Device
Testing helps identify where the problem is. If the Android device connects to another Wi-Fi network successfully, the original router is likely the cause. If other phones connect to the same router without issue, the Android device may have a local configuration problem.
If the issue appeared after installing a VPN, firewall, antivirus app, or network management app, that app may be interfering with connectivity. Temporarily disabling or uninstalling it can confirm whether it is involved.
FAQ
Why does Android say IP configuration failure?
It means the Android device could not obtain a valid IP address from the router. This is usually caused by DHCP problems, router glitches, saved network errors, MAC filtering, or a weak network configuration.
Does resetting network settings delete personal data?
No. Resetting network settings removes saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections, VPN settings, and mobile network preferences, but it does not delete apps, photos, messages, or documents.
Is using a static IP safe?
Yes, a static IP is safe if it is entered correctly and does not conflict with another device. However, an incorrect IP address, gateway, or DNS setting can prevent internet access.
Can a router cause IP configuration failure?
Yes. A router with disabled DHCP, a full IP address pool, outdated firmware, MAC filtering, or too many connected devices can prevent Android from receiving an IP address.
What should be tried first?
The first steps should be restarting the Android device and router, forgetting the Wi-Fi network, and reconnecting with the correct password. These fixes solve many common IP configuration failures.