How to Reset Network Settings on Android & iPhone

If you’re dealing with persistent WiFi drops, Bluetooth that won’t pair, cellular data issues, or really slow network connectivity on your phone — resetting the network settings can often fix the problems when nothing else works. In this guide you’ll learn what happens when you reset, how to do it on both Android and iPhone, and what you’ll need to re-set afterward.

Why Resetting Network Settings Helps

Sometimes the network settings on your phone become corrupted or mismatched — maybe an update caused issues, an app changed the APN or VPN settings, or your WiFi and Bluetooth history is cluttered with errors. Resetting network settings clears all WiFi, mobile data, Bluetooth, and VPN configurations back to default so you can start fresh. For example: for iPhone it’s described as clearing WiFi networks, passwords, cellular settings and VPNs, but not deleting media or apps. Android Police+2help.nordlayer.com+2

Step-by-Step: How to Reset Network Settings on Android

Here’s a general method (varies slightly depending on device and manufacturer). efani.com+1

1. Open Settings → System (on some phones this may be Advanced or General management).

2. Tap Reset options or Reset.

3. Choose Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth or Reset Network Settings.

4. Confirm your screen lock (PIN, password or fingerprint) and tap Reset settings.

5. Once complete, your phone will have cleared all saved WiFi networks, forgotten paired Bluetooth devices, and removed mobile network configurations.

6. Afterwards: reconnect to your WiFi network, re-pair your Bluetooth devices, and, if used, re-enter any VPN settings or APNs.

Step-by-Step: How to Reset Network Settings on iPhone

For iPhones (iOS 11 and newer), the steps are: Android Police+2help.nordlayer.com+2

1. Open Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone (or in older iOS versions: Settings → General → Reset).

2. Tap Reset, then select Reset Network Settings.

3. Enter your passcode if prompted, then confirm.

4. Your iPhone will reboot and all WiFi networks, Bluetooth pairings, cellular settings, and VPN/APN configurations will be removed.

5. Afterward, reconnect to your WiFi, re-pair your Bluetooth devices, and adjust any mobile data settings as needed.

What You Lose (and What You Don’t)

When you reset network settings:

• You will lose: WiFi network names & passwords, saved Bluetooth pairings, mobile data settings/APNs, VPNs. Lifewire+1

• You do not lose: your photos, apps, messages, media files or general system settings.
  In simple terms — you keep your data, but your network connections go back to square one.

When Should You Use It?

You should consider resetting network settings when you face:

• WiFi networks that won’t connect or keep dropping out.

• Paired Bluetooth devices refuse to reconnect or keep failing.

• Mobile data not working despite correct SIM & plan.

• VPN or APN settings causing odd behavior.

• Multiple network-related glitches after an update.
  If simpler fixes (restart, forget-and-reconnect, update OS) don’t work, this reset is a solid tool.

Pro Tips for After the Reset

• Immediately reconnect to your home WiFi network and save password again.

• Re-pair Bluetooth devices, especially critical ones like car systems and earbuds.

• Re-enter VPN or mobile-data APN settings if your carrier uses custom ones.

• Avoid connecting to unknown networks randomly — clearing saved networks means you’re starting over.

• If you still face issues after the reset, check for OS updates or call your carrier — there may be a deeper network or account provisioning error.

Resetting network settings on your Android phone or iPhone is one of the most powerful “last-step” fixes for network troubles. It clears away the hidden glitches and lets you reconnect as though from a fresh start — with all your apps, media and files intact. While you’ll have to re-enter passwords and pair devices again, the payoff is often quick-fix relief. Try it when WiFi, Bluetooth or mobile data just won’t behave — it may be the solution you’ve been looking for.