Reset Network Settings on Android: What It Does, When to Use It, and How (2025)

What happens when you hit that “Reset Network Settings” button?

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VPN, APN – what’s wiped and what isn’t

A network reset returns network related settings to defaults. Expect these to be cleared:

• Saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords
• Paired Bluetooth devices (earbuds, watches, cars)
• VPN profiles and APN changes (custom carrier settings)
• Mobile preferences like preferred network type or roaming toggles may revert

What stays: your apps, photos, files, Google account, and general phone data remain untouched.

Does a network reset remove eSIM or data?

No—resetting network settings does not delete your eSIM profile or your personal data. Factory resets may offer a checkbox to erase eSIM; network resets don’t.

When to use it (and when not to)

Use a network reset when:

• Wi-Fi won’t authenticate or keeps dropping, even after forgetting/rejoining.
• Bluetooth behaves oddly across multiple accessories.
• Mobile data breaks after an update or APN changes.

Avoid it (try lighter fixes first) if:

• The issue is clearly router-side (others offline too).
• Only one SSID/accessory fails try forget/unpair first.
• Corporate VPN settings would be hard to recreate.

Decision tip: If multiple radios (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth + mobile data) are flaky at once, reset is often the fastest path.

Also Read Mobile Hotspot Not Working on Android 15? How to Fix It

How to reset network settings on Android

Android 12/13/14/15 (most phones)

1. Settings → System → Reset options
2. Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth
3. Confirm with Reset settings and your PIN
4. If prompted on dual-SIM, choose the SIM to reset for mobile data.

Dual-SIM note: Some phones ask which SIM’s mobile network you want to reset; Wi-Fi/Bluetooth reset is global.

Brand specific steps

Google Pixel

Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth → Reset settings. On newer Pixels you might also see Reset Bluetooth & Wi-Fi as a separate item.

Samsung (One UI)

Settings → General management → Reset → Reset network settings → Reset settings (enter PIN). On dual-SIM models, pick the SIM first.

Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI/HyperOS)

Settings → Connection & sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth → confirm.

OnePlus (OxygenOS)

Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth → Reset settings.

Before you reset: safe checks & backups

• Note your Wi-Fi passwords (or confirm they’re saved to your Google account).
• Screenshot custom VPN/APN pages if you use special configs.
• List critical Bluetooth pairings (car, earbuds, watch) to re pair later.
• Try lighter fixes: restart, Airplane Mode, forget/rejoin network.

After you reset: quick rebuild checklist

1. Reconnect Wi-Fi (home and work SSIDs).
2. Re-pair Bluetooth (earbuds/car).
3. Verify APN auto-provisioning. Most carriers push APN automatically; if not, re add manually. For Jio, APN is JioNet (Settings → Mobile network → APN → JioNet). Vi typically uses www. Airtel offers guides if auto-setup fails.
4. Toggle VoLTE/VoWiFi back on if you had them enabled.
5. Test hotspot and any VPNs. (Google Fi doc also recommends resets for Wi-Fi issues/hotspot checks.)

Alternatives to try first (less drastic)

• Airplane Mode on/off (10 seconds).
• Restart the phone.
• Forget and re add the problem Wi-Fi network.
• Reset only Bluetooth & Wi-Fi (if your OEM splits the options).
• Router troubleshooting (reboot, check bands/channels, firmware).

Comparison table

Mini case studies (original insights)

Case 1: Wi-Fi + Bluetooth both flaky after trip

Symptom: Phone won’t auto-connect to home Wi-Fi; car BT drops.
Fix: Reset Wi-Fi & Bluetooth (or full Network Reset if mobile data also weird). Re-pair devices and reconnect SSIDs. Success rate is high because both radios share cached configs that the reset purges.

Case 2: Mobile data died right after an update

Symptom: 4G/5G icon present but no data; calls OK.
Fix: Network reset → verify APN. For Jio, set JioNet if not auto provisioned; for Vi use www; Airtel typically auto configures but user can add manually.

Case 3: Hotspot won’t stay on during travel

Symptom: Hotspot disables itself; Wi-Fi flips off when hotspot is on (device limitation).
Fix: Confirm device supports simultaneous Wi-Fi + hotspot; reset network if prior APN/VPN tweaks cause conflicts; check carrier plan supports tethering.

FAQ

Does reset network settings delete my eSIM?
No. Network resets do not delete eSIM profiles. Factory resets may offer an option to erase eSIMs; network resets won’t.

Will I lose photos, apps, or texts?
No. Only network configurations are cleared (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VPN, APN). Your files and apps remain.

Where is the option on Samsung phones?
Settings → General management → Reset → Reset network settings.

What about Pixels?
Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth (or Reset Bluetooth & Wi-Fi on some builds).

Xiaomi/Redmi path?
Settings → Connection & sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth.

Do I need to redo APN?
Usually it auto-provisions. If not, re-add manually (e.g., JioNet on Jio; www on Vi).

Glossary

• APN (Access Point Name): the gateway settings your phone uses to reach your carrier’s data network.
• eSIM: a digital SIM stored on the device; not deleted by network resets.
• VoLTE/VoWiFi: calling over LTE/Wi-Fi. May need re-enabling after reset.

Limitations & considerations

• If you rely on custom VPN profiles or enterprise Wi-Fi certs, you’ll need to re-import them afterward.
• Some devices split resets (e.g., separate Reset Bluetooth & Wi-Fi vs Reset Mobile Network). Read on-screen text before confirming.
• If issues persist after a network reset, you may be dealing with hardware, a buggy OS build, or carrier provisioning contact OEM/carrier support.

Also Read Android data not working after update: the complete fix guide (Jio, Airtel, Vi)

Featured Snippet Q→A

1. What does “Reset network settings” do on Android?
   It clears saved Wi-Fi networks/passwords, Bluetooth pairings, VPN profiles, and APN tweaks, returning network settings to defaults. It doesn’t erase apps or files.
2. How to reset network settings on Samsung?
   Settings → General management → Reset → Reset network settings → Reset settings (enter PIN).
3. Will a network reset delete my eSIM?
   No. Network resets don’t remove eSIM. Factory resets may offer to erase eSIM; you can usually keep it.
4. Where’s the option on Pixel phones?
   Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth → Reset settings.
5. Do I need to re-enter APN after a reset?
   Often it auto-provisions. If not, re-add (e.g., JioNet for Jio; www for Vi).

Source: Samsung | Motorola | Verizon