One common gripe among new HTC Hero/DROID Eris/G2 owners is wi-fi connectivity. Some folks find that they just can’t get their shiny new Android smartphones to connect to their home wi-fi setup at all. Considering how data hungry Android phones are, and how stingy some carriers are with their data allowance, wi-fi issues could be a major headache. I thought I’d collate together some of the troubleshooting tips I’ve come across to help narrow down the cause of the problem.
First off, if you use a wireless N router or access point, you should know that the Hero (and most other phones) can be notoriously fickle when connecting to wireless N devices. Happily, most folks do seem to be able get the phone connected with a little perseverance. If you use an N device, make sure that you turn on B/G Compatibility mode if the device supports it in it’s settings. Check for the latest firmware for the router too as a lot of folks have found that simply updating to the latest version resolves the issue.
The next stumbling point for the Hero smartphone is often the wi-fi security settings that are in use. If you are having problems connecting, try dropping all wi-fi security temporarily to see if the Hero will connect to your wi-fi network when it’s wide open. If it does connect, you’ll know that something to do with your security is causing issues. Try testing each security type (WPA, WEP, etc) in turn and you’ll be able to work out which encryption method it is that’s causing the issue. It’s also worth checking your router’s settings to see if MAC filtering is turned on, or if the network SSID is hidden, if one or the other is on, try disabling them temporarily to see if you can connect.
Another troubleshooting method is to try connecting to another wi-fi network. Maybe you could use a friend or relative’s wi-fi network, or perhaps an open public network in a coffee shop? I know I can’t walk 5 minutes in any direction without my phone picking up at least 3 or 4 different wi-fi networks. If you can connect to another wi-fi network, you’ll know the wi-fi on your phone does work.
There are a few apps on the Android Market that can help troubleshoot wi-fi issues too, Wi-Fi Buddy is an excellent wi-fi network scanner with a tidy and clean interface which is straightforward to use. WiFi Scanner is also pretty good.
If you are having wi-fi issues, leave a comment or drop me an email detailing your setup and hopefully we can get you up and running. From what I’ve seen, most of the people who have problems with the Hero’s wi-fi do resolve the issue.
Most HTC phones have the same layout, so if you need help setting up your new HTC Desire visit the DialAPhone blog.
Hi Martin,
I have HTC TOUCH HD loaded with WM6.1. Wirless On/Off never gets on despite of several attempts on comm manager. I’ve did hard boot several times and tryed to anable on network connections still link would not get activated. Any tips to me
Thanks
Manny
Hi there
I to had no reaction at all when I tried to connect to my open wi-fi, from my HTC Desire.
But in my case it was a stupid mindslip that caused the problem! I concider my network open, but do have MAC filtering turned on, ups :-/
Putting my HTC’s MAC adress (Wifi settings – “menu” – Advanced) in the table of allowed MAC’s, did the trick.
Hi,
I have a HTC legend and i have a weird problem with the WIFI, once i walk out of the wifi range i cant connect back to the wifi without having to restart the router. My macbook, iphone and acer works just fine, but this issue with HTC legend is just driving me nuts.
I have tried different channels on the router, changed from mixed to g only, and yet the problem doesnt seem to go away, and fyi this is the second Legend i got my first one replaced for the same problem and i dont have any apps installed yet, my phone is 3 days old.
Guys I found the fix.
Put the HTC Hero in the bin it is rubbish. Back using an iPhone and all problems have gone away.
The Hero is a pathetic attempt at a Smartphone.
Sorry for ranting just had enough of this very poor phone.
I had to enable guest access and get Wi-fi Buddy for the Hero to be able to pick it up. Other phones of Android or the iphone variety have been able to pick up the N-router before.
I have an HTC hero. I have routers at 2 locations. One is a Linksys WRT54G. The other is a Linksys WRT54GL. I have the exact same settings on both routers. The phone hooks up with the WRT54G perfectly. Every time I look at the phone at that location its working flawlessly. At home where the WRT54GL is though…nothing but problems. Intermittent connections. Sometimes it sees the router, sometimes nothing at all. I just tried what someone said about putting in a static IP. That seemed like it worked and then after enabling/disabling wifi on the phone a few times to test it, it stopped working again. I need to double check the setings on the G model but I am quite sure its setup the exact same way and works perfectly.
Maybe its finally time to try a different firmware on the GL than the Linksys one.
Hey ther. Having trouble with my new lg android.. mobile broadband works fine for downloading aps an music etc, but when i get home to use wifi connection, it says downloadings started but always fails? Internet works fine.. just doesnt download, help?
hi – i have an O2 broadband connection connected to a wired/wireless router at home – the router is downstairs and the laptop in my bedroom upstairs was not able to pick up the wirelss signal – i overcame this by routing an ethernet cable to my bedroom and thus connected my laptop to it – so fine – then i configured the wireless signal of my laptop (in the bedroom) in order to achieve internet connectivity on other wifi devices in the bedroom, for example, my nokia n95 – i bought an HTC Desire a few days ago – for some reason its wifi is unable to pick-up this wifi signal – can you help ?
Hi All,
I have a HTC HERO android 2.1.1 that wont transfer data anymore when connected to a wifi network(tested on various networks). I can’t ping to my phone either. It say’s wifi conected i get a ip adres but i can’t transfer data. the only solution i have until now is to shutdown the phone and restart it.
when i go out of the wifi range it goes to G3 when i com back it’s there is a wifi connection but it won’t transfer anything.
anybody any idea how to fix this?
Hey there! Thanks for you online help with these “buggy” issues. What would we do without kind people like you??!!
Anyways…I just got the T-Mobile HTC G2 and cannot get the Wi-Fi to work for anything. It “sees” everyone else Wi-Fi in the building but my SSID does not work (auto-find or manual). I am using WPA/WPA2 PSK and the HTC G2 DOES have that as an option. After, set-up, my SSID is visible on my phone with the phrase: “Signal out of range; WPA/WPA2-PSK Secured.”
T-Mobile tech support were friendly and tried to help but without luck. The G2 advertises that it is 802.11-N Wireless.
Now, here is the catch: I have Road Runner Lightening through Bright House Cable (previously owned by Time Warner). It has 40,000 kbps download and 5,000 kbps upload. My MacBook Pro Airport works fine as does my new “little black box” Apple TV. My Epson printer does not work (but I know that it is b/g/draft-n) and don’t expect it to. RR tech Support is saying that I can Bridge my Wireless Broadband Cable Modem / Router with my cheap Belkin (802.11 N) wireless router (which does work with my printer and most likely my phone); however, I will be losing 15-20,000 kbps down and 2500 kbps up – yet still paying for Lightening instead of Turbo.
I’ve contacted Bright House customer care and Tech Support Level 1,2,3 (15) times in the past 3 weeks. I have had 3 service calls and two no shows. Yet, they have the audacity to tell me that they will not refund the $50.00 “install” fee for lightening. They will not allow router access via computer due to “they wanting total control over the internal settings of the router.” It is a Motorola SPG-6550 (that is what it sounded like when he mumbled it). I am pretty sure it is a Motorola Surfboard Extreme DOCSIS 3.0 Mbps router with Dual Band N 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz simultaneous capability. However, they say that is not an option for the settings. It’s one or the other.
Any ideas or suggestions????
Thanks,
Mike
@Michael McGee
Hi there,
I too have problems with the G2 and WPA2-PSK (AES). However, I could connect using WPA-PSK(TKIP). I have no idea why WPA2 doesn’t work but making the change worked for me. Regular WEP on another WLAN also works fine.
My guess is that WPA2 is not supported even though the option appears in the phone settings.
Belkin N1 wireless router & HTC Desire HD and tried all of the possible solutions above and not playing ball. Any solutions anyone?
Hi, I’m on the G2 and says authorizing the is says failed then dissabled and it keeps doing the same thing uncontrollably ..please help!!
I purchased a HTC G2 yesterday and I cannot connect to my wireless router. I’ve tried no encryption, WEP, and WPA to no avail. I’ve owned a G1 for 2 years and never had an issue connecting to my router. The router is a Microsoft router (Wireless G). I have yet to try connecting to another WiFi source.
The G2 sees my network and allows me to enter the passcode and then it states “Obtaining IP Address” for about 30 seconds then it states “Disconnected” and then starts scanning again and repeats this process.
Hi… I did a factory reset on my Tmobile G1 cell and now it is locked. I have had this cell for two years and I am using another service provider’s Sim. Can you help me any one?
I did a factory reset on my G1phone and now i try to put in my gmail account and password it says ” there is a problem communicating with google servers.”"this can be a temporary problem or your sim card may not be provishioned for data services. if it continues call costumer care.” I am from the carribbean and I use a local provider… Can someone help me please?
Hi
I wonder if you can help. I have a new HTC Desire HD. My phone works fine at home and with my wi-fi at home.
However, if I out and about and connect to an unsecured open wifi, the phone will not take or recieve emails, or go on line. If I disconnect the wifi, i get the emails and intenet fine. Is this a common problem? Or have I a setting issue?
David
changing to static IP worked for me.
Using wifi static to automatically switch between static and dynamic IP between networks works like a charm! Now this wifi problem becomes a non issue!
Hi
I have htc g2 and I tried using my phone wifi to connect to my tv but my tv could not read it throught the usb connection. Any suggestion on that ?
Thanks
Hey,
Thanks for this article. I am facing wifi connectivity problems on my Samsung Galaxy TAB running 2.2 Froyo while connecting with Belkin Wirelss G Router (on WEP security) at my home. The connection works all fine, until a day comes when it disconnects and fails to re-connect (remains struck at ‘Obtaining IP address’). After a while the connection becomes ‘Disabled’ and the only way out is to Restore Factory Settings of phone. The factory settings restoration works and the wifi connects back but is never a permanent solution and continues to work only for a couple of days at max.
I will appreciate if you can help me out if you know about this problem.
Thanks
Kshiraj Telang
Happy Holidays Y’all
I have a Pickle also. Need some suggestions, I’m a newbie using WiFi, the language please bare with me while I explain this situation.
I did everything I read to upload my video onto YouTube. Check this out 1 went threw although I haven’t had the chance to view it. Just read completed the others didn’t. I saw a message stating waiting on WiFi. I went into the settings on my HTC hero did the click on WiFi proceeded on thinking ok that took care of that NO my WiFi isn’t working for home & its asking for some code? Code?.
My next option is to go to the wireless store I purchased the phone from & have them to explain why WiFi isn’t working & what code is needed unless someone have some suggestions.
Thanks So Much, be safe & enjoy the New Year coming.
VaBch,Va
I had the same problems. However I found that the router was limited to ip address 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.200. I changed this band to 192.168.1.001 to 192.168.1.200 and it worked fine !
Sorry to bump this 7 months after the last post, but I recently aquired a G2 and encountered the same problem with connecting to my router a Linksys WR310N ver. 1. I had the SSID hidden and the only way the phone would connect is if I broadcasted the network ID. I finally resolved the problem of keeping the SSID hidden and having the G2 connect with WPK2 by changing the radio band from standard (20MHz) to Wide (40Mhz). I kept the Wide channel at the default of 3 and the Standard CHannel at the default of 1-2.41GHz. Hope this helps some people who may be having the same issue with their home network. I’m not sure how this will help those trying to connect to public access router with hidden SSID’s.
John with the Legend
I have exactly the same problem – did you find a fix?
Phone works fine on all other wireless networks except my home.
thanks
Sir i have htc touch 6.1 version.I have got wifi problems soo i started to restore the default settings after that my wifi signal is shown it is going on connectinggg but not connecting
my son has just aquired an T-mobile G2 touch [htc hero] works great on tmobile with net access but is fickle to say the least when using wifi his ipod my omnia connect and work fine via out network,but the hero obtains adress then disconects a few seconds later then reconnects later again ,thought please
Hi,
I realize this post was made a long time ago, but I hope you’re still checking comments.
I’m not quite sure what the problem is exactly, but it also has to do with wifi; my ipod connects to the wifi with no problem, and for a while, when i first got it and when i did a software update, the HTC hero did too. But other than those times, in the year i’ve had it, it won’t connect to my internet at home. Or, more like, the it connects to the wireless network, even has it as ‘connected’ in the wireless network settings but if I try to do anything with it, like open up the internet, it shows that annoying ‘web page not available’ (which i know is because the internet isn’t working properly because google.ca works just fine on the computer);
I can, however, get the internet to work at my university, so I’m a bit confused about what exactly is wrong with my internet at home ): I just kinda want an idea of where to start to look at solutions, since i don’t even have a general idea of what the problem could be?
(oh, and my wireless internet router is Netgear, and um..on the back it says: RangeMax Wireless Router WP824 v2)
I’ve had my HTC desire for about 8 months and loved it until yesterday when it would not connect to my WiFi network. It connects, tries to obtain IP address and then disconnects. I have tried turning off the phone, turning off the router, factory reset. Other products can still connect to the WiFi, just not my phone. What next?
I have a wi-fi issue with my HTC Legend.
It has been working fine for the past year, on various wi-fi networks when it has suddenly stopped being able to ‘obtain the IP address’ of my BT, home broadband.
I have not upgraded any software or the Android operating system and the phone still connects to other wi-fi meaning no issue there. My home wi-fi can still be connected to on my computer, so no issue there. The phone used to work on this wi-fi and I have made no changes to it. I have tried installing 3rd party wi-fi connecting software on my phone (WI-fi Buddy), but this didn’t work. I haven’t changed the password to connect to the wi-fi.
Does anyone have any thoughts on where I can begin to troubleshoot next? I’m completely stuck!