How do I regain my network connection?

Q: Why have I lost my network connection?

If you hit a Lost internet connection error message, that means your client computer is having network issues. Restart your modem and/or router at the host computers location. Some connection issues can be resolved by simply restarting the modem and/or router.

You can reset the network settings on your Android device by heading to your Settings app.
You should reset your Android's network settings if it's having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks.
Resetting network settings won't delete any of your apps or personal data, but will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections.
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If your Android device is having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or even a cellular connection, there might be an issue with your network settings.

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How to reset network settings on an Android device
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As a last resort, resetting network settings may get you back online
What to Know
How to Reset Network Settings in Windows 10
Fixing Any Remaining Settings
What Does a Windows 10 Network Reset Do?
How do I restore my network connection?
Why have I lost my network connection?
How do I restore my network on my phone?

Your Android's network settings control what your device can connect to and how. These settings can sometimes become corrupted, which leaves your device unable to connect to anything around it.

Luckily, you can reset the network settings at any time. This won't delete any of your apps, photos, or other data. All it will erase are your saved Wi-Fi passwords, and other connection information.

It'll also likely help your Android device connect to the internet or Bluetooth again.

Here's how to reset your network settings on an Android phone or tablet.

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How to reset network settings on an Android device

1. Open the Settings app on your Android.

2. Scroll to and tap either "General management" or "System," depending on what device you have.

The "Reset" options are usually kept with other general system options. Steven John/Business Insider

3. Tap either "Reset" or "Reset options."

4. Tap the words "Reset network settings."

The other two options will reset your network settings as well, but will erase other data too. Steven John/Business Insider

5. You'll have to confirm that you want to reset your network settings. Do so.

Your device will restart. Once it does, your network settings will have been cleared and reset.

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Steven John

Freelance Writer

Steven John is a freelance writer living near New York City by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, four in Boston, and the first 18 near DC. When not writing or spending time with his wife and kids, he can occasionally be found climbing mountains. His writing is spread across the web, and his books can be found at www.stevenjohnbooks.com.

As a last resort, resetting network settings may get you back online

Updated on December 24, 2021

What to Know

To reset network settings, go to Start menu > Settings > Network and Internet > Status > Network Reset.
If you have a VPN or a proxy server, it may need to be reconfigured following the reset.
Resetting network settings removes and reinstalls every network adapter installed on your system.

This article explains how to reset your network settings on Windows 10.

How to Reset Network Settings in Windows 11

How to Reset Network Settings in Windows 10

Using the network reset utility in Windows 10 is fairly simple.

Go to Start menu > Settings, then select Network and Internet.
In the left navigation pane, select Status to make sure you're viewing the network status window. Then scroll down until you see the Network Reset link.
Click the Network Reset link and review the Network Reset information message. When you're prepared to network your reset settings, select Reset now.
Select Yes in the network reset confirmation window. This will initiate the reset process and restart your computer.
You will get a warning when the computer's about to reboot. You should have plenty of time to save your work and close out all applications.
When the computer restarts, you'll notice that your network connection isn't active. This is because your network card reset and released its previous connection. Just select the network icon, pick the network you want to reconnect to, and choose Connect.
If your TCP/IP settings are set to automatically detect, your network connection should detect the appropriate network settings and connect to the internet without any problems.

Fixing Any Remaining Settings

If you configured a VPN client or other network software before the network reset, you may need to reconfigure them to get them working again.

Fixing this software is as simple as opening the VPN software and entering your IP and other settings like you did when you originally installed the software.

If you were connecting to a corporate network using a proxy server, you may need to reconfigure your proxy server settings.

Select the Start menu and type Internet Options. Select Internet Options.
In the Internet Options window, select the Connections tab.
Select the LAN settings button, and in the LAN Settings window, select Use a proxy server for your LAN. In the Address field, type the address for your corporate LAN proxy server. Select OK on both windows to accept the changes.
If you don't know the correct proxy server settings, contact your IT help desk to ask for the correct network address and port of your proxy server.
You may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect, and your network card to reconnect to your corporate network.

What Does a Windows 10 Network Reset Do?

Resetting network settings in Windows 10 should be a last resort. When you initiate a network reset, it removes and reinstalls every network adapter currently installed on your system.

The Network Reset Utility was originally introduced by Microsoft after the Windows 10 Anniversary Update build (version 1607) so people could quickly resolve network problems caused by the update. The utility still remains to help people fix network connection issues.

The network reset utility also sets every networking component on your system back to the original factory settings. The components that get reset are as follows:

Winsock: This is an interface for applications that handles input and output requests to the internet.
TCP/IP: This stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, and allows all network devices on your computer to communicate over the internet.

If you've customized any of these settings from their defaults, you'll need to note those settings because performing a network reset will remove any custom settings.

However, most people have all of these components set to automatically detect, so in most cases you won't see any issues after a network reset.

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FAQ

How do I change my network from public to private in Windows 10?
To change a network from public to private on wireless, select the Wi-Fi icon, then select Properties > Network profile > Private. For a wired connection, right-click the Ethernet icon, then Open Network & Internet settings > Properties > Network profile > Private.
How do I turn on network discovery in Windows 10?
To turn network discovery on or off, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.

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How do I restore my network connection?

Luckily, you can reset the network settings at any time..

Open the Settings app on your Android..

Scroll to and tap either "General management" or "System," depending on what device you have. ... .

Tap either "Reset" or "Reset options.".

Tap the words "Reset network settings.".

Why have I lost my network connection?

If you hit a "Lost internet connection" error message, that means your client computer is having network issues. Restart your modem and/or router at the host computer's location. Some connection issues can be resolved by simply restarting the modem and/or router.