Samsung · Wi-Fi

Samsung Galaxy Note20 family will not connect to Wi-Fi or keeps disconnecting

Samsung Galaxy Note20 family will not connect to Wi-Fi or keeps disconnecting: one network, all networks, VPN/profile and radio hardware produce different fixes. Scoped to SM-N986* (Note20 Ultra), SM-N980/SM-N981* (Note20).

If the Galaxy Note20 Ultra will not stay on Wi-Fi, try another device on the network, restart the router and then the phone. In Settings, Connections, Wi-Fi, forget the network and rejoin. Check Switch to mobile data in the advanced menu and the router's band. The Note20 Ultra supports Wi-Fi 6 and a 5 GHz network is usually more stable than 2.4 GHz in a crowded building. If the phone cannot find any network, update the software and reset network settings. Because the Note20 Ultra is an older phone, also check whether the router recently changed its security or channel.

Differential

Likely causes of “Samsung Galaxy Note20 family will not connect to Wi-Fi or keeps disconnecting”, and how to tell them apart

  1. 1

    The router or provider

    What separates it Other devices fail

    How to confirm Restart the router

  2. 2

    A stale saved network

    What separates it Only the Note fails

    How to confirm Forget and rejoin

  3. 3

    Switch to mobile data

    What separates it It leaves Wi-Fi in poor signal

    How to confirm Turn it off to test

  4. 4

    A router setting change

    What separates it It stopped after the router changed

    How to confirm Use WPA2 and a standard channel

  5. 5

    A hardware fault

    What separates it No networks

    How to confirm Reset and contact Samsung

Before you touch a setting

Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence

  • Whether other devices work
  • The router's band and security
  • The One UI version

Try in this order

0 of 5 completed
  1. Test another device

    Reversible

    Check another phone.

  2. Restart

    Reversible

    Restart the router and the phone.

  3. Forget and rejoin

    Reversible

    Remove and add the network.

  4. Check mobile data switching

    Reversible

    Review the advanced Wi-Fi menu.

  5. Reset network settings

    Reversible

    As a last step.

Model-specific

What is true of this model and not of its siblings

Wi-Fi
The Note20 Ultra supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
Wi-Fi hardware
The Note20 Ultra supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
Resets
A network reset does not erase files, but note your Wi-Fi passwords first.

Stop boundary

When this stops being a self-service repair

  • !If no networks appear after a reset, contact Samsung

Evidence ledger

Sources behind this answer

Exact questions

Common questions

Does the Note20 Ultra support 5 GHz Wi-Fi?+

Yes, and Wi-Fi 6.

Why does my Note20 Ultra not connect to a new router?+

The router may use a security type or channel the phone does not support. Try WPA2 and a standard channel.

Does an S Pen help with Wi-Fi?+

No, they are unrelated.

Is Wi-Fi calling available on the Note20 Ultra?+

Often, depending on your carrier. Check Settings, Connections.

How do I forget a Wi-Fi network on the Note20 Ultra?+

Open Settings, Connections, Wi-Fi, tap the gear beside the network and choose Forget.

Why does the Note20 Ultra connect to Wi-Fi but have no internet?+

The router may have lost its upstream link or the phone may have a DNS or proxy setting. Test another device, then restart the router.

Can Wi-Fi power saving affect the Note20 Ultra?+

Battery saving settings can limit background connections. Check Battery and device care and the app's battery usage settings.

What band should the Note20 Ultra use?+

The 5 GHz band is faster at close range and the 2.4 GHz band reaches further. Choose by distance and interference.

Will an old Note20 Ultra still connect to a new Wi-Fi 7 router?+

Yes, it will use Wi-Fi 6 or earlier modes. If it fails, set the router to a mode that includes Wi-Fi 6.

When should I replace the phone instead of troubleshooting?+

If no networks appear after a network reset and the phone is out of updates, a hardware fault is likely and repair may cost more than the phone is worth.

How do I check the Note20 Ultra's Wi-Fi strength?+

Look at the bars in the status bar and open the network's details in Wi-Fi settings.

Should I forget all networks?+

Only the problem network. Resetting all network settings is a bigger step.

Is Wi-Fi calling affecting my connection?+

It uses the same Wi-Fi link. Turn it off for a test.

Wrong device or version?

Match the path before repeating the steps.

Match another device