Resetting network settings removes all saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, VPN profiles, APN configuration, and cellular preferences from your device. It does not erase personal data, apps, or installed eSIM profiles. On iPhone and Android, this reset takes under two minutes and is one of the most effective ways to resolve persistent connectivity problems that survive simpler fixes.
When to use it: after a No Service or mobile data failure has not responded to the standard steps (Airplane Mode toggle, restart, network selection, APN correction), a network settings reset clears any corrupted stored configuration that may be preventing the device from connecting.
What a Network Settings Reset Removes
A network settings reset is scoped exclusively to connectivity configuration. The following table shows exactly what is and is not affected.
| Setting | Removed by reset? |
|---|---|
| Saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords | Yes — all |
| Bluetooth pairings | Yes — all |
| APN settings (manual and carrier-pushed) | Yes — reset to carrier defaults |
| VPN configurations and profiles | Yes — all |
| Cellular network preferences | Yes — reset to automatic |
| Preferred network type (5G/LTE/3G setting) | Yes — reset to automatic |
| eSIM profiles | No — preserved |
| Physical SIM settings | No — preserved |
| Personal data (photos, contacts, messages) | No — unaffected |
| Installed apps and app data | No — unaffected |
| Apple ID, Google account, email accounts | No — unaffected |
| Device passcode and Face/Touch ID | No — unaffected |
The key point for eSIM users: on both iPhone and Android (Pixel and Samsung), installed eSIM profiles are managed by the LPA (Local Profile Assistant) and stored in the eUICC chip — architecturally separate from the network settings layer that is cleared by a reset. In practice, eSIM profiles are not removed by a network reset. However, Google and Samsung do not explicitly document this behavior; if you are concerned, confirm with your eSIM provider before performing the reset.
When to Reset Network Settings
A network settings reset is appropriate after other targeted fixes have not resolved the problem. It is not a first step — it removes settings (especially Wi-Fi passwords and VPN configs) that must be re-entered manually, so use it when there is a clear reason to do so.
No Service That Persists After Restart and Airplane Mode Toggle
If your device continues to show “No Service,” “Searching,” or zero signal bars after:
- Toggling Airplane Mode on and off
- Restarting the device
- Setting network selection to Automatic
- Confirming the SIM line is enabled
…then the network registration configuration stored on the device may be corrupted. A reset clears it. For the full no-service diagnostic sequence before reaching this step, see No Service on Your Phone?.
Mobile Data Not Working After APN Is Confirmed Correct
If you have verified the APN settings, confirmed Data Roaming is on (where required), and confirmed your plan is active and has data remaining, but mobile data still does not work, a reset removes any conflicting or corrupted cellular configuration that may be overriding the correct APN. For the complete data troubleshooting sequence, see No Mobile Data?.
Unstable Connection After Carrier or Plan Change
When you switch carriers, move from a physical SIM to an eSIM, or change plans within the same carrier, the device may retain old network configuration that conflicts with the new setup. A network reset starts from a clean state. If data connects after the reset but speeds remain consistently slow or unstable, see Slow Mobile Data Speeds — How to Diagnose and Fix for further steps. If the issue started when a new eSIM or SIM would not activate correctly in the first place, see eSIM Won’t Activate? How to Fix Common Setup Issues — a network reset is one of the steps covered there.
Persistent Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Problems
A network reset also clears corrupted Wi-Fi state (for example, a device that keeps disconnecting from the same network despite correct password entry) or Bluetooth pairing issues. Note that all Wi-Fi passwords are erased, not just the problematic one.
How to Reset Network Settings on iPhone
Apple’s path for resetting network settings on iPhone has remained consistent since iOS 15. The option is located in the device reset menu, not in the network settings menu itself.
Steps:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your device passcode when prompted.
- Tap Reset Network Settings on the confirmation dialog.
The device restarts automatically. After restart, the carrier name and signal bars should reappear within 30–60 seconds as the device re-registers on the network.
What happens during the reset:
- All saved Wi-Fi networks are removed.
- Bluetooth pairings are cleared (paired devices must be reconnected).
- VPN profiles installed via Settings are removed.
- APN settings are reset. If your carrier has an automatic carrier settings update, iOS will re-apply it. If not, you will need to re-enter APN values manually.
- eSIM profiles are not affected.
Note: The “Reset Network Settings” option is separate from “Erase All Content and Settings,” which performs a full factory reset. Confirm you are tapping the correct option.
How to Reset Network Settings on Android (Pixel)
Google Pixel devices use “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth” as the network settings reset function.
Steps:
- Open Settings.
- Tap System.
- Tap Reset options.
- Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
- Review the summary of what will be reset, then tap Reset settings.
- Enter your PIN, pattern, or password if prompted.
The reset completes without a full device restart on most Pixel versions. Wait 30–60 seconds and check the status bar for network registration.
Note on Android versions: The path above applies to Pixel devices running Android 12 through Android 15. On older Android versions, the path may differ — check Settings → System for available reset options.
Note on Android 14+ Pixel models: On some Pixel devices running Android 14 or later, the unified “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth” option may be split into two separate entries: “Reset Mobile Network Settings” and “Reset Bluetooth & Wi-Fi”. If you see this split, select both options to perform a complete network reset equivalent to the unified option on earlier versions.
How to Reset Network Settings on Android (Samsung)
Samsung Galaxy devices use a separate “Reset mobile network settings” option within the General management menu.
Steps:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General management.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset mobile network settings.
- If you have multiple SIM cards, select which SIM’s settings to reset, or select both.
- Tap Reset settings and confirm.
The reset completes without a full restart. Check signal after 30–60 seconds.
One UI version note: On older One UI versions (prior to One UI 4), the path is Settings → General management → Reset → Reset mobile network settings. The option name and location have been consistent across recent One UI releases.
How to Reset Network Settings on Other Android Devices
Android network reset paths vary by manufacturer. The general principle is the same across devices: look for a “Reset” or “Reset options” section within System or General management settings.
Common paths by manufacturer:
| Manufacturer | Path |
|---|---|
| OnePlus / OxygenOS | Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth |
| Xiaomi / MIUI | Settings → Additional settings → Backup and reset → Reset network settings |
| Oppo / ColorOS | Settings → Additional settings → Back up and reset → Reset network settings |
| Sony Xperia | Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth |
| Motorola | Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth |
If your device is not listed, search within Settings for “reset network” or “reset Wi-Fi.” The option is present on all Android devices as it is part of the Android base system, though the path varies by manufacturer skin.
What to Reconfigure After the Reset
A network settings reset removes configuration that must be re-entered manually. Prepare for these steps before performing the reset.
Wi-Fi Passwords
All saved Wi-Fi networks are removed. You will need to rejoin each network and re-enter the password. On iPhone, if you use iCloud Keychain, the passwords may be restored automatically from iCloud — this depends on your iCloud settings and whether the password was saved to Keychain rather than stored locally only.
VPN Profiles
VPN configurations installed through Settings are removed. Reinstall the VPN app’s configuration or re-import the VPN profile from your VPN provider.
APN Settings
This is the most important reconfiguration step for users on MVNOs or travel eSIMs.
- MNO (major carrier) users: the carrier typically pushes APN settings automatically after the reset, via a carrier settings update on iPhone or an OTA profile on Android. No manual action needed in most cases.
- MVNO users: MVNOs often do not push automatic APN profiles. You will need to re-enter the APN values manually. For iPhone users, see the full APN setup instructions in APN Setup Guide for iPhone.
- Travel eSIM users: most major travel eSIM providers (such as Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, and Saily) embed APN configuration inside the eSIM profile itself. Because the eSIM profile is preserved through the reset, APN configuration from these providers is typically restored automatically. If data does not work after the reset, check your provider’s setup documentation for manual APN values.
Bluetooth Devices
All paired Bluetooth devices (headphones, car systems, smartwatches, keyboards) must be re-paired. Power each device into pairing mode and reconnect from Settings → Bluetooth on iPhone, or Settings → Connected devices on Android.
Cellular Preferences
The device reverts to automatic network selection and the default preferred network type (which allows the full range from 5G down to 3G where available). If you had manually set a specific network type — for example, LTE-only to avoid 5G instability in a specific area — you will need to re-apply that setting.
Verifying the Reset Worked
After the reset and device registration, verify connectivity with these checks.
Check Cellular Registration
Look at the status bar. The carrier name and signal bars should reappear within 60 seconds. If “No Service” or “Searching” persists beyond 60 seconds, check that the SIM line is enabled:
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular → confirm the line toggle is on.
- Android (Pixel): Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → confirm the SIM toggle is on.
- Android (Samsung): Settings → Connections → SIM card manager → confirm the SIM toggle is on.
Test Mobile Data
Open a browser and navigate to a simple, reliable page. If data does not connect:
- Confirm the Cellular Data (iPhone) or Mobile data (Android) toggle is on.
- Confirm Data Roaming is on if your plan requires it (travel eSIMs and some MVNOs).
- Check that the APN is configured correctly — see APN Setup Guide for iPhone or your Android carrier’s setup documentation.
Check Bluetooth
Open Settings → Bluetooth (iPhone) or Settings → Connected devices (Android) and re-pair any devices you need. Paired devices from before the reset will not reconnect automatically — they must go through the pairing process again.
Network Reset vs. Factory Reset: Key Difference
A network settings reset and a full factory reset are not the same operation.
| Network Settings Reset | Factory Reset (Erase All) | |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi passwords | Erased | Erased |
| APN / VPN / cellular config | Reset | Erased |
| eSIM profiles | Preserved | Erased (varies by device) |
| Apps | Preserved | Erased |
| Photos and personal data | Preserved | Erased |
| Accounts (Apple ID, Google) | Preserved | Signed out |
A factory reset erases everything and should only be performed when a network settings reset and all other troubleshooting steps have failed. For network connectivity issues, a network settings reset is the appropriate tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting network settings delete my photos, apps, or contacts?
No. Reset Network Settings only removes network-related configuration: saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, APN settings, VPN profiles, and cellular network preferences. Personal data — photos, apps, contacts, messages, and app data — is completely unaffected.
Will resetting network settings delete my eSIM?
On iPhone, Reset Network Settings does not delete eSIM profiles stored on the device. Your installed eSIM plans remain intact. On Android (Pixel), the equivalent “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth” also preserves installed eSIM profiles. On Android (Samsung), “Reset mobile network settings” likewise preserves eSIM profiles. In all cases, eSIM profiles are managed by the LPA/eUICC, which is architecturally separate from the network settings layer — in practice they are not removed, but Google and Samsung do not explicitly document this; confirm with your eSIM provider if concerned.
How long does a network settings reset take?
On iPhone, the device restarts automatically and is ready in about 60–90 seconds. On Android (Pixel and Samsung), the reset completes without a full restart and typically takes under 30 seconds. After the reset, wait an additional 30–60 seconds for the device to register on the cellular network before testing.
After the reset, do I need to re-enter my APN settings?
It depends on your carrier. Most major carriers (MNOs) push APN configuration automatically after a network reset. If you use an MVNO, a travel eSIM, or any carrier that does not push automatic APN profiles, you will need to re-enter the APN manually. Have your APN values from your carrier’s setup documentation ready before performing the reset.
When should I reset network settings versus doing a full factory reset?
Reset Network Settings is appropriate when the problem is connectivity-specific — persistent No Service, mobile data that will not work, or an unstable connection that other steps have not resolved. A full factory reset (which erases all data) is a much more drastic step and is not warranted for network issues alone. Try Reset Network Settings first.
Related Guides
- No Service on Your Phone? A Step-by-Step Fix — full diagnostic sequence for zero signal bars or “No Service” before using a network reset
- No Mobile Data? How to Fix Data Connection Problems — step-by-step fix for when signal is present but mobile data does not work
- APN Setup Guide for iPhone — how to reconfigure APN settings on iPhone after a network reset
- Slow Mobile Data Speeds — How to Diagnose and Fix — if data connects but speed is poor after the reset
- eSIM Won’t Activate? How to Fix Common Setup Issues — if the issue started after a new eSIM installation and a reset did not resolve it
Use SimFinder to compare mobile plans, or SimFinder Travel to find travel eSIM plans compatible with your destination and device.