Connecting Wi-Fi on the Samsung Galaxy A51: A Complete Guide with the Nuances

Samsung Galaxy A51 — is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but even its owners sometimes encounter difficulties connecting to wireless networks. Unlike flagship models, where the interface One UI may differ, Galaxy A51 Wi-Fi setup has its own unique set of features that are rarely covered in standard instructions. This article will not only tell you how to enable Wi-Fi but also help you troubleshoot common issues, from "invisible" networks to authentication errors.

We will cover all connection methods: from basic manual password entry to using WPS And QR codes (yes, yours Galaxy A51 This supports it!). We'll pay special attention to settings for public networks (hotels, airports), where additional steps are often required. And if you've suddenly forgotten your home network password, we have a life hack using Google Home.

Important: All screenshots and menu paths are current for the latest version. One UI 6.1 (Android 14), but the instructions are also adapted for older firmware versions. If your phone hasn't been updated in a while, check the version in Settings → About phone → Software update.

1. Basic Wi-Fi Connection: Step-by-Step Instructions

Let's start with the simplest thing - connecting to a home or office network, the password for which you know. Galaxy A51 This can be done in literally 3 taps, but there are nuances with the choice of frequency range (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz) that many people don’t know about.

Open notification panel, swipe down from the top of the screen. Find the icon Wi-Fi (usually the third one from the left) and hold it for 1-2 seconds - this is a quick way to get to the settings menu. Alternative way: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.

Make sure the router is turned on and the Wi-Fi indicator is green/blue.

Make sure your phone is not in Airplane mode (airplane icon in the notification bar)

Delete old saved networks with the same name (may cause conflicts)

Disable VPN if it is active (some networks block VPN connections)

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Select your network from the list of available networks. If the network is not listed, click Add a network at the bottom of the screen and enter the name (SSID) manually. Note the icon next to the network name:

• 📶 — the network operates in the range 2.4 GHz (longer range, but lower speed)
• 🚀 — network 5 GHz (higher speed, but worse penetration through walls)
• 🔒 — the network is password-protected (open networks are marked without a lock)

After selecting the network, enter the password and click ConnectIf the password is correct, a checkmark will appear next to the network name, and a Wi-Fi icon with signal strength will appear in the notification bar. On Galaxy A51 When you first connect to a new network, you may be asked to allow location access - this is a requirement of Android for scanning networks, and can be safely allowed or denied (Wi-Fi functionality will not be affected).

2. Connecting to hidden networks (without broadcasting SSID)

Some routers are configured not to broadcast the network name (SSID) - this is done for security reasons, but it complicates the connection. Galaxy A51 There is a separate menu item for this, which many people overlook.

Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi and press Add a network in the lower right corner. In the field Network name (SSID) Enter the exact name of your hidden network (case-sensitive!). Then select the security type:

After entering the password, click SaveIf the connection fails, check:

• 🔄 Correctness of the entered information SSID (ask your network administrator for the exact name)
• 🔐 Security type (a common mistake is choosing WPA2 instead of WPA3)
• 📡 Distance to the router (hidden networks may have poor reception at the edge of the coverage area)

3. Using WPS for a quick connection

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a technology that allows you to connect to a network without entering a password by pressing a button on the router. Galaxy A51 This feature is supported, but it must first be activated in the settings.

Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Advanced (⋮) → WPSYou will have 2 minutes to press the physical WPS button on the router (usually it is labeled and located on the back panel). If there is no button, go to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1) and activate WPS there.

Yes, regularly

I tried it once.

No, I don't trust this technology.

What is this?

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Advantages of WPS:

• ⚡ Quick connection without remembering complex passwords
• 🔐 More secure than open networks (passwords are not transmitted over the air)
• 📱 Suitable for devices without a keyboard (e.g. smart speakers)

Flaws:

• 🕒 The connection window is limited to 2 minutes
• 🛡️ Vulnerability to brute-force attacks (if WPS is always enabled)
• 🔌 Not all public networks support WPS

Why might WPS not work?

If your router is older than 2015, it may only support the outdated WPS 1.0 standard, which is incompatible with modern phones. Also, some providers (for example, Rostelecom) disable WPS in their router firmware by default. In this case, the only solution is to manually enter the password or reset the router to factory settings.

4. Connection to public networks (hotels, airports, cafes)

Public networks often require additional authentication through a browser - the so-called "captive portal" (captive portal). On Galaxy A51 This may cause problems if the phone does not automatically open the login page.

After connecting to such a network (for example, Free_WiFi_Airport) follow these steps:

1. Open any browser (Chrome, Samsung Internet).
2. Enter any website in the address bar (for example, google.com).
3. You should be redirected to the login page. If not, try opening 1.1.1.1 or neverssl.com.
4. Enter your login details (hotel room number, code from your café receipt, etc.).

Typical problems and solutions:

• 🚫 "Connection without Internet access": Check if you have accepted the terms of use on the portal page.
• ⏳ Infinite loading: Clear your browser cache or try incognito mode.
• 🔄 Automatic shutdown: Some networks disconnect every 30-60 minutes (requires re-login).

5. Troubleshooting connection errors

Even if you did everything right, Galaxy A51 may give errors like "Authentication...", "Saved, WPA/WPA2 protection" or "IP address not received"Let's look at the most common cases.

Error "Authentication..." (infinite connection):

• 🔑 Check your password (common mistakes include letter case or spaces at the end).
• 🔄 Reboot your router (unplug the power for 30 seconds).
• 📱 Forget the network on your phone: Settings → Wi-Fi → [tap on the network] → Delete.
• 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings.

Error "IP address not received":

• 🔄 Turn airplane mode on/off for 10 seconds.
• 📡 Check if the MAC address filter is enabled on your router (you need to add your phone's MAC address to the whitelist).
• 🔧 Set the IP manually: in the network settings, select Advanced → IP Settings → Static and enter:

  IP: 192.168.1.100
  Gateway: 192.168.1.1
  Mask: 255.255.255.0
  DNS: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4

Error: "Network saved, WPA/WPA2 protection":

This error means the phone has detected the network but cannot connect to it due to incompatible security protocols. Solutions:

• 🔒 Change the security type on your router WPA3 on WPA2 (or vice versa).
• 📵 Disable the function on your router 802.11r (Fast Transition), if enabled.
• 🔄 Update your router firmware (especially relevant for TP-Link and ASUS devices).

What to do if nothing helps?

In rare cases, the problem may be with the phone's hardware—a faulty Wi-Fi module. You can check this by connecting to a different network (for example, via another phone's mobile hotspot). If there are still errors, contact a service center. Galaxy A51 Replacing a Wi-Fi module costs 2-3 thousand rubles (2026).

6. Optimize Wi-Fi speed and stability

Even if there is a connection, the speed may be low and the connection may be unstable. Galaxy A51 There are several hidden settings that can help improve the situation.

Band selection (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz):

If your router supports both ranges, but the phone automatically connects to 2.4 GHz (more loaded), you can force the selection 5 GHzTo do this:

1. Forget the current network (Settings → Wi-Fi → [tap on the network] → Delete).
2. Reconnect, but manually enter the network name with the suffix _5G (For example, MyWiFi_5G).

Setting up DNS to speed up loading:

By default, your phone uses your ISP's DNS, which can be slow. Change it to:

• 🌍 Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 And 1.0.0.1
• 🔍 Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 And 8.8.4.4
• 🛡️ AdGuard (blocks ads): 94.140.14.14 And 94.140.15.15

To change your DNS, go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → [click on the network] → Advanced → IP Settings → Static and enter the selected addresses in the fields DNS 1 And DNS 2.

Disable power saving for Wi-Fi:

Android may turn off Wi-Fi by default in sleep mode to save battery. To avoid this:

1. Go to Settings → Device Maintenance → Battery.
2. Click ⋮ → Settings → Adaptive power saving mode.
3. Disable the option Disable Wi-Fi in sleep mode.

7. Alternative connection methods

If standard methods don't work, Galaxy A51 There are several alternative methods:

Connection via QR code:

Many modern routers (for example, Keenetic, ASUS) can generate a QR code for connection. Galaxy A51:

1. Open camera and point it at the QR code.
2. A notification will appear "Connect to Wi-Fi?" - click on it.
3. Confirm the connection.

Using Wi-Fi Direct:

This technology allows you to connect to other devices without a router. For example, to transfer files from your phone to a printer or TV:

1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct on both devices.
2. On Galaxy A51: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Select the device from the list and confirm the connection.

Mobile hotspot (if Wi-Fi doesn't work at all):

If your Galaxy A51 can't connect to the network, but you have another phone with internet access, you can share Wi-Fi from it:

1. Activate on the second phone Access point.
2. On Galaxy A51 Connect to this network as you would to a regular Wi-Fi.

8. Security: How to protect your connection

Public Wi-Fi networks are a breeding ground for cyber threats. Galaxy A51 There are built-in protection tools, but they need to be configured correctly.

Using VPN:

A VPN encrypts all your traffic, making it inaccessible to hackers. Recommended services:

• 🛡️ ProtonVPN (free tariff with speed limitation)
• 🌍 Windscribe (10 GB of traffic per month for free)
• ⚡ 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare WARP) (minimal impact on speed)

To set up a VPN, download the app from Google Play and follow the instructions. Galaxy A51 There is also a built-in function Secure Wi-Fi connection (Settings → Connections → Other connection settings), but it only works with some networks.

Disabling automatic connection:

By default, Android can connect to open networks without your knowledge. To prevent this:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Advanced (⋮) → Smart Wi-Fi Switch.
2. Disable the option Automatic connection to open networks.

Checking connected devices:

If you suspect that someone else has connected to your network, check the list of devices in the router's web interface (192.168.1.1). On Galaxy A51 You can also see which devices are connected to your hotspot: Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot & tethering → Connected devices.

Yes, always.

Only for important transactions (bank, mail)

No, I don't see the point.

I don't know what this is

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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

My Galaxy A51 I can't see the 5 GHz network. What should I do?

Make sure the 5 GHz band is enabled on your router (in your wireless network settings). If it is enabled but your phone still can't see it, check:

• Does your router support the standard? 802.11ac (some older models only work at 2.4 GHz).
• Is the router in the offline mode? "2.4 GHz only".
• Update your router firmware (sometimes this solves compatibility issues).

If nothing helps, try manually adding the 5 GHz network by specifying the name with the suffix _5G.

How do I connect to Wi-Fi without a password if it's written on the router but unreadable?

There are several ways:

1. WPS: Press the WPS button on your router and connect via Settings → Wi-Fi → WPS.
2. QR code: If there is a QR sticker on the router, scan it with your phone camera.
3. Router web interface:
   1. Connect your phone to the router via cable (via OTG adapter).
   2. Go to 192.168.1.1 (or another IP specified on the router).
   3. The default login and password are usually admin/admin or admin/password from sticker.
   4. Find the section Wi-Fi or Wireless network — there will be a password.

If the router is from a provider (for example, Rostelecom), the password can be specified in the contract or personal account.

Why is Wi-Fi on Galaxy A51 works slower than on other devices?

Possible causes and solutions:

• 📡 Network congestion: Disconnect other devices from the router or reboot it.
• 📶 Weak signal: check the signal level in Settings → Wi-Fi (if 1-2 divisions, move closer to the router).
• 🔧 Suboptimal settings:
  • Change the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings (for example, from Auto on 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz).
  • Turn it off QOS or Band Steering in the router (sometimes conflicts with Android).
• 📱 Phone problems:
  • Clear the network cache: Settings → Apps → ⋮ → Show system → Wi-Fi → Storage → Clear cache.
  • Turn it off Adaptive Wi-Fi in the advanced Wi-Fi settings.

If the problem persists, try connecting to a different network (such as a mobile hotspot) - this will help determine whether the router or the phone is at fault.

Is it possible to connect? Galaxy A51 to Wi-Fi without a SIM card?

Yes, No SIM card required To connect to Wi-Fi. The phone can only connect to the network via Wi-Fi, which allows you to:

• 📞 Call via WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype.
• 📧 Use email, instant messengers, and a browser.
• 🎮 Play online games (if SMS confirmation is not required).

Restrictions:

• ❌ You can't call regular numbers (SIM or VoIP service required).
• ❌ Some banking apps require a SIM card for SMS confirmation.
• ❌ Geolocation may work less accurately (without mobile network data).

How to reset network settings on Galaxy A51, if Wi-Fi doesn't work at all?

If none of these methods work, reset your network settings. This will delete all saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, and VPNs, but will not affect your personal data:

1. Go to Settings → General Management → Reset.
2. Select Reset network settings.
3. Confirm the action (you may be asked to enter a PIN or pattern).
4. After restarting your phone, try connecting to Wi-Fi again.

If this doesn't help, the last option is - factory reset (Reset all settings (in the same menu). Before doing this, be sure to back up your data!