Smartphones of the series Honor are deservedly considered one of the market leaders due to the optimal price-quality ratio. Model Honor 9Released in 2017, the Honor 9 remains a popular choice for many users thanks to its stylish design and stable operating system. However, as with any device, situations sometimes arise where standard features stop working correctly or require manual configuration. Specifically, the question of how to enable Wi-Fi on the Honor 9 may arise during the first boot or after a factory reset.
Wireless connectivity is the foundation of modern mobile use, providing internet access without the need for carrier data. For the module to function correctly, it's essential to not just press a button but also understand the interface's operating principles. EMUI, which forms the basis of the smartphone's interface. In this article, we'll cover in detail all the methods for activating the transceiver module, setting frequency ranges, and troubleshooting common connection errors.
Before we dive into complex operations, it's worth noting that the device's software may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. The interface may change, new menu items may be added, or the switch layout may be altered. The exact Android version on the Honor 9 varies from 7.0 to 9.0 depending on the region and when the update is released. Therefore, if you cannot find an item, look for something similar in meaning in the adjacent menu sections.
Quick activation via the notification panel
The easiest and fastest way to scan for available networks is to use the notification shade. This method doesn't require diving deep into system settings and allows you to instantly check for available access points within range. To do this, unlock your device's screen and swipe down from the top edge of the display. This will open the quick settings panel, which contains the smartphone's main function toggles.
Among the icons, look for the icon that resembles a fan or antenna. If it's blue or green, the module is active. If the icon is gray or has a strikethrough, click it once. In some versions of the shell EMUI To access all the buttons, you may need to swipe left or down to reveal the full list of widgets.
- 📡 Swipe down from top to open the curtain.
- 🔵 Find the Wi-Fi icon among the shortcuts.
- 👆 Click on the icon to activate (it should light up).
- 📶 Wait for the list of available networks to appear.
Once the icon is activated, the system will automatically begin scanning the airwaves. A list of available connections will appear directly below the button bar or in a separate pop-up window, depending on the firmware version. All you need to do is select the desired access point and enter the password.
Setting up via the system menu
If the quick toggles aren't working or you need more fine-tuning, you should access the main settings menu. This is the default path that guarantees access to all the hidden features of the communication module. Go to the main application menu and look for the gear icon indicating the section Settings.
In the list that opens, find the item Wireless networks or simply Wi-FiDepending on the interface language and Android version, this section may be at the very top of the list or hidden inside a category. ConnectionsOnce you enter the menu, you will see the main switch, which must be set to the active position.
☑️ Checking Wi-Fi settings
Here, in the extended menu, additional options are available, such as WPS, scanning QR codes, and managing MAC addresses. For most users, simply selecting a network from the list and logging in is sufficient. However, if the network is hidden, click Add a network at the bottom of the list and enter the name (SSID) manually.
⚠️ Attention: If the toggle in the settings menu is grayed out and unresponsive, this may indicate a system crash or a conflict with installed optimization apps. Try restarting your device before proceeding.
Using the WPS function for quick connection
Technology Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) allows you to connect devices to your router without entering a long and complex password. This is especially convenient if you've forgotten your security key or don't want to type it on the touch keyboard. On the Honor 9, this feature is deeply embedded in the system settings and can be activated through the Wi-Fi menu.
First, make sure your router supports this technology and that the function is activated on its end (often you need to press a physical button on the router body to do this). Then, on your smartphone, go to Settings → Wi-FiClick on the three-dot menu in the upper right corner of the screen.
Select the item from the drop-down list Additional functions or WPSAfter activating the mode on your phone, press the WPS button on the router within two minutes. The devices will find each other automatically, and the connection will be established without requiring a password.
WPS technology security
Using WPS is considered a less secure method, as there are vulnerabilities that allow attackers to brute-force the PIN code. It is recommended to use this method only for trusted home networks and disable it on the router if it is not used regularly.
It's worth noting that some modern routers disable this feature by default for security reasons. If the connection fails, check the router settings through the web interface.
Problems with the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands
Smartphone Honor 9 Supports two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. This is an important feature, as older routers only operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency, while newer ones often broadcast on the 5 GHz band for higher speeds. Problems can arise if the phone doesn't see the 5 GHz network or, conversely, doesn't connect to the old one.
In standard Android settings, band selection is usually automatic. However, if you want to force a switch or check for support, you can use the engineering menu or third-party apps, although in stock firmware EMUI There's often no obvious frequency switch for the user. The phone automatically selects the most stable signal.
The 5 GHz band provides higher data transfer speeds, but has a shorter range and is less effective at penetrating walls. If you're far from your router, your phone may ignore the 5 GHz network in favor of the longer-range 2.4 GHz band.
| Characteristic | 2.4 GHz band | 5 GHz band |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 450 Mbps | Up to 1300 Mbps |
| Range | High | Average |
| Penetration of walls | Good | Bad |
| Workload | High (many neighbors) | Low |
If your Honor 9 doesn't see the 5 GHz network, make sure that the channel in your router settings is not set to a value that is not supported by the smartphone's regional restrictions (for example, some channels above 140 may not be displayed).
Resetting network settings and troubleshooting errors
If the module is enabled but the internet isn't working or the connection keeps dropping, you may need to reset your network settings. This won't delete your personal files, photos, or contacts, but it will clear saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth settings, and mobile network settings.
To perform a reset, go to Settings → System → Reset. Select an item Reset network settings (or Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings). Confirm the action with the screen unlock code. After rebooting, the phone will be as good as new in terms of connections.
This method is effective when the configuration has accumulated software garbage or an IP address conflict has occurred. It's also worth checking whether the mode is enabled. Saving traffic, which can block background apps or limit speed.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting your network settings, you'll need to re-enter passwords for all Wi-Fi networks you've previously connected to. Make sure you remember your access keys or can find them in your provider's account.
If the problem persists even after a reset, it may be due to a hardware fault in the antenna module or the need to reflash the device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why doesn't the Honor 9 see my Wi-Fi router, even though other devices do?
This may be due to a Wi-Fi channel incompatibility. Go to your router settings and change the broadcast channel to 1, 6, or 11 for the 2.4 GHz band. Also, check if MAC address filtering is enabled on your router.
How do I turn on Wi-Fi if my screen is broken and the touchscreen doesn't work?
Without a working touchscreen, this is difficult to do directly. You can try connecting a USB mouse via an OTG cable, if your phone supports it, and control the cursor. Or use voice control, if it was previously set up.
Does turning on Wi-Fi affect the battery drain rate of the Honor 9?
Yes, constantly scanning for networks in poor reception areas can significantly increase battery life. If you're not using the internet, it's best to turn off the module. However, in a strong reception area, a modern Wi-Fi module consumes minimal power.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from Honor 9 to other devices?
Yes, there is a function in the wireless network settings Wi-Fi hotspotYou can use your phone's mobile Internet to share Wi-Fi with your tablet or laptop by setting up a network name and password.
What should I do if the Wi-Fi button is gray and won't turn on?
A gray button often indicates a deep system failure or corrupted system files. Try a full factory reset. If this doesn't help, there's likely a hardware problem with the Wi-Fi module, requiring repair at a service center.