Many users are familiar with the situation when a smartphone or laptop freezes on the "Obtaining IP address" message. The password appears to be correct, the router is working, but the desired internet access is nonexistent. The device endlessly spins the loading bar, trying to obtain a digital identifier from the router.
The problem lies in the protocol DHCP, which is responsible for automatically distributing addresses within the local network. If this process is interrupted, the device cannot "introduce itself" to the router and connect to the network. Most often, the problem is software-related and can be resolved in a few minutes without calling a technician.
In this article, we'll examine the main causes of address conflicts and offer a step-by-step solution. You'll learn how to diagnose the error, reset network settings, and manually assign a static IP address if the automated process fails.
The essence of the error: what happens when it freezes
When you select a Wi-Fi network, your device sends a request to the router. The router should return a unique IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. If this step fails, you'll see the status "Obtaining IP address." This means the physical connection (radio channel) is present, but the logical connection hasn't been established.
The cause could be an overflowing address pool in the router or a conflict when two devices are assigned the same ID. The router itself is also often the culprit. Android or Windows, which cache old, no longer relevant network parameters.
It's important to understand the difference between a lack of signal and an authorization error. If the network is found but the connection fails, the problem lies with the handshake process. The "Obtaining IP" status always indicates a problem with the interaction between the client and the router's DHCP server.
Basic troubleshooting methods
Before delving into the deep settings, it's worth performing some basic manipulations. Often, the system simply "forgets" how to initiate a request correctly. First, try forgetting the network on your device. To do this, go to Wi-Fi settings, select your router, and click Forget the network or Delete.
After this, re-enter the password. This clears the local connection profile and forces the phone to request data again. If this doesn't help, check that airplane mode isn't enabled. Sometimes the radio module freezes and needs to be forced to restart.
- 🔄 Turn off Wi-Fi and turn it on again after 10 seconds.
- 📱 Restart your smartphone or laptop completely, rather than just turning off the screen.
- 🔌 Unplug the router from the power outlet for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
- 📡 Make sure you are connecting to the correct frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
If simple methods fail, we move on to more in-depth diagnostics. The error may be related to the date and time settings, as security certificates require the current time for verification.
Setting up a static IP address
The most reliable way to bypass the DHCP error is to manually assign the address. This eliminates the possibility of conflicts and freezing while waiting for a response from the router. To do this, go to the advanced Wi-Fi settings on your device.
In the settings menu, find the item IP settings and switch it from DHCP on StaticHere you'll need to enter numerical values. These usually look specific depending on the router model.
☑️ Data for static IP
Pay attention to the "Gateway" field. It should match your router's address. If you changed the router's admin login address, for example, to 192.168.0.1, you should also specify the corresponding gateway.
⚠️ Important: Make sure the IP address you select (the last digit) isn't already in use by another device on the network. It's best to choose values between 100 and 200 to avoid conflicts with automatically assigned addresses.
Reset network settings on Android and iOS
If manually entering the password doesn't help or you don't want to mess with the numbers, try a full network reset. This reset returns all network settings to factory defaults. Important: This will delete saved passwords for all Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth settings.
On devices Android the path usually looks like this: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth settingsOn . iPhone need to go to General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset network settings.
After rebooting, the device will be "clean" in terms of network connections. Try connecting to the router again. This often resolves hidden driver conflicts or TCP/IP stack system errors.
What is deleted when you reset the network?
Resetting network settings only deletes connection settings: Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, VPN settings, and cellular network (APN) settings. Your personal photos, contacts, and apps remain intact.
Problems on the router side
It's not always the phone or laptop's fault. The router itself may be limiting. For example, in routers TP-Link, Asus or Mikrotik MAC address filtering may be enabled. If your device isn't whitelisted, it will be stuck at the IP address acquisition stage.
It's also worth checking the DHCP pool range. If your router's settings specify that it distributes addresses from 192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.10, then connecting an eleventh device will cause problems. Expand the pool to 200 addresses.
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| DHCP Server | Address distribution server | Enable |
| Start IP | Start of range | 192.168.1.2 |
| End IP | End of range | 192.168.1.254 |
| Lease Time | Address rental time | 120 minutes (or more) |
You can change these settings in the router's web interface. Enter the gateway address in your browser (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), and enter the administrator login and password. This section is often called LAN or DHCP Server.
Driver conflict and antivirus software
On computers running Windows A common cause is third-party antivirus software or outdated Wi-Fi adapter drivers. The antivirus may block DHCP requests, considering them suspicious activity.
Try temporarily disabling your antivirus firewall and checking the connection. If the problem resolves, add your home network to the list of trusted networks. You should also update your wireless adapter driver through Device Manager.
To do this, click Win + X, select device Manager, find the section Network adapters, right-click on your Wi-Fi module and select Update driverIf the system doesn't find a new one, download it from the laptop manufacturer's website.
Why does my antivirus block Wi-Fi?
Some Network Attack Protection features may aggressively respond to DHCP broadcast requests, especially in public areas, but mistakenly block them at home as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the laptop connect, but the phone says "Obtaining IP"?
Most likely, the router has reached its limit on connected devices, and there simply isn't enough address in the pool for the phone. Or, the phone has a static IP address that conflicts with the laptop's address.
Can a virus cause this error?
Yes, malware can change network settings or create virtual adapters that intercept traffic. Scan your system with an antivirus program, such as Dr.Web CureIt!.
What to do if even a static IP doesn’t help?
If manually entering the address doesn't help, the problem may be a physical fault in the device's Wi-Fi module or a problem with the router's firmware. Try resetting the router to factory settings.
Does date and time affect connection?
Yes, if the device's time is significantly different from the actual time, security certificate errors may occur, which will interrupt the connection process at an early stage.