Wi-Fi won't turn on on the Samsung Galaxy J5: all the reasons and what to do

In this article we will look at all possible reasonsWhy isn't Wi-Fi working on Samsung Galaxy J5 (including models J500F, J500H, J510FN and other modifications), and we will also give step-by-step instructions Diagnostics and troubleshooting. You'll learn how to distinguish a software glitch from a hardware problem, which settings to check first, and when to take your phone to a service center. For your convenience, we've compiled unique data on typical errors of this particular model — for example, why, after updating to Android 7.0, many users encounter the “eternal search for networks” problem.

1. Software glitches: from Android bugs to app conflicts

Let's start with the most common one - software crashes. Samsung Galaxy J5, especially on older versions of Android (5.1–6.0), is known for problems with Wi-Fi module drivers. Common culprits include:

• 🔄 Failed software update — after installing new firmware, the Wi-Fi driver may crash or conflict with the system kernel.
• 📱 Third-party application conflict — some programs (for example, optimizers or VPNs) block network functions.
• 🗑️ Cluttered memory — If there is less than 500 MB of free space on the phone, Android starts to glitch, including with Wi-Fi.
• ⚡ Reset network settings — sometimes the system “forgets” the module configuration after a hard reboot.

The first thing to do is reboot your phone in safe modeThis will help you determine whether third-party software is to blame. To do this:

1. Press and hold the button Nutrition until the shutdown menu appears.
2. Press and hold your finger on the option Turn off.
3. Confirm the transition to Safe mode (a corresponding message will appear on the screen).

If Wi-Fi works in Safe Mode, the problem is with one of the installed apps. If not, we'll look deeper for the cause.

2. Android settings: what to check first

Before you blame the hardware, make sure that all Wi-Fi settings are enabled correctlyOn . Samsung Galaxy J5 There are several pitfalls:

• 📶 Airplane mode - even if it is turned off in the notification shade, sometimes it remains active in the settings (Settings → Connections → Airplane Mode).
• 🔒 Battery saving — in mode Average/Maximum savings Android may turn off Wi-Fi in the background.
• 🔄 Automatic connection - If disabled, the phone will not search for networks after reboot.
• 📡 Wi-Fi range - some routers only work in 5 GHz, A Galaxy J5 supports only 2.4 GHz.

Check also app permissions, related to the network. For example, if Google Settings or Google Play Services Location access is disabled, Wi-Fi may not turn on. Path: Settings → Apps → ⚙️ (three dots) → Special access → App permissions.

Make sure Airplane Mode is turned off|Check battery saver|Enable automatic connection to networks|Switch router band to 2.4 GHz|Update date and time in settings-->

Attention! On some firmware versions Samsung Galaxy J5 there is a bug: if in Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced the item is included Always look for networksThe module may freeze while scanning. Try disabling this option and restarting your phone.

3. Reset network settings and system cache

If Wi-Fi does not turn on, but gray button in the notification shade and doesn't respond to keystrokes, the problem may be a corrupted system cache or conflicting network settings. Try the following steps:

1. Reset network settings:

   Go to Settings → General Settings → Reset → Reset Network SettingsThis will delete all saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth passwords, but will restore the module's functionality.

2. Clearing the system cache:

   Turn off your phone, then hold down Volume Up + Home + Powerto enter Recovery Mode. Select Wipe cache partition (use volume buttons to navigate and power button to confirm).

3. Clearing Settings app data:

   Go to Settings → Apps → Settings (⚙️) → Storage → Clear data. Attention! This will reset some personal settings (wallpaper, sounds, etc.), but often helps when the interface freezes.

After each step, restart your phone and check your Wi-Fi connection. If the problem persists, move on to more drastic measures.

4. Firmware update and factory reset

On Samsung Galaxy J5 (especially on models J500M And J510F) Wi-Fi problems often occur after updating to Android 7.0 NougatUsers complain about:

• 🔍 Endless network search (the indicator spins, but there is no list).
• 🚫 Unable to turn on Wi-Fi (the button returns to its original position).
• 📵 Connecting to a network without internet access (the Wi-Fi icon is present, but pages don't load).

Solutions:

1. Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → Software UpdateSometimes patches fix driver bugs.
2. Roll back to factory firmware through Odinh3 (for experienced users). Download the official firmware for your model from the website. Sammobile.
3. Install custom software (For example, LineageOS), if official methods do not help. Attention! This will void your warranty and may result in data loss.

Attention! Before flashing through Odinh3 Make sure the firmware version matches your phone model. Incorrect firmware can brick your device.

5. Router problems: why the phone can't see the network

Sometimes the problem is not in the phone, but in router settings. Samsung Galaxy J5 (especially older models) do not work well with:

• 🔒 Complex passwords - if the password contains Cyrillic or special characters (for example, #$%), the phone may not connect.
• 📡 Hidden SSIDs - if the network does not broadcast its name, Galaxy J5 she won't find it.
• 🔄 Incompatible channels - channels 12–14 in the range 2.4 GHz may not be supported.
• 🛡️ MAC address filtering — If MAC binding is enabled in the router and the phone's address is not included in the list, the connection will be blocked.

To check if the router is at fault:

1. Try connecting to a different network (such as a mobile hotspot from a different phone).
2. Reboot your router (unplug it from the power outlet for 30 seconds).
3. Change your router's security settings WPA2-AES on WPA2-TKIP/AES (sometimes it helps).
4. Disable the feature Band Steering (if there is one), because Galaxy J5 does not support automatic switching between 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz.

6. Hardware malfunctions: when you need help from a technician

If none of the software methods helped, the problem is most likely hardware. IN Samsung Galaxy J5 most often fail:

• 📶 Wi-Fi module - microcircuit Broadcom BCM4339 (or its equivalent) may burn out due to overheating or a power surge.
• 🔌 Antenna cable — oxidation or breakage of contacts (especially if the phone was dropped or got wet).
• 🔋 Battery - If the battery is swollen, it can put pressure on the motherboard and disrupt the operation of the module.
• 🔧 Soldered contacts — over time, the solder oxidizes, and the module loses connection with the processor.

How to diagnose a hardware failure:

1. Check the Wi-Fi indicator:
   • If the button is in the curtain gray in color and not pressable — the problem is in the driver or module.
   • If the button turns on, but no networks are found — the antenna may break.
   • If the phone sees networks but doesn't connect — the problem is in the router firmware or settings.