How To Fix “Authentication Error Occurred” On WiFi

At times, while trying to connect your Android device over a WiFi connection, you may encounter an authentication error occurred message.

Several Android users have reported they are unable to build an established connection over the WiFi and this authentication error message pops up.

This issue mostly occurs due to some technical faults in the WiFi network for either the router or the Android device or both.

A virus or malware attack can also lead to this error and you’ll not be able to connect to the WiFi even after entering the correct username and password for the network.

Top 6 Ways to Fix “Authentication Error Occurred”

If you want to learn how to fix authentication error occurred on WiFi on your Android device, then have a look at the fixes provided below.

You can proceed with the solutions in the order given until the issue is fixed and you successfully establish a WiFi connection.

Method 1: Reset the WiFi Network on Android Device

There might be several issues with the WiFi network which sometimes causes an authentication error.

Hence, to get rid of these issues, you need to reset the WiFi network on your Android device.

1. Tap the Home button and open the Settings option from the Application menu on your Android device.
2. From the Network Connections, select WiFi.
3. Multiple WiFi Connections names will appear. Find the one you are trying to connect.
4. Long-press it and two options will appear Forget Network and Modify Network.
5. After that, select the Forget Network option and tap the Refresh button from the top.
6. Now, when the connections list will appear, select the network that you want to connect to.
7. After clicking on the Network name, a box will open asking you to enter the password.
8. Enter the valid password and click the Connect button to complete the task.

Method 2: Restart the Router

Sometimes there might also be problems with the router itself that halt the WiFi connection on your device.

Hence, restarting the router sometimes helps you to fix authentication errors and other connectivity problems.

To restart the router, follow these steps:

1. Press the Power button on the front of the device and hold it for a couple of seconds.
2. Wait until the router turns off completely and then disconnect all the power cables from the back.
3. Wait for a couple of minutes and reconnect the wires and cables properly.
4. Press the Power button again and wait until the green light displays.
5. Now, release the button and connect the Android device to see if the internet connection is established.

Method 3: Reset the Network Settings on your Android Device

Resetting the network settings on your Android device is one of the simplest ways to get rid of this authentication error.

Resetting the settings allows the users to reset all the connectivity components such as the internet, WiFi and Bluetooth.

To reset the network settings, perform the following steps.

1. Tap the Menu button on your device and open the Settings option from the application menu.
2. After that, scroll the screen and select the Backup and Reset option from the bottom.
3. Now, select the Network Reset settings option and tap the Reset Settings option from the top.
4. Wait for the process to complete and when the task is over, restart the phone and see if the issue is fixed.

Method 4: Use the WPS Push Button to Fix the Authentication Error

WPS stands for WiFi protected setup that allows the device to make a connection between the device and router.

Using the WPS push button is another way to get the wireless connection on your Android device.

1. Tap the Menu button and open the Settings from the application list.
2. After that, select the Wireless Network option from the list and then locate the Advanced Settings option.
3. Tap it and you’ll find multiple WPS options depending on your model.
4. Now, scroll down the screen and select a WPS Push-button from the bottom.
5. A notification will appear on your Android screen stating that it isNow,  waiting for WPS configuration.
6. Now, push the WPS button on your router and wait for the connection to establish.

Method 5: Change the Wireless Network Connection from DHCP to Static

If the above method fails to connect the device to WiFi, then you can try changing the Wireless network connection to static.

1. Launch Settings from the Menu bar and scroll the screen to locate the Connectivity option.
2. Tap the option and select the WiFi connection from the list and then long-press the WiFi name.
3. Select the Modify Network option and check the Slow Advanced Settings box from the bottom.
4. After that, look for the IP address and then change the network from DHCP to Static to complete the above task.

After completing all the steps accurately, restart the Android device and try connecting it to the WiFi.

If the WiFi connects, then you are done and if somehow, the issue still exists, here is the last solution you can try.

Method 6: Upgrade the Operating System on your Android Device Manually

If none of the above methods work, then there might be some issues with the OS itself.

An outdated OS version causes several connection issues including this authentication error.

In this case, you need to update the OS version.

1. Open Settings from the Menu bar and scroll the screen to locate the About Phone option.
2. Tap the option and select the System Update option from the bottom of the list.
3. After that, wait until the device completes searching for the newest version of OS.
4. When the search is over and if there is any version is available, tap the Application name.
5. Select the Download Now button and wait for the process to complete.
6. When the download is successful, tap the Install Now button.

Now, wait until the installation is successful and then the device will start automatically.

Now, connect the Android device to the WiFi and see if the authentication error is resolved.