If mobile data works normally but Wi-Fi refuses to connect or load anything, it can feel confusing and frustrating. Apps work fine the moment you turn Wi-Fi off, but as soon as you connect to a network, nothing loads. This is a very common situation and usually does not mean your phone is broken. In most cases, the issue is related to the Wi-Fi network itself or how your phone connects to it.
Below are the most common reasons this happens and what you can realistically do.
Reason 1: The Wi-Fi Network Has No Internet Access
Sometimes a Wi-Fi network appears connected but does not actually have internet access. This often happens when the router loses its connection while still broadcasting Wi-Fi. This situation is very similar to cases where your phone is connected but has no internet access.
What to do
- Disconnect from Wi-Fi and reconnect
- Check if other devices can open websites using the same Wi-Fi
- Restart the router if you have access (simply power it off and back on)
Reason 2: Incorrect or Outdated Wi-Fi Network Settings
Saved Wi-Fi settings on your phone can become outdated or corrupted, especially after router changes, password updates, or network resets. This can prevent your phone from accessing the internet even though Wi-Fi shows as connected.
What to do
- Forget the Wi-Fi network on your phone
- Reconnect and enter the password again
- Avoid using custom DNS or proxy settings
Reason 3: Weak or Unstable Wi-Fi Signal
Even when Wi-Fi shows as connected, the signal may be too weak or unstable to transfer data reliably. This can also happen in situations where Wi-Fi keeps dropping or reconnecting repeatedly.
What to do
- Move closer to the router and test again
- Switch between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz if both are available (these are two Wi-Fi bands, and one may work better in your location)
- Turn Airplane Mode on for 20 seconds, then turn it off
Reason 4: Router or Network Restrictions
Some Wi-Fi networks apply restrictions such as device limits, parental controls, or filtering rules. These restrictions can block internet access on your phone while mobile data continues to work normally.
What to do
- Check if other devices can use the same Wi-Fi network
- Restart the router if you have access (simply power it off and back on)
- Ask the network owner about any active restrictions
Reason 5: VPN or Private DNS Interferes with Wi-Fi
VPN apps or custom DNS settings can interfere with Wi-Fi connections on some networks. In certain cases, mobile data works fine while Wi-Fi traffic gets blocked or fails to load.
What to do
- Disable the VPN temporarily and test Wi-Fi again
- Set Private DNS to automatic if it is manually configured
- Close the affected app completely and open it again
Quick Checklist
- Reconnect to the Wi-Fi network
- Forget and re-add the Wi-Fi connection
- Test Wi-Fi on another device
- Disable VPN or custom DNS temporarily
- Restart the router if you have access (simply power it off and back on)
When This Is Normal and When It Is Not
If Wi-Fi stops working briefly while mobile data works, it is usually a temporary router or network issue. If Wi-Fi fails on multiple networks and over several days, the problem may be related to your phone’s Wi-Fi hardware or deeper network settings.