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10 Tech How-To

Oppo A37 WiFi Not Working: Quick Fixes

Guide 10-30904 · Updated · Step by step

If your Oppo A37’s WiFi is not working, the fix is usually a simple settings reset or a network forget-and-reconnect. This guide walks you through the most effective troubleshooting steps, from quick toggles to deeper system resets, and explains why each step works.

Why Your Oppo A37 WiFi Fails

The Oppo A37, released in 2016, runs Android 5.1 Lollipop with ColorOS 3.0. Its WiFi module is generally reliable, but several common issues cause connectivity problems:

  • Software glitches – Temporary bugs in the WiFi stack or ColorOS can freeze the connection.
  • Router compatibility – Older phones may struggle with newer router security protocols like WPA3.
  • Power saving settings – Aggressive battery optimization can kill background WiFi.
  • Corrupted network data – Saved network profiles can become corrupted, preventing authentication.
  • Hardware failure – Less common, but a loose antenna or damaged WiFi chip can stop all wireless activity.

Most issues are software-related, so you can resolve them without opening the phone.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Start with these simple steps – they resolve a surprising number of cases:

  1. Toggle WiFi off and on – Swipe down from the top of the screen, tap the WiFi icon to turn it off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
  2. Restart the phone – Press and hold the power button, tap “Restart.” This clears temporary system memory and often fixes stuck connections.
  3. Restart your router – Unplug the router’s power, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in. Let it fully boot (2–3 minutes) before reconnecting your phone.
  4. Check if WiFi works elsewhere – Try connecting to a different network (like a mobile hotspot). If it works, the problem is likely your router, not the phone.

Forget and Reconnect to the Network

Corrupted saved credentials are a common cause. Forgetting the network forces the phone to re-authenticate from scratch:

  1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap and hold the network name you’re trying to join.
  3. Select Forget network.
  4. Tap the network again, re-enter the password, and connect.

Make sure you type the password correctly – a single wrong character will cause an authentication error. If you’re unsure, check the password on your router’s label or in its admin page.

Reset Network Settings

If forgetting one network doesn’t help, reset all network settings. This clears all saved WiFi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and mobile data settings – it won’t delete your photos or apps.

  1. Open Settings → Additional Settings (or “Other Settings” on some ColorOS versions).
  2. Tap Backup & Reset.
  3. Select Reset Network Settings.
  4. Confirm when prompted. The phone will restart.

After the restart, you’ll need to reconnect to your WiFi network manually. This is the most effective fix for persistent software-based WiFi failures on the A37.

Check Date, Time, and Power Saving

Two less obvious culprits:

  • Incorrect date/time – If your phone’s clock is wrong, WiFi authentication can fail because the security certificate timestamps don’t match. Go to Settings → Date & Time and enable “Automatic date & time” and “Automatic time zone.”
  • Power saving mode – When battery saver is on, the phone may disable WiFi during sleep. Go to Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode and turn it off, or add WiFi to the “allowed” list if available.

Update System Software

Oppo periodically releases system updates that fix WiFi bugs. To check for updates:

  1. Go to Settings → System Updates (or “Software Update”).
  2. Tap Check for Updates.
  3. If an update is available, download and install it. Make sure your battery is above 50% or the phone is plugged in.

Note that the A37 is an older device – it may not receive new updates, but any available one should be installed.

When Hardware Is the Problem

If none of the above works, the issue may be physical. Signs of hardware failure include:

  • WiFi icon is grayed out or won’t turn on at all.
  • The phone doesn’t detect any networks anywhere.
  • WiFi works only when you press firmly on the back of the phone (a loose antenna connection).

In these cases, you’ll need professional repair. A technician can inspect the antenna contacts, replace the WiFi module, or reseat the flex cable. This is not a DIY job for most users – opening the phone risks further damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Oppo A37 keep saying “Saved” but won’t connect?

This usually means the password is correct but the phone can’t get an IP address from the router. Restart the router, then forget and reconnect to the network. If it persists, change the router’s security type to WPA2 (not WPA3) – the A37 doesn’t support WPA3.

Will a factory reset fix WiFi?

Yes, a factory reset often fixes stubborn software issues. Back up your data first, then go to Settings → Additional Settings → Backup & Reset → Factory Data Reset. This restores the phone to its original state, clearing all bugs.

Can I use WiFi if the antenna is broken?

No, a broken antenna means no WiFi signal can be received. However, you can still use mobile data (if the cellular antenna works) or a USB tethering connection from another device. For permanent fix, get the antenna replaced.

Why does WiFi keep disconnecting on my A37?

This is often caused by power saving settings or router signal interference. Disable power saving mode, and try changing the router’s WiFi channel (via its admin page) to a less congested one. Also, move closer to the router to rule out weak signal.

Is there a way to boost WiFi signal on the A37?

You can’t increase the phone’s radio power, but you can improve reception by removing thick cases, staying within range, and avoiding sources of interference like microwaves or Bluetooth devices. Using a WiFi repeater or mesh system can also help.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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