WiFi Not Working on LG G5? Solved

If your LG G5’s WiFi is not working, the fix is usually a simple settings reset or a network forget-and-rejoin, but if those fail, the problem is often a hardware or software issue that requires a factory reset or repair. This guide walks you through every likely cause and the exact steps to try, from the quickest fix to the most involved.

Why the LG G5 Has WiFi Problems

The LG G5, released in 2016, is known for a few recurring WiFi issues. Many users report the phone shows “Connected, no internet,” or the WiFi toggle turns off by itself, or the phone fails to detect any networks at all. These symptoms can stem from outdated software, a glitch in the WiFi driver, a corrupted network profile, or—in some cases—a loose antenna connection inside the phone, which is a known weak point of the modular design. Because the G5’s bottom chin is removable, the WiFi antenna contacts can shift or oxidize over time, leading to intermittent or total WiFi failure. Understanding this helps you decide whether a software fix will work or if you need to open the phone.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Before you dive into anything technical, try these simple steps—they resolve a large percentage of WiFi issues on the G5.

Toggle Airplane mode: Swipe down from the top, tap the Airplane mode icon, wait 10 seconds, then turn it off. This refreshes all wireless radios.
Restart the phone: Hold the power button, tap Restart. This clears temporary glitches in the WiFi stack.
Forget and rejoin the network: Go to Settings > WiFi, tap and hold the network name, select “Forget network,” then tap the network again and re-enter the password.
Check if WiFi works in Safe Mode: Press and hold the power button, then tap and hold “Power off” until the Safe mode prompt appears. If WiFi works in Safe mode, a third-party app is interfering.

If none of these help, move on to the deeper software fixes.

Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings clears all saved WiFi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and cellular data settings, but does not delete your personal files. This is a common fix for persistent WiFi problems.

Open Settings.
Tap General (or “General management” on some versions).
Scroll to Reset and tap Reset network settings.
Confirm by tapping Reset settings.

After the reset, the phone will restart. You’ll need to re-enter your WiFi password, so have it handy. If this doesn’t fix the issue, the problem may be deeper in the system.

Update or Reinstall the WiFi Driver (via System Update)

Outdated firmware is a common cause of WiFi instability. The LG G5 received its last major Android update (Android 8.0 Oreo) in 2018, but security patches continued for a while after. Check for any available updates:

Go to Settings > About phone > Update Center > System update.
Tap Check for updates and install if any are available.

If your G5 is already on the latest version, you can try a “dirty flash” of the firmware using LG Bridge on a PC—this reinstalls the system without wiping data. However, this is more advanced and requires downloading the correct firmware for your model (e.g., LG-H850 for international, LG-H830 for T-Mobile). If you’re not comfortable with that, a factory reset is the next best step.

Factory Reset as a Last Software Resort

A factory reset wipes all data and returns the phone to its out-of-the-box state. This will remove any corrupted system files or settings that are causing the WiFi issue. Back up your photos, contacts, and other important data first—you can use LG Backup, Google Drive, or a PC.

Go to Settings > General > Backup & reset.
Tap Factory data reset.
Tap Reset phone and confirm.

After the reset, set up the phone as new (don’t restore from a backup immediately—test WiFi first). If WiFi still doesn’t work after a factory reset, the problem is almost certainly hardware.

Hardware Issues: The Antenna Connection

The LG G5’s modular chin design is a frequent culprit for WiFi failure. The WiFi antenna is located in the bottom chin, and it connects to the main board via small metal pins. Over time, these pins can lose contact due to drops, or they can corrode. Here’s what you can do:

Remove and reinsert the chin: Press the release button on the bottom, pull the chin out, and reinsert it firmly. Sometimes this reseats the antenna.
Clean the contacts: Use a cotton swab with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the gold contacts on the chin and the phone body. Let it dry completely before reattaching.
Check for visible damage: If the chin is cracked or the pins are bent, you’ll need a replacement chin (available online) or a professional repair.

If reseating and cleaning don’t help, the issue might be a faulty WiFi chip on the motherboard. This is a more serious repair that typically costs more than the phone is worth—many users choose to replace the phone instead.

When to Seek Professional Repair

If you’ve tried all the software fixes and the hardware reseating, and WiFi still doesn’t work, it’s time to consider professional repair. A technician can diagnose whether it’s the antenna, the WiFi chip, or something else. Before you pay for a repair, consider the age and value of the G5. A motherboard repair can cost $50–$100, while a replacement chin is around $15–$30. If the phone is otherwise in good condition, a chin replacement is worth trying first. If the WiFi chip is dead, it’s often more cost-effective to buy a used G5 or upgrade to a newer phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my LG G5 keep disconnecting from WiFi?

This is often caused by a weak signal or a power-saving feature. Go to Settings > WiFi > Advanced (three-dot menu) and turn off “WiFi power save mode.” Also, try changing your router’s channel to a less congested one, or move closer to the router.

Can I replace the WiFi antenna on the LG G5 myself?

Yes, the antenna is part of the bottom chin module, which is user-removable. You can buy a replacement chin online and swap it out in seconds—no tools needed. Just make sure you buy the correct model for your G5 variant.

Will a factory reset delete my photos?

Yes, a factory reset erases everything on the phone’s internal storage, including photos, apps, and settings. Always back up your data to Google Photos, LG Backup, or a PC before performing a reset.

My LG G5 shows “Connected, no internet” – what does that mean?

This means your phone has successfully connected to the router, but the router is not providing internet access. Restart your router and modem, check if other devices work, and try forgetting and rejoining the network. If other devices also have no internet, the issue is with your ISP or router.

Is there a known fix for the LG G5 WiFi chip failure?

No, if the WiFi chip itself is dead, there is no software fix. The chip must be replaced by a professional, which is often not cost-effective. Some users have had success with a “reballing” service, but it’s not guaranteed and can be expensive.

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

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