Fix Pixel Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Not Working
Your Pixel's Wi-Fi won't find networks, or Bluetooth won't switch on, often right after an update. Here's what's known and what to try, in order.
A widespread problem since early 2026
Since Google's January 2026 update, many Pixel owners (especially Pixel 10, 9 and 8 Pro) report Wi-Fi that won't turn on or find networks, and Bluetooth that won't switch on. In a 9to5Google reader poll of about 2,000 people, roughly 40% said they'd had connection problems.
Google hasn't publicly confirmed the cause or announced a fix. The steps below are what's worked for people so far, from quickest to most drastic.
Last updated October 11, 2026.
FIXTry these in order
Open a step, try it, then tell us if it worked.
Google may have fixed this quietly in a later update. Go to Settings › System › Software updates and install everything available, including the Google Play system update if it's listed.
No Wi-Fi? Updates can download over mobile data; you'll be asked to confirm.
- Swipe down twice from the top of the screen and turn Airplane mode on, wait 10 seconds, then off.
- If that doesn't help, restart: press and hold the Power and Volume up buttons, then tap Restart.
- Wi-Fi: go to Settings › Network & internet › Internet, tap Saved networks, tap your network and tap Forget. Then reconnect with your password.
- Bluetooth: go to Settings › Connected devices, tap the gear next to the device, and tap Forget. Then pair it again.
Go to Settings › System › Reset options, tap Reset Bluetooth & Wi-Fi, then Reset settings.
Safe Mode turns off downloaded apps. If Wi-Fi and Bluetooth work there, an app is interfering, not the update.
- Press and hold Power and Volume up.
- Touch and hold Restart (or Power off), then tap OK.
- Safe Mode turns on Airplane mode automatically; turn it off, then test Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Restart normally to leave Safe Mode.
Worked in Safe Mode? Uninstall recently installed apps one at a time, starting with VPNs, battery savers and “cleaner” apps.
If the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth switch is greyed out or flips straight back off, or it only works for a while after the phone has been off and cool, the wireless chip itself may be failing. Some Pixel 8 Pro owners describe exactly this.
- Contact Pixel support and ask about repair. Check your warranty, and mention the widespread reports.
- Don't put the phone in a fridge or on ice, as some online posts suggest. Condensation can cause permanent water damage.
A factory reset erases the phone and reinstalls the software cleanly. It fixes software problems, not hardware ones, so do step 6 first.
- Back up first: Settings › System › Backup, and make sure your photos are in Google Photos.
- Go to Settings › System › Reset options and tap Erase all data (factory reset).
- Contact Google's Pixel support for a repair or replacement, especially if your phone is under warranty.
- Meanwhile, use mobile data for internet and wired USB-C earphones instead of Bluetooth.
FAQCommon questions
Is this caused by the update or is my phone broken?
For most people the timing points to the January 2026 update, and a later update or a reset fixes it. If the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth switch is greyed out, won't stay on, or only works when the phone is cool, a hardware fault is more likely (step 6).
Has Google acknowledged the problem?
Not publicly, as of this page's last update. Google's forum replies have mostly suggested restarting, Safe Mode or a reset.
Should I avoid installing Pixel updates?
No. Updates include security fixes, and a later one is the most likely place for a proper fix. If you're nervous, wait a few days after an update comes out and check for reports first.
Someone online fixed it by installing the update file manually. Should I?
One user reported that sideloading the full update image helped. It's an advanced process that can go wrong, so only consider it if you're comfortable with developer tools and have backed up. For most people, steps 1–7 are safer.
Will a factory reset fix it?
It fixes software problems, so it's worth trying if nothing else works and the hardware seems fine. It won't help if the wireless chip is faulty.