Step-by-Step Guide to Automatically Connect Android Devices to the Right Network and Bluetooth Devices

Do you often find your Android device connecting to the wrong Wi-Fi or Bluetooth device? It can be frustrating when your phone chooses a secondary network over your primary one or pairs with your headphones instead of your car’s Bluetooth. Fortunately, you can easily rectify this by setting up network and device priorities on your Android device.

How to Set Wi-Fi Network Priority on Your Android Device

By default, Android doesn’t always default to the strongest or most preferred network. Here’s how you can override that behavior.

First, check if your device has built-in Wi-Fi priority settings. To access these options, navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. The exact menu sequence may vary based on your Android version and manufacturer.

Select your desired Wi-Fi connection and ensure you have Auto-connect enabled. For other networks, simply disable this feature.

Auto Connect Option For Wifi Network On Android

If your device lacks this feature, simply forget any networks you don’t wish to connect to automatically. Tap on the network’s name and select Forget.

For an even finer approach to managing network connections, consider utilizing third-party applications. One popular option is Wi-Fi Prioritizer, which allows you to reorder your saved networks. After downloading and granting permissions, you can efficiently drag and drop networks to set your preferred order.

Prioritizing Wifi Network In Third Party App In Android

For example, establish your home Wi-Fi as the top priority, followed by your workplace network and your car’s connectivity option. Be cautious, as many such apps can be found as APK files; ensure to scan them for safety before installation.

How to Configure Bluetooth Device Priority on Android

Managing your Bluetooth connections is equally crucial. If you want to ensure that your phone connects to your preferred device first, begin by forgetting the devices that may confuse the connection order. Go to Settings > Connected devices > Bluetooth, tap on the device you no longer need, and select Forget or Unpair.

If you want to preserve certain connections, manually connect to the device you want to prioritize first. Typically, Android prioritizes the most recently connected device; for instance, if you prefer your car’s Bluetooth over your earbuds, ensure you connect to your car first during your next pairing.

For users wanting advanced customization, automation apps like Automate allow you to script your Bluetooth priorities. Start by opening the app, tapping the plus icon, and navigating through the following options: Connectivity > Bluetooth device connected?.

Creating A Connectivity Flow In Automation

After laying down the initial flow, select your preferred Bluetooth device, save the configuration, and connect the blocks to establish automation.

Once finished, tap the three-dot menu to save and start the automation flow, which will systematically prioritize your selected Bluetooth device.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Even with everything configured, your Android device may still face connectivity quirks.

A recurring problem occurs when the device connects to a weaker Wi-Fi network. This typically happens if the weaker network has a previous connection history or a stronger signal initially. To remedy this, forget the unwanted network or activate Airplane mode to reset connections.

Bluetooth issues also arise frequently. If connection problems persist, toggling Bluetooth off and on can resolve them. Additionally, if devices fail to connect post-update, restart both the Android device and the Bluetooth device to eliminate lingering glitches.

Frequent disconnections may signal that you’re out of range or there’s interference present. Try moving closer to the intended device or reducing physical obstacles in the area.

If you’re using a third-party application, verify that your battery optimization settings aren’t interfering. Go to Settings > Battery > App Settings > App, and select Don’t optimize under the relevant app to ensure it runs smoothly in the background.

Dont Optimize The Background App In Android

Effectively managing your Android’s network and Bluetooth connections can save you time and frustration. With the simple adjustments discussed, your device will automatically connect to the appropriate networks and devices, improving your user experience. If you’re also interested in PC settings, check out how to change network priorities on your Windows device.

Image credit: DALL-E 3. All screenshots by Zainab Falak.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I change my Wi-Fi priority on Android?

To prioritize your Wi-Fi networks, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, choose your preferred network, and enable Auto-connect. For other networks, disable this option or forget unwanted networks.

2. Can I manage Bluetooth connections more effectively?

You can manage your Bluetooth connections by forgetting devices you don’t need or prioritizing connections based on the order they are connected. For advanced automation, consider using apps like Automate to create connection rules.

3. What do I do if I experience connection issues?

If your Android keeps connecting to the wrong network or Bluetooth device, try forgetting the unwanted connections, toggling Airplane mode, and restarting both your phone and the peripherals. Additionally, ensure battery optimization settings aren’t affecting third-party apps.

Source & Images