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dhlytle
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Problem with Nexus 7 Connecting to the Internet

I have a Nexus 7 tablet that I have used without significant problems for a bit over two years.
Current android version: 6.0.1

Starting yesterday, it started having problems connecting to the internet.
It finds the router, goes through the connection process, finds the IP address,
and then reports "no internet connection".


The first time it happened, I powered off the tablet and restarted it.  
The connection came for long enough for me to completed my task,
but the next morning, I was getting the "not internet connection" message.

I also have a Samsung Note 5 and an Kindle Fire that are both working fine.

Looking at the router (Verizon MI424WR) - MI could be M1, shows the IP address as assigned and active.
There is no apparent IP address conflict.

I have "forgotten" the WIFI connection and reestablished it, with no improvement.

I have switched the router on and off.

Any troubleshooting suggestions?
Wireless Networking

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dhlytle

8/22/2022 - Mon
Davis McCarn

The first thing to do is to try the Nexus on some other WiFi (starbucks, Panera, etc.) to see if its specific to your router or something in the Nexus.
dhlytle

ASKER
Agreed.  I took it out today, but did not get a chance to test it. Will try tomorrow.
dhlytle

ASKER
I took my tablet to the local library and to a restaurant and was able to log in in both places.  I did not use use it more than a few minutes in each place due to time constraints, so it was not a perfect test.  It had worked at home for a few minutes at a time earlier.
So, when I got home, I started it up and found that it would not  detect any routers. Not mine, not my neighbors.
That persisted for 24+ hours.

Then I remember that I had not tried booting in safe mode.  I did that, and presto, WiFi is working fine, only on Google apps, of course.

I believe I have read that I should let the tablet run in safe mode for 24-48 hours before re-booting in normal mode.
I will report back after that time.

Davis, do you have any insight regarding why leaving the system running in safe mode is necessary/recommended?
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Davis McCarn

I have never heard that "leave it in safe mode" before; but, wonder if it is to let the apps storage get stale so it is refreshed when you return to normal mode.
And, even though the app has become far more ad oriented, an awful lot of people swear by CleanMaster as it erases those temporary files which often returns a lot of storage space and makes the android device run much faster: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cleanmaster.mguard&hl=en
What version of android is on that Nexus?
dhlytle

ASKER
Thanks for the CleanMaster lead.

Current Nexus OS if 6.0.1
dhlytle

ASKER
Well, I rebooted in normal mode, and I am now back to the situation described in my original posting.

I'm going to see if I can load CleanMaster and see what it finds.
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Davis McCarn

1) What is the security type of your wireless? (WEP, WPA, WPA2)  Your Nexus won't be happy with WEP.
2) The specs say the WIFI is dual band.  Are you connecting using 2.4Ghz or 5?
3) Is the time and date set correctly?  That can foul up all sorts of things.
dhlytle

ASKER
Security=WPA; speed =  2.4

Regarding time, I am assuming you are concerned with the tablet.
Yes, it shows the correct  date and time.
Davis McCarn

The antennas for the Nexus 7 are in the back cover and, for many, cleaning and/or slightly bending the contacts on the logic board fixes lousy wifi connectivity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_DitlHyHJs (I'm not a fan of YouTube; but, this one is short)
Your help has saved me hundreds of hours of internet surfing.
fblack61
dhlytle

ASKER
After reading a lot of posts from people with this problem, I think the next step for me should be (given that the system works fine in safe mode) is to start down the path of dumping a bunch of little-used apps.  Since this isn't my number 1 priority, it will take some time (unless I am very lucky).  I don't want this thread to go stale in the meanwhile, and I appreciate your help.  Could you give me some guidance on the proper to close out for now even though the issue isn't "resolved".  I will report back with anything I learn or experience that might be helpful.

I have a few too many thumbs to feel comfortable fiddling around the mother board.
Desktops, I'm comfortable with.  Tablets and phones - not so much.
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Davis McCarn

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dhlytle

ASKER
Removing the apps that were not part of the original install didn't take that long - and it appears to have been successful.

I will add back the ones I need slowly and see if a problem occurs.   Thanks for sticking with me through this process?  

BTW, I have loaded WiFi Analyzer (free) on my Nexus 7.  Any opinions on that product of some of the other offerings.  I'm happy to pay a few bucks for a more complete product if it might be useful.
Davis McCarn

When you figure out which app it was, I'd love to know its name, OK?
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dhlytle

ASKER
Will do.
dhlytle

ASKER
Thanks...