Your Wi-Fi keeps asking for the password usually because the saved password no longer matches the router, the router was reset or had its password changed, your device's saved network profile is corrupt, or the signal is too weak so the connection keeps dropping and re-authenticating. On most phones and laptops, forgetting the network and rejoining with the current password fixes it.
Why this happens
- The Wi-Fi password was changed on the router, so the one saved on your device is now wrong.
- The router was reset or updated its firmware, which can wipe or change the saved key.
- The saved network profile on your device is corrupt and needs to be recreated.
- A weak or unstable signal causes the connection to drop and prompt you to re-enter the key.
- The router uses access control (MAC filtering) or a device limit, so it rejects the connection and looks like a password issue.
- On business or school networks, a wrong date and time on your device can break the security certificate and trigger repeated prompts.
Is this normal?
Being asked once after a router change or reset is normal. Being asked over and over on a network you already joined is not normal and points to a wrong saved password, a corrupt profile, or a weak connection.
Does it cause any problems?
It does not damage anything, but it stops your device from reconnecting automatically, interrupts downloads and calls, and can leave you offline until you re-enter the key.
How to fix or check it
- Confirm the current Wi-Fi password. If someone changed it, get the exact key from the router label or the person who manages it.
- On Windows, open Settings, Network and Internet, Wi-Fi, Manage known networks, select the network, choose Forget, then reconnect and type the password.
- On Mac, open System Settings, Wi-Fi, Advanced, remove the network from Known Networks, then rejoin.
- On Android, open Settings, Wi-Fi, tap the network, choose Forget, then tap it again and enter the password.
- On iPhone, open Settings, Wi-Fi, tap the info icon next to the network, choose Forget This Network, then rejoin.
- Restart your router and your device to clear a stuck session.
- Move closer to the router to rule out a weak signal.
- If it still fails, log in to the router and check for MAC filtering, a connected-device limit, or firmware updates.
Frequently asked questions
Why does it ask again even though I typed the right password?
The most common reason is a corrupt saved profile or a weak signal that drops mid-connection. Forgetting the network and rejoining rebuilds the profile, and moving closer rules out the signal problem.
Can a phone update cause this?
Yes. A system update can occasionally reset network settings or corrupt a saved profile. Forgetting and rejoining the network, or resetting network settings, usually clears it.
Could my neighbor's network be the problem?
If a nearby network has the same name (SSID), your device may try to join the wrong one and fail. Rename your network to something unique in the router settings to avoid the clash.