Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To stop a Galaxy phone reconnecting to one saved Wi‑Fi network, turn off that network’s Auto reconnect option; choose Forget to remove it instead. Bluetooth is different: Samsung’s general guidance documents unpairing a device, while automatic switching for Galaxy Buds or supported watches has separate, accessory-specific controls. Menu names and availability vary by model and software version.
Stop a saved Wi‑Fi network from reconnecting
On many current Galaxy phones, open Settings > Connections > Wi‑Fi, then open the details or settings for the saved network and turn Auto reconnect off. The network remains saved, so you can connect to it manually later. Samsung also says saved networks can be reviewed under Wi‑Fi Advanced settings > Manage networks, where auto reconnect can be configured for individual networks. The exact route depends on the device and software.
Samsung’s Galaxy S23-series user manual explains that a connected saved network reconnects whenever it is available without requiring the password. That manual also describes turning off Auto reconnect and, separately, forgetting a network. If you choose Forget, the phone removes the saved network relationship; you will need to join and enter its credentials again to use it later. The manual is specific to the Galaxy S23 family, so its wording may not match every Galaxy phone. Samsung Galaxy S23-series user manual.
Check other Wi‑Fi automation only if it is still happening
A network’s Auto reconnect setting controls that saved network. It is separate from settings that switch Wi‑Fi on or off or move the phone to another network. If the phone continues changing networks or enabling Wi‑Fi in familiar places, check Settings > Connections > Wi‑Fi > Intelligent Wi‑Fi for options such as Switch to better Wi‑Fi networks or Turn Wi‑Fi on/off automatically. Names and availability can vary by model and carrier. Samsung lists these options in its Wi‑Fi connection and settings guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
If your specific concern is joining insecure public Wi‑Fi, Samsung describes Auto Blocker > Maximum restrictions as blocking automatic reconnection to previously joined non-secure Wi‑Fi networks. Samsung says Auto Blocker is available on One UI 6.0 and Maximum restrictions on One UI 6.1.1 in the software context described on its support page. This is a broader security feature, not the targeted way to prevent one trusted network from reconnecting. Samsung Auto Blocker guidance.
Stop a paired Bluetooth device from connecting
Samsung’s general Bluetooth instructions do not establish a universal per-device Auto connect switch. The documented device-specific option is to remove the pairing: open Settings > Connections > Bluetooth, tap the settings icon next to the paired device, then choose Unpair. This prevents that saved relationship from reconnecting, but you will have to pair the accessory again to use it. Samsung notes that Bluetooth menus may differ by model and software. Samsung Bluetooth connection guidance.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Galaxy Buds: turn off cross-device Auto switch
If you mean Galaxy Buds shifting audio between your Galaxy devices, look for Auto switch to other devices in the Buds settings: Settings > Connections > Bluetooth > settings next to Galaxy Buds > Auto switch to other devices. Turn it off if the option is present. This controls supported cross-device switching, not ordinary reconnection by every paired Bluetooth accessory. Samsung documents the feature for compatible Buds and Galaxy devices, with conditions including One UI 3.1 or later and the same Samsung account in the described use case; availability and labels vary. See Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Auto switch instructions and connected-experience guidance.
Galaxy watches: turn off supported Auto switch
For supported paired Galaxy watches, Samsung’s instructions use the Galaxy Wearable app: Menu > Settings > Auto switch, then turn the switch off. The option appears only after more than one watch is connected. Samsung says this feature is not for connecting one watch to multiple phones. It is an accessory-specific switching control, not a general Bluetooth auto-connect setting. Samsung Auto switch instructions.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Temporarily block every Bluetooth connection
Switch Bluetooth off in Quick Settings or open Settings > Connections > Bluetooth and turn it off. This cuts off all Bluetooth devices and Bluetooth-dependent features until you turn it back on. For one accessory, use its specific setting if available or unpair it instead.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Choose the least disruptive option
| What you want | Use | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Keep Wi‑Fi saved but stop automatic reconnection | Turn off that network’s Auto reconnect | The network stays saved for a later manual connection. |
| Remove a saved Wi‑Fi network | Choose Forget | The phone removes the saved network; you must join and authenticate again to use it. |
| Stop documented Buds or watch cross-device switching | Turn off the relevant accessory’s Auto switch | The pairing remains; the specific switching feature stops. |
| Remove one Bluetooth device relationship | Choose Unpair | The device is no longer paired and must be paired again to use it. |
| Stop all Bluetooth connections temporarily | Turn Bluetooth off | Every Bluetooth device and dependent feature is disconnected until Bluetooth is restored. |
If you cannot find the setting
- Use Settings search for Auto reconnect, Auto switch, or Forget; labels and paths are not identical across all models or software versions.
- For an accessory-specific behavior, check the accessory’s companion app or manual. Do not assume every paired device offers an automatic-connection toggle.
- Do not rely on Wi‑Fi scanning or Bluetooth visibility settings to stop an already saved network or paired device from reconnecting; those settings govern different behaviors.
- A network or Bluetooth reset is unnecessary for the usual intentional auto-connection problem. Samsung says resetting connection settings removes saved Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth information, so it is more disruptive than changing one network setting or unpairing one device.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
