A situation where a mobile device running the Android operating system is unable to successfully obtain an Internet Protocol (IP) address via a wireless network connection indicates a problem. This commonly manifests as the device connecting to the Wi-Fi network but lacking internet access. The failure may be evidenced by an error message or the device repeatedly attempting to obtain an IP address without success. An example is an Android phone displaying a “Connected, no internet” message despite showing a strong Wi-Fi signal.
The successful acquisition of an IP address is fundamental to network communication. A device lacking a valid IP address cannot route traffic to the internet or other devices on the network. This issue can interrupt productivity, limit access to online resources, and hinder overall device functionality. Historically, such failures have been attributed to various causes, ranging from network configuration problems to software glitches on the device itself. Resolving these failures is critical for maintaining consistent connectivity and optimal device performance.