Android Wi-Fi Connect Error

I have had a tough time with getting my Android devices to connect to my wireless router. I cannot figure out if this is a router problem because laptops connect in a flash but I am inclined towards this explanation since I have had 3 devices – 2 Samsung phones and an Android tablet – struggle to connect with the network. I don’t have the energy to keep configuring and tweaking and testing the router settings – but it isn’t like one hasn’t tried.

A rudimentary Root-Cause Analysis brings up the following

1. There is an issue with the router settings
2. There is a problem with Samsung phones 
3. There is a flaw in Android 
4. Some/All of the above  

Now, one has better uses for one's time than deconstructing the mysteries of the wireless networks and hence has to come up with a quick-fix, 'dirty' solutions to nudge these devices into ‘talking’ to and connecting to the wireless. Needless to say, the router has been switched on and the network password has been punched in correctly on your device.

Samsung Galaxy Ace

There is a nifty, preloaded app called AllShare that helps Samsung devices wireless-ly connect and share media and is based on the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA). Simply create a shortcut to this app on your home screen and always use this to connect to the network of your choice.

Click the icon on the Home screen, OK to connect, Wi-Fi icon lights up after connecting

Do not switch on the Wi-Fi from the Main Screen and then attempt to use AllShare - it won’t work.

This irrational sequencing of rituals angers the elves that leap from the Ace to the Router dragging behind them the diaphanous strands of connectivity that link the Ace to the World Wide Web and they will curse your phone and cause it to bear that Mark of Horror – the Gray WiFi signal

Budget Android Tablet

Things get a little tricky with the tablet. AllShare doesn’t work with it, so a similar app needs to be found – one that allows various devices to connect to a common network (your wireless network!!) and start ‘speaking’ to each other.

Thankfully, the very first app that I tried – iMediaShare– did the job. This app allows media to be streamed across various connected devices and also very brilliantly allows for a seamless connection to be established with the router/WWW, all within a matter of seconds.

1. Connect to the Wireless network  
2. Switch on iMediaShare
3. Wait for the glorious Wi-Fi icon to light up and start flashing and the 'success screen' to show up.

iMediaShare Home Screen and 'Success' Screen on connecting to Wi-Fi

Sequencing is the key - if you don't follow my words of wisdom in the order as prescribed, then fully expect to be disappointed.

If you have faithfully adhered to what I have told you to, you can now partayy on the WWW with your Android device. WOOT! WOOT!!