Believe it or not, there are options that aren't integrated into Android. One of them is... prioritize a WiFi networkWhat is this? Well, it's about our mobile phone connecting. whenever possible to the WiFi network that we prefer. It is possible with Wi-Fi Prioritizer.
Connecting to the WiFi network we want
Our mobile phone usually connects automatically to available WiFi networks and those we have previously connected to. All rightIf the connection becomes unstable, our phone will try to find another stable and recognized Wi-Fi network. However, the truth is that if the WiFi network is stable, will not try to locate another, although for us it could be preferred. How is that possible?
I'll give you a specific example where this app is very useful. Imagine we have a tablet without 4G, which we connect to the internet through our mobile phone. Our smartphone is sharing the connection via Wi-Fi. When we get home, the tablet is still connected to the internet, and we assume we now have a high-speed, flat-rate connection. We start playing a game or streaming a movie, because after all, we have Wi-Fi. Of course, what we haven't realized is that the WiFi on our mobile phone It continues to use mobile data. That's because, since it's still a stable connection, the device hasn't switched to the home Wi-Fi network.
Install:
With WiFi Prioritizer we can change that. We can select which WiFi networks have priority over othersSo, when one of these signals is within range, even if it has a lower intensity, it will be the one used by the device. It's perfect for getting connected. always to priority networks, regardless of whether we were already connected to a stable one.
What is WiFi priority and why is it useful?
WiFi priority is a feature that sets a order of preference between saved networks. It prevents the phone from connecting to less reliable open networks and force the connection to known networks (home, work, main router) when they are available. The most common criteria for deciding are the signal strength, security level and stability of the network.
A typical scenario: you get home and your phone prefers a nearby carrier hotspot over your private Wi-Fi. With proper priority management and automatic connectionThe phone will switch to your closed, faster, and more secure network without you having to manually change it each time.
Configure priority with a custom ROM
Some ROMs, like LineageOS, comprise a section of WiFi priorityHere you can adjust parameters such as the minimum signal strength for connecting/disconnecting, block networks with low security, and sort SSIDs by preference. To access it, open Settings, go to Wireless & Networks or Network & Internet, tap Wi-Fi, tap More options (three dots), and open Wi-Fi Priority for customize it to your liking.
Apps to prioritize WiFi networks
most well-known appWiFi Prioritizer lets you organize your saved networks dragging and dropping, and defining thresholds of Signal Strength to Connect y Signal Strength to Disconnect to automatically switch between networks when the signal drops below a set level. free, without purchases or ads, and although its interface may seem simple, it is very easy to use and effective.
Another option is WiFi Connection Manager, a comprehensive connection manager which includes a priority menu. You can choose the allowed networksYou can mark your highest priority locations (for example, home or office) and adjust additional criteria. It's free with ads and optional in-app purchases, but the priority feature can be used without paying.
Useful Android settings that complement priority
Open networks: In Network Preferences you can disable automatic connection to specific SSIDs or enable the option to Notify open networks to avoid unwanted connections to public hotspots.
Metered WiFi network: If a network has a data limit, mark it as such. metered use from the network settings. This way you control data usage for downloads and large apps, and the system restricts background syncing.
MAC address: On Android with a random MAC address, check the MAC address In Settings > About phone, and for random selection, with Wi-Fi enabled in the network settings. If you're going to apply filters or parental controls, consider both directions.
Private DNS: In Networks and Internet you can activate Private DNS in automatic mode or with a specific hostIt improves the privacy of DNS queries, although it does not replace other security measures.
Advanced options (depending on version): Activate Wi-Fi automatically near saved networks, install certificates, use Wi-Fi Direct and, in older versions, WPS by button or PIN.
Limitations and permissions you should know
Important: Since changes were introduced in Android, some apps can no longer edit saved networks as before. Therefore, not all advanced prioritization actions may work on certain devices. Furthermore, to scan nearby networks and decide on changes, these apps require location permissions and exclusion of battery optimizations so that the service does not stop.
If you live with operator hotspotsDisable automatic connection to those SSIDs or remove them from your saved network. This will prevent them from gaining priority over your private network, and with the appropriate app or ROM, your phone will connect to your preferred network as soon as it becomes available.
Thanks to these options, you can control precisely which networks your Android connects to, avoiding unreliable networks and prioritizing those with greater security and stability, without giving up automating the switch between access points when the signal or data consumption advises it.
