Connect to a Specific Wi‑Fi Network on Android 10+ (WifiNetworkSpecifier)

Android 10 introduced WifiNetworkSpecifier, allowing apps to connect to a specific Wi‑Fi network without modifying the system’s saved networks. This is useful for IoT devices, development boards, or temporary AP connections.

Contents

Required Permissions
Implementing Wi‑Fi Connection with WifiNetworkSpecifier
Handling Connection Events
Key Implementation Points

Required Permissions

To control Wi‑Fi connections on Android 10+, location permission is mandatory.

xml

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.CHANGE_WIFI_STATE" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.CHANGE_NETWORK_STATE" />

Implementing Wi‑Fi Connection with WifiNetworkSpecifier

WifiNetworkSpecifier lets your app request a specific SSID and passphrase. The connection is temporary and only active while your app is running.

java

WifiNetworkSpecifier wifiNetworkSpecifier = new WifiNetworkSpecifier.Builder()
        .setSsid(ssid)
        .setWpa2Passphrase(password)
        .build();

NetworkRequest networkRequest = new NetworkRequest.Builder()
        .addTransportType(NetworkCapabilities.TRANSPORT_WIFI)
        .setNetworkSpecifier(wifiNetworkSpecifier)
        .build();

Handling Connection Events

java

connectivityManager.requestNetwork(networkRequest,
    new ConnectivityManager.NetworkCallback() {

        @Override
        public void onAvailable(Network network) {
            connectivityManager.bindProcessToNetwork(network);
        }

        @Override
        public void onUnavailable() {
        }
});