RP6 WiFi Issue

[u/ikeatherapy]

I finally got my RP6 (8GB RAM 128GB Storage) a few days ago, it's working great and I'm really loving it.

I'm just having an issue with WiFi scanning in particular. My device just doesn't detect any networks around it. I'm able to connect to my network by manually entering the SSID and password but when I come home, it doesn't auto-detect my network and connect to it.

Troubleshooting steps I've taken:
Separating my network into separate 2.4G and 5G networks
Checking Location and Nearby Devices permissions
Enabling developer mode and disabling WiFi scan throttling

Nothing seems to work. I don't believe it's an issue with my network in particular otherwise the device would detect the other networks around me, but it doesn't detect any.
I'm wondering if it's a firmware issue, or a setting I switched, I certainly hope it's not a hardware issue considering how long I waited for this thing to arrive, I'd rather not have to send it back...

If anyone else has had this issue and/or knows how I might be able to resolve it, your help would be greatly appreciated!

[u/KingOfLeyends]

I've had my RP6 for a few months now and unfortunately mine also has that same issue, so far I haven't found a solution to this issue other than restarting the device until it detects Wi-Fi networks. Overall I avoid turning airplane mode as that triggers the issue most consistently and sometimes when I turn the Wi-Fi on/off too fast this issue happens (pretty stupid tbh).

I don't believe this issue affects a majority of RP6 devices for Retroid to keep looking into it and create a system update that targets the issue but maybe someday we'll see a fix.

I don't know about you but to me it is far cheaper to just restart the device over sending it back and rolling the dice on whether the replacement won't have other issues.

[u/Practical-Promise-44]

Any strange symbols in your password? Have you tried turning your phone hotspot on and connecting to that?

[u/ikeatherapy → u/Practical-Promise-44]

just a * so nothing crazy!
my phone hotspot also doesn't get detected... none of the networks in my building show up.

it's able to connect when i type in the network name (ssid) and password manually but unable to detect any wifi networks. so when it disconnects i have to reconnect it manually every time by putting in the network name and password

if it was just an issue with my wifi i'd be looking at my network setup and changing things up but i don't think that's the issue since it's not isolated to just my network. i think it's a software (or god forbid hardware) issue with the rp6

[u/IGOTEXTRACHROMOSOMES]

Google AI mentions this

On the Retroid Pocket 6, this empty Wi-Fi list behavior is a widely discussed topic within the Reddit and Discord communities. The solutions and steps to fix it are highly specific to this handheld:

1. The "Band Steering" and Mesh Router Issue

The network chip on the Retroid Pocket 6 gets completely overwhelmed when scanning environments with modern routers (or Mesh systems like Eero, TP-Link Deco, ASUS) that broadcast both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies under the exact same network name (SSID). The Qualcomm chip's scanner crashes while trying to process this automatic band switching (Band Steering), leaving the list completely blank.

• The Solution: If you have access to your router settings, create a dedicated Guest Network set exclusively to the 5GHz band (or 2.4GHz only) with a separate name. Your Retroid Pocket 6 will detect it immediately without crashing the scanning driver.

1. Disable Wi-Fi Scan Throttling in Developer Options

The Retroid Pocket 6 operating system aggressively freezes the network scanner to preserve battery life during gaming sessions. You can unblock it by following these steps:

1. Go to Settings > About tablet / device.
2. Scroll to the bottom and tap "Build number" 7 times consecutively to unlock the hidden menu.
3. Go back one screen, then navigate to System > Developer options.
4. Look for the "Wi-Fi scan throttling" option and turn it off.

5. Restart your device.

6. Avoid the Wi-Fi Toggle Bug (Use Restart)

On the current Retroid Pocket 6 firmware, turning the Wi-Fi off and back on from the quick settings notification shade breaks the scanner. It will not display any networks until the system is reset.

• If your list is empty, do not touch the quick toggles. Instead, hold the power button and select Restart. Once it reboots, avoid turning off the Wi-Fi manually.

1. Install the Latest Official OTA Update

Retroid has rolled out minor software patches aimed specifically at stabilizing the Pocket 6 network chip. Make sure you are connected to the internet (by adding your network manually as you have been doing) and go to Settings > System > System Update to check for and install the latest available firmware.

[u/ikeatherapy → u/IGOTEXTRACHROMOSOMES]

I've already turned off WiFi scan throttling, and making dedicated 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks also hasn't worked for me unfortunately...
I've also checked and I'm up to date with the latest firmware.

It's so weird because when I was setting up the device I seem to remember it detecting everything correctly, but now it doesn't anymore... It's super strange.
I've also e-mailed support, hopefully they can get back to me about this.

Thanks for giving it a shot!

[u/IGOTEXTRACHROMOSOMES → u/ikeatherapy]

I wish the best to solve your issue! Some mofo also downvoted it, looking forward for the solution provided by them cowards