Troubleshooting Xamarin Forms: Fixing NullReferenceException When Connecting to WiFi = API Level 29

Learn how to resolve the `System.NullReferenceException` error in your Xamarin Forms app when attempting to connect to WiFi on Android API level 29 and above with step-by-step guidance.
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Troubleshooting Xamarin Forms: Fixing NullReferenceException When Connecting to WiFi = API Level 29

Connecting to WiFi in a Xamarin Forms application can be a daunting task, especially when you're faced with a System.NullReferenceException. This common error typically indicates that you’re trying to access or modify an object that hasn’t been initialized. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at a specific issue where attempting to connect to a WiFi network in an Android application results in this exception, and we'll provide a step-by-step guide to resolve it.

The Problem: Understanding the NullReferenceException

When working with the ConnectToWifi method, you may encounter the System.NullReferenceException, specifically pointing to a line that interacts with the connectivityManager. This exception generally indicates that the object (connectivityManager in this case) is not set to an instance of an object, meaning that it wasn’t properly initialized before being referenced.

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The error can stem from not having the proper permissions set in your application, which prevents the ConnectivityManager from being instantiated correctly.

Proposed Solution

To resolve this issue, you'll need to ensure that you have the required permissions set in your AppManifest. Below, we will outline the steps to add the necessary permission and how it impacts the connection process.

Step 1: Add Required Permissions

To access the WiFi state and modify network configurations on Android, you need to include the following permission in your AppManifest file:

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Step 2: Update Your Android App Manifest

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Step 3: Test Your Connection Method

After adding the required permission, re-run your application and re-attempt the connection to the WiFi network. You should no longer encounter the NullReferenceException. Your ConnectToWifi method should now successfully request a network connection, provided all credentials and parameters are correctly specified.

Example: Revised Connection Method

Here’s how your method would look post-permission adjustment:

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Conclusion

Connecting to WiFi in a Xamarin Forms application should now be seamless after applying the necessary permissions in your AppManifest. Always ensure that your app has the required permissions to access network states to avoid exceptions like System.NullReferenceException. With these adjustments, you can enhance your app’s connectivity features and provide a better user experience.

If you have any further questions or run into additional issues, feel free to reach out in the comments below. Happy coding!