diff --git a/libraries/ESP8266WiFi/src/ESP8266WiFi.cpp b/libraries/ESP8266WiFi/src/ESP8266WiFi.cpp
index ee38217ef..870e99cec 100644
--- a/libraries/ESP8266WiFi/src/ESP8266WiFi.cpp
+++ b/libraries/ESP8266WiFi/src/ESP8266WiFi.cpp
@@ -284,6 +284,18 @@ void ESP8266WiFiClass::config(IPAddress local_ip, IPAddress gateway, IPAddress s
     _useStaticIp = true;
 }
 
+/**
+ * will force a disconnect an then start reconnecting to AP
+ * @return ok
+ */
+bool ESP8266WiFiClass::reconnect() {
+    if((getMode() & WIFI_STA) != 0) {
+        if(wifi_station_disconnect()) {
+            return wifi_station_connect();
+        }
+    }
+    return false;
+}
 
 /**
  * Disconnect from the network
diff --git a/libraries/ESP8266WiFi/src/ESP8266WiFi.h b/libraries/ESP8266WiFi/src/ESP8266WiFi.h
index ebdfe4b65..dbadb135e 100644
--- a/libraries/ESP8266WiFi/src/ESP8266WiFi.h
+++ b/libraries/ESP8266WiFi/src/ESP8266WiFi.h
@@ -80,6 +80,8 @@ class ESP8266WiFiClass {
         void config(IPAddress local_ip, IPAddress gateway, IPAddress subnet);
         void config(IPAddress local_ip, IPAddress gateway, IPAddress subnet, IPAddress dns);
 
+
+        bool reconnect();
         int disconnect(bool wifioff = false);
 
         uint8_t waitForConnectResult();