Many issues might be the reason your internet isn’t working.Your fix is often as easy as plugging a modem or router back in or restarting your laptop’s network driver.Use this guide to find out why your Wi-Fi isn’t working and how to fix it on your own: Quick fixes for Wi-Fi network issues No internet connection? To find out if your Wi-Fi network is causing your internet problems, check these potential network issues: Check to see if your router is unplugged or if the power is cut off — your solution may be as simple as restarting your router or plugging it back in.
Check if your devices are trying to connect to a different network.Although your device typically connects to your home Wi-Fi network, it may be trying to connect to a different network.You might have to manually make it connect to your home network and forget the other one.
If you changed your Wi-Fi password recently, make sure the correct one is saved in your device.Check to see if other websites or internet browsers are working.Sometimes, certain websites or servers go down.
Check if moving your device closer to your router helps you connect.If you normally have a strong signal in rooms far away from your router but suddenly can’t connect, take your device closer to your router.If it can pick up a signal in a closer room, you may need a Wi-Fi extender.
Troubleshooting next steps If the solutions above don’t work, try these next steps: 1.Reboot your modem Your internet service provider (ISP) will tell you to unplug your modem and then plug it back in.If that doesn’t work, unplug your router, give it a minute and then plug it back in.
Sometimes restarting your modem or router will reset your network, and the issue magically disappears.Pro tip: When my Wi-Fi recently went down, resetting only the individual modem or router did not work — I had to reset the whole system, so this is a great first step to try when you lose your internet connection.2.
Check network configuration Next, check your wireless network configuration.Sometimes Wi-Fi channels can get overcrowded, which causes connection issues.Log in to your router’s web interface to find out which channel your router uses.
Reset or change the channel.This is done in your router’s control panel using its IP address. 3.Reset your network Reset your network by using your laptop: Windows Go to “Settings” Then “Network & Internet” Then “Status” Click on “Network Reset” Mac OS Check your TCP/IP settings in your “System Preferences” Network pane Click the “Renew DHCP lease” button Select Wi-Fi and you’ll see your “Preferred Networks” Click OK and navigate to your stored network passwords using “Keychain Access Utility” There, remove your stored network passwords and restart your computer 4.
Check your network adapter SSID Check that your wireless network adapter’s SSID is available and what its status is.If your Network Adapter reads “Not Connected,” click “Connect.” If you can’t connect to your network, you may need to debug your wireless network settings (an advanced, technical troubleshooting issue).Or, your status may say “Acquiring Network Address” or “Authenticating.” If that happens, you may need to click “Diagnose” to fix an IP address issue.
Troubleshooting device connectivity problems Many times, your laptop, PC or phone is the source of your connection issue.If you’ve been able to connect your device to your home Wi-Fi network before but suddenly can’t, it’s most likely a device problem.Connection problems range from software issues to network adapter glitches, so troubleshooting your smart devices is a good idea.
If your phone won’t connect to Wi-Fi, make sure the Wi-Fi is turned on or doesn’t need to be reset.If the connection isn’t the issue, there are a few steps to try before reaching out to your service provider: Restart your phone Turn Airplane Mode on and off If you can’t make a call, switch to Wi-Fi calling Use your carrier’s network instead and turn off Wi-Fi If you don’t have a 5G device, it might be time to upgrade Fixing your laptop or desktop PC’s internet connection 1.Restart your device If your laptop won’t connect to Wi-Fi, as your typical IT person will tell you, your first step is to restart your device.
This is a standard troubleshooting solution and could be the fix you need to get connected to Wi-Fi again.2.Check your network adapter Your next step is to check your network adapter.
Sometimes, connection issues arise because your computer’s network adapter is not enabled.Windows Check your network adapter by selecting it on the Network Connections Control Panel Make sure the wireless connection option is enabled Mac OS Look for the Wi-Fi (AirPort) card in the top-right corner of your screen (next to the sound and battery icons in your menu) Click on the option to “Turn Wi-Fi On” If your menu icon doesn’t show anything in the menu bar, Apple recommends selecting “System Preferences” from the main Apple menu, selecting the Network icon and then clicking on Wi-Fi From there, check the box to “Show Wi-Fi status in menu bar” To check if your wireless adapter is enabled on other Apple devices, check your settings to make sure the device isn’t in airplane mode and that Wi-Fi connectivity is on On Android devices, check your settings to make sure the device’s airplane mode is off and that Wi-Fi is on 3.Update adapter drivers Your network adapter driver could be out of date.
Go to your device manager Select “Network Adapters” Select “Update Driver” Follow the instructions and after your computer restarts try and connect to the Wi-Fi 4.Repair or replace hardware If these tips don’t work, investigate potential hardware or software problems.Hardware problems aren’t prevalent, but an older computer or tablet’s network adapter could suddenly stop working if it overheats.
To fix hardware issues, you can take your device to a repair store and see if they can assist in replacing any hardware.Depending on the age of your computer or other devices, you may need to purchase a newer version.5.
Remove viruses Software issues might arise if you have a computer virus, which could disable or block your ability to connect to Wi-Fi.You’ll want to scan your computer or device for viruses and remove any if found.Then restart your computer and try connecting again.
How to fix your internet service problems You might be blocked entirely from Wi-Fi due to: An unpaid or late bill The illegal transmitting/storing specific types of information There’s a weather- or disaster-related network issue Internet speed throttling If you notice that your provider seems to be throttling your internet unfairly, let your ISP know When should you contact your network provider? If your internet connection suddenly stops working, reset your router.If that doesn’t work, check with your internet provider to see if they report an outage.You can do that by calling their customer service number or using the company’s app.
If you don’t see a reported outage and resetting the router did not work, use your ISP’s tech support line or online chat to connect with someone who can help you diagnose the problem.Maximize your internet speeds and stay connected Once your Wi-Fi’s up and running again, you can use different strategies such as moving your router or tinkering with its settings to make your internet faster.Some of the same strategies that can reconnect your laptop to your network could also speed up your browsing, such as giving your hard drive a good sweep and updating specific programs or software.
Key takeaways for Wi-Fi connection problems If you’re having Wi-Fi network issues, try rebooting your modem and router, resetting your Wi-Fi network and checking both your network configuration and network adapter.If you’re having device connectivity issues, restart your devices, check your network adapter and try repairing or replacing hardware and checking for viruses.If you have an issue with your internet provider, first check if there are any internet outages in your area, then call your ISP.
Can’t connect to Wi-Fi FAQs Why is my computer not connecting to Wi-Fi? Your computer may not be connecting to Wi-Fi because it just lost the signal.Restart your computer and your modem/router.If that doesn’t help, check your internet account to ensure the service is working and there isn’t a hold on your account.
Why am I suddenly unable to connect to my Wi-Fi? If you suddenly lose your Wi-Fi connection, there may have been a fast power surge or outage and your Wi-Fi device is resetting.Check the router’s power supply, too.Why can’t I connect to Wi-Fi, but others can? Chances are, if others can use the Wi-Fi, it’s your device that is having an issue connecting.
For a desktop PC, laptop or phone, turn off the Wi-Fi and try to reconnect.If that doesn’t work, follow the more detailed steps above.Why is my phone not connecting to Wi-Fi, but other devices are? Your phone may be in Airplane Mode.
The fastest way to fix this issue is to turn off that mode.If that doesn’t help, turn off your phone and restart.How do I fix my Wi-Fi? First, check your Wi-Fi’s power supply and reset the router or gateway device.
If you still cannot connect once the Wi-Fi is reset, turn off the device you are trying to use and restart it.Written by:
Camryn Smith
Cammy is a writer with Allconnect, growing her broadband industry knowledge for over a year on the internet marketplace.Her expertise lies in home internet and broadband service with a focus on providers, plans…
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Anine Sus
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