How to Fix WiFi Not Connecting

Difficulty: Easy

Time needed: 5-15 minutes

What you'll need: Access to your router and device settings

Step 1: Restart your device and router

Turn off WiFi on your device, then power off your router by unplugging it. Wait 30 seconds, plug the router back in, and wait for all lights to stabilize (usually 1-2 minutes). Then turn WiFi back on your device.

Step 2: Forget and reconnect to the network

Go to Settings > WiFi on your device. Find your network name, tap or click it, and select Forget this network. Then search for available networks and reconnect by entering your WiFi password.

Step 3: Check if other devices can connect

Try connecting a different device (phone, tablet, laptop) to the same WiFi network. If other devices work fine, the problem is with your specific device. If nothing connects, the issue is with your router or internet service.

Step 4: Run the network troubleshooter

Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network troubleshooter
Mac: Hold Option and click the WiFi icon in the menu bar, then select Open Wireless Diagnostics
iPhone/Android: Toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off

Step 5: Update your network adapter driver

Windows: Open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click your WiFi adapter, and select Update driver
Mac: Go to System Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates

Step 6: Reset network settings

Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset
Mac: Go to System Settings > Network, select WiFi, click the minus (-) button to remove it, then add it back with the plus (+) button
iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings
Android: Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset WiFi, mobile & Bluetooth

If that didn't work

Contact your internet service provider (ISP) to check for outages in your area. You can also try connecting your computer directly to the router with an ethernet cable to rule out a WiFi-specific issue.

Pro tip

Place your router in a central, elevated location away from walls, microwaves, and other electronics. These can interfere with WiFi signals and cause connection drops.