WiFi Not Working: 5 Potential Troubleshoot Tips
Regardless of how experienced you are in networking issues, you can get stuck with WiFi issues anytime. On the contrary, if you are a newbie and have never encountered a single internet glitch, there’s no harm in learning how to fix it.
With the proper knowledge and skills, you can quickly solve any WiFi issue in no time. Before troubleshooting the problem, you must get to the root cause to understand what is creating it. It could be anything from slow internet to constant signal drops.
The article explains different scenarios that can prevent you from using your internet smoothly. Let’s dig deeper to learn more about WiFi issues and the problems they could lead to.
WiFi Not Working
Slow Internet Connection
A sluggish internet connection makes web browsing difficult, which halts productivity. You don’t realize the slow internet functionality until you open a heavy app and notice several features, such as the facetime hd camera not working or the app buffers unstoppably.
Connect the laptop directly to the router using an Ethernet cable for better speed, which may improve the overall browsing experience. Run a speed test. If you still experience slow speed, your internet connection must be at fault.
In this case, you would need to contact your internet service provider. Alternatively, factory reset the router as it may resolve the slow internet problem. Upgrade to WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E routers as they help with congestion issues and provide faster speed.
Slow or No Wi-Fi Access
Your WiFi signal can broadcast in all directions from the central location, so the router’s position in the house matters a lot. If you place it in the corner of the house, it will cover the outside world unnecessarily, bringing no coverage benefit to you.
So, install the router in a centralized location to cover all the nooks and corners across different directions. In case you have external antennas, adjust them for better coverage. Several routers cover the vertical area precisely, while others offer clear horizontal access.
Placing the router at a central location helps get equal coverage. However, other routers can interfere with the device if you live in an apartment. Some software apps help you identify the channels other routers use so that you can avoid connecting via these channels.
Randomly Dropping Connection
If your WiFi connection drops randomly, check for a particular pattern. More often, connection drops if you have recently installed a microwave, fish tank, or any other appliance in your house. It sounds weird, but devices usually interfere with each other.
Other networks in the neighborhood might be interfering with your WiFi leading to an unreliable connection. If your home signal overlaps with any nearby network, temporarily select an alternate, less congested network in the router settings.
Sometimes, your WiFi works properly while the internet service is at fault. There’s nothing much you can do to resolve the problem. Rather than spending time on troubleshooting methods, contact your ISP to discuss the problem and ask for a potential solution.
Difficulty Connecting Device to WiFi
This can be a momentary WiFi issue. Still, sometimes you find yourself stuck in a situation where you cannot connect any particular device to the WiFi. First, turn off the WiFi on that particular device and wait for 10 seconds before you re-enable the same.
If that doesn’t help, restart the device and try connecting to the WiFi. Sometimes, removing your internet network from the list of saved networks helps resolve the problem on a particular device. After removing the internet network, add it again, and try to reconnect.
Search for WiFi troubleshooting on Windows 10 and 11 computers to open the Identify and Repair Network Issues option. If you are a Mac user, run Wireless Diagnostics by holding the Options key and clicking the AirPort (WiFi) icon.
WiFi Not Connecting At All
When you cannot connect WiFi to any digital devices, including phones, laptops, or tablets, it indicates the problem is with the WiFi. Connect your computer to the router via Ethernet and check if you can browse the web.
Different types of Ethernet cables are available; some work better than others. Choose Category 6 Ethernet as it supports a data transfer speed of up to 10 Mbps with no interference. Improved insulation makes it possible to connect to the internet without any connectivity issues.
Resetting the router may help, so turn it off and unplug it from the power outlet. Wait for around 20 seconds, plug it in again, and then connect to the internet via WiFi. Check if your router has a Reset button on the device’s rear side and press it.
So, these are several common reasons that result in WiFi not working errors. In most situations, resetting the router helps to fix the problem, while you may need to replace the router in severe cases.
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