WiFi 101: Troubleshooting Made Easy (2024)

FAQs

WiFi 101: Troubleshooting Made Easy? ›

Check for Physical Connectivity Issues

Sometimes, your internet connection can fail due to simple issues like a loose or unplugged network cable, modem, or router. Or, if you're on a wireless network, your computer's wireless network interface card might be turned off.

Check for Physical Connectivity Issues

Sometimes, your internet connection can fail due to simple issues like a loose or unplugged network cable, modem, or router. Or, if you're on a wireless network, your computer's wireless network interface card might be turned off.

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.

Causes When a Tablet Won't Connect to Wi-Fi

Your tablet's Wi-Fi software or hardware could be malfunctioning. The distance from your Wi-Fi router where you're using the tablet. Your Wi-Fi network could be having issues. Your modem or router may not be transmitting the Wi-Fi network.

Your device is in airplane mode or has Wi-Fi turned off. Your router is down. You're entering an incorrect Wi-Fi password. Your laptop is too far from your router.

Common reasons why the internet is not working. There can be a number of reasons for having no internet, even when the Wi-Fi symbol shows that you're connected. The most common cause is a problem with your router or modem, or a loose cable, but your internet can also fail because of a more technical reason.

One device can't connect to the Wi-Fi

It's probably just a momentary network issue, which is an easy fix. Try turning off the Wi-Fi on your device, then re-enabling it — or unplugging and replugging your Wi-Fi dongle. If that doesn't work, restart the device and try again. Then try restarting the router itself.

How to restore internet connection? ›

Disconnecting your devices, rebooting your modem and router, and then reconnecting your devices may fix Wi-Fi connectivity issues. Rebooting your network refreshes your connection to your ISP, which may clear certain errors.

In most cases, WiFi problems are caused by a faulty WiFi adapter driver. In Device Manager > Network Adapters, a WiFi Adapter should be listed under this section if it is working correctly. If WiFi is not listed here, update your wireless network device drivers or uninstall, then reinstall the wireless network adapter.

Check Your Router

We recommend analysing your router and taking a look at any lights or symbols located on the front. These symbols will tell you if your Wi-Fi is operational and ready to use. If you're having this issue, then simply unplug the router from the outlet and wait at least 30 seconds before reconnecting.

This issue typically indicates that your device can connect to your local network (via Wi-Fi or Ethernet) but cannot reach the internet. Common causes of no internet connection include problems with the router or modem, incorrect DNS settings, IP address conflicts, or issues with your internet provider.

The modem is responsible for sending and receiving signals from the ISP, while the router disperses the signal to devices on the network. In a typical home network setup, the modem is connected to the router, which is then connected to each device on the network.

Another easy way to get Wi-Fi without internet when you're away from home is to use your mobile phone as a personal hotspot. Most mobile devices offer the option of turning the device into a portable internet provider by creating a private Wi-Fi network that you can then link to your laptop or other devices.

The most common reasons why your iPad or iPhone won't connect to Wi-Fi include a poor connection signal, an incorrect Wi-Fi password, your Wi-Fi or mobile data settings, restricted network settings, or even a bulky phone case. A weak Wi-Fi connection can also mean you need to increase your internet speed.