From time to time, our computers or mobile devices won’t connect to WiFi for a seemingly unexplainable reason. Is it a weak signal? Slow connections? Or perhaps your provider is the source of the issue? Let’s take a look before the frustration overwhelms you.
Your WiFi may not connect due to reasons such as weak signal strength or interference from other electronic devices. Restart your device and router to clear any temporary glitches. Also, check with your ISP that there are no outages in your area. Next, delete and re-add WiFi networks on the device.
WiFi connection issues are common, especially on Macs. Fortunately, it’s usually not too difficult to troubleshoot the issue and get your WiFi connection restored. Here are some of the most common issues and how you can troubleshoot them.
Reasons Your WiFi Won’t Connect
Weak Signal Strength
If your WiFi signal is too weak, you may be unable to connect. If you’re too far away from your router, moving it closer can help boost the signal. You may also want to consider investing in a WiFi extender (on Amazon) to help improve your signal strength in trouble spots.
Interference
Other electronic devices, including microwaves and baby monitors, can interfere with your WiFi connection. If you suspect interference from a nearby device, try turning it off or moving it away from your router.
Network Configuration Issues
Every router has a default network name and password. If you’ve changed these settings, make sure they match exactly on your device. You may need to reset your router if you’ve forgotten the password.
ISP Issues
Finally, your internet service provider (ISP) could be the reason for the issue. Your ISP can disconnect your WiFi connection if you have an outstanding bill, if there are technical issues on their end, or if your bandwidth has been exceeded.
Troubleshooting Your WiFi Connection Issues
Here are a few possible solutions to Wifi Connection issues:
Check Your Equipment
The first thing you should do is to make sure all of your equipment is working properly. Check the lights on your modem and router to ensure they’re on. If they’re not, turn them off and back on again.
Next, make sure your cables and connections are secure. If you’re using an Ethernet cable to connect your device to the router, confirm that it’s properly connected. If you’re using a USB or wireless connection, make sure your WiFi is enabled.
Power down any electronic devices that may interfere with your WiFi connection, such as running microwaves, baby monitors, and cell phones. Also, try moving your router and device to different locations.
All these micro adjustments can make a big difference in the quality of your connection.
Disconnect and Reconnect Your Device
Next, disconnect your device from the WiFi network and reconnect it. There may be a problem with the router’s connection to your device that a simple disconnect/reconnect can fix.
Toggle the WiFi connection off, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on. Check whether this has fixed the connection issue.
You may also need to temporarily remove the network from your device. To do this, find the list of WiFi networks in your device’s settings and forget your current network. Then, reconnect with the same network and see if it fixes the issue.
Restart Your Device and Router
If disconnecting and reconnecting doesn’t work, there could be a temporary glitch in your device or router. The best way to clear this up is to restart both of them.
When everything is powered down, start with the router and wait until it’s fully on. Then power up your device and check the connection again.
Disable MAC Filtering
Some routers are set up to allow only specific devices to connect. This is called MAC filtering and can be disabled in your router settings.
To do so, you’ll need to access your router settings. The address is different for every router, but it usually looks something like 192.168.1.1.
Once you’ve logged into the settings, search for ‘MAC filtering’ and find the option to disable it. Then, reconnect to the WiFi and check if the connection is back up.
Turn On DHCP Settings
If DHCP settings are turned off, your device won’t have an IP address and, in turn, won’t be able to connect. DHCP can be turned on in your router settings.
To do this, you’ll need to access your router settings and look for the DHCP option. It should be on by default, but if it isn’t, then turn it on and restart your device.
Fix Your ISP Problems
Do you have any outstanding bills? If so, pay these bills to get reconnected.
Also, check your ISP’s website to confirm that there are no technical issues on their end. You may need to contact your ISP for further assistance if the problem persists.
Upgrade Your Router
If the above solutions don’t fix your WiFi connection issues, then it’s likely that your router needs a replacement or upgrade. With time, routers can become outdated and won’t function as well.
Investing in a new router with the latest technology can help boost your signal strength and provide a faster, more reliable connection. Newer routers typically have better range and speed capabilities.
When shopping for a router, look for one with multiple antennas and the latest WiFi standards, such as 802.11ac. These routers will provide the best performance and reliability.
You can also look into mesh WiFi systems (on Amazon), which are designed to provide a more consistent signal throughout your home.
Once you’ve made the upgrade to mesh WiFi, configure the settings for your network and test the connection to ensure it’s working properly.
Connection Successful
WiFi connection issues can be quite tricky to troubleshoot, since you’ve got to determine the cause first. Use the above tips to help you diagnose the problem and get your connection back up and running. Once you’ve worked through the issue, you’ll be able to enjoy a secure and reliable connection again.