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- Why You Can’T Connect To Wifi At Home And How To Fix It
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Emily Glover Contributor
Since graduating with a journalism degree in 2012, Emily has worked on staff and in freelance roles for a variety of publications, including Realtor.com, as well as local real estate companies. As a long-time member of the Forbes Home team, Emily has shared dozens of informative articles about topics ranging from pest control to solar incentives and much more.
By Emily Glover
Emily Glover Contributor
Since graduating with a journalism degree in 2012, Emily has worked on staff and in freelance roles for a variety of publications, including Realtor.com, as well as local real estate companies. As a long-time member of the Forbes Home team, Emily has shared dozens of informative articles about topics ranging from pest control to solar incentives and much more.
Contributor
Fact Checked
Lowe Saddler
Editor
Updated: Jun 13, 2024, 9:40am
We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
When you have a WiFi network set up in your house, it’s reasonable to expect that you’ll be able to connect to it whenever and wherever within the home that you please. However, even with strong WiFi signals, it isn’t always that simple. Multiple things can cause havoc with your WiFi connection.
The good news is there are usually clues that can help you figure out the cause and find a solution. That way you can get back online quickly.
Common Reasons You Can’t Connect to WiFi
Your Router Is Down
A functioning router is essential for a WiFi connection. The router works to direct traffic between your internet service and the devices you are connecting to the network. Most of the time, you can “set it and forget it” when it comes to your router. However, if your router has been up and running for a while, it may get bogged down—in which case simply unplugging, waiting a few seconds and plugging your router back in can help.
Your Device Isn’t Connecting
If your router appears to be functioning and your internet service isn’t disconnected for any reason, the problem could be with your specific device. One way to test this is by checking to see if you are able to connect another device to WiFi—such as your phone or a tablet. If your WiFi connection issues are just limited to one device, then you know the problem is likely with the operating system.
In some cases, the solution is simple, like ensuring the correct WiFi password is connected to your device or rebooting your device to clear the cache. If that doesn’t do the trick, you may have picked up a virus or malware that is blocking your WiFi connection.
Your Internet Service Is Disrupted
If you suddenly lose your WiFi connection, the issue could be beyond your control. Although less and less common, internet service providers (ISPs) can go down on occasion—especially if there is extreme weather or you live in an area with a large volume of internet users who can congest the networks. If you have hotspot capabilities on your phone, you can try connecting to that network. If that’s successful, it’s a clear indication that the issue is with your in-home ISP.
Depending on the reason for the outage, you may just need to wait until service is restored. However, if this is a frustratingly common occurrence with your ISP, you may consider changing to a new provider that has higher reliability ratings.
The Signal Isn’t Strong Enough
With WiFi, the idea is that you can connect to your internet even when you’re well away from the router. However, the signal may not be strong enough to reach all corners of your home, especially if you have concrete walls or other solid obstacles that can obstruct the WiFi signal.
If this is a continual problem in an area of the home where you need WiFi, you have two good options: First, you can move your router to a more central area of the home, which could help the signal spread out better. Second, you can buy a WiFi extender, which can boost your signal in a certain room.
What to Do If You Can’t Connect to WiFi
If your computer won’t connect to WiFi or your phone’s WiFi connection keeps dropping, there are a few quick steps that can help you troubleshoot the issue and get back online quickly.
1. See If Your ISP Is Down
If you are able to search the internet from another device, such as your phone, check to see if there is an outage reported for your internet service provider. This is most common when there is extreme weather or during times of the day when the network may be congested. If your ISP is down, you can either wait it out or use a short-term alternative, such as your phone’s hotspot.
2. Check Your Router
Next, check to see if your router is having any connectivity issues. Start with the obvious potential problems, such as if a cord came loose or unplugged. Most routers have lights that signal whether it’s working well, like green lights if the connection is fine or blinking red lights if there is an issue. To restart your router, just unplug it from the outlet, wait about 10 seconds and then plug it back in. It will take a couple of minutes for the router to get back online, but this could fix your WiFi issue.
3. Restart Your Device
Similarly, your device could benefit from a simple restart—especially if it’s been a while since it’s been rebooted and there are necessary software updates waiting for you to install.
4. Scan for Viruses
You can scan for viruses or malware that could be disrupting your signal. You can do this by downloading a safe virus scanner, running it and then deleting or quarantining any viruses that turn up.
5. Get a Professional Opinion
If you’ve run through the list of potential issues and are still struggling to connect, consider getting help from an IT specialist. By this point, you should have a sense of whether the issue is with a specific device or the broader network. If it’s with just one device, you can bring that into a shop for service. If it’s with the network, you will probably need an IT specialist to make a house call.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a new router?
Like most items, even the best routers have lifespans: Most routers can last about five years, although the longevity is less if you have a home that uses a lot of devices. Older routers are not only potentially less effective, but they may also be more vulnerable for hackers. If you’ve had your router for four or more years, it’s a good idea to start shopping around for a replacement.
Will changing to a new internet service provider (ISP) help my WiFi connection?
Potentially. Internet service providers have varying degrees of reliability. Some of this may be beyond your control, such as if you live in a rural area and have limited internet options. If you do have options and the budget to explore them, changing to a top-rated ISP may help keep you online.
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Emily GloverContributor
Since graduating with a journalism degree in 2012, Emily has worked on staff and in freelance roles for a variety of publications, including Realtor.com, as well as local real estate companies. As a long-time member of the Forbes Home team, Emily has shared dozens of informative articles about topics ranging from pest control to solar incentives and much more.
Lowe SaddlerEditor
Lowe is a lead editor, covering all things related to home improvement and good design. She previously worked in the decor and lifestyle spaces for digital publishers such as Hunker, First Media and Ranker and has multiple years of experience creating design and DIY content.
