How to Fix WiFi Not Connecting: Easy Fixes for PC and Phone
WiFi connected but no internet, or not connecting at all? Try these step-by-step fixes for Windows, iPhone and Android, from router restart to network reset.
This guide is general information only, not professional financial, legal or technical advice. Menus and rules can vary by device and country.
If your WiFi is not connecting, first check that WiFi is on and Airplane mode is off, then restart your router and modem by unplugging them for at least 30 seconds. If that doesn't work, forget the network on your device and reconnect with the password.
Most WiFi problems are fixed by one of these quick steps. If they don't help, the device-specific fixes below, for Windows, iPhone and Android, cover the deeper causes.
Quick answer
- Check the basics: WiFi on, Airplane mode off, correct network selected.
- Restart your router: Unplug the router and modem, wait at least 30 seconds, then plug them back in.
- Restart your device: A simple restart clears many temporary glitches.
- Forget and rejoin: Remove the saved network and reconnect with the password.
- Test another device: If other devices work, the problem is your device. If none work, it's the router or internet provider.
- Last resort: Reset network settings on your device.
Step 1: Find out where the problem is
Before changing settings, spend one minute narrowing it down. This saves you from trying fixes that can't work.
- Look at another phone, tablet or computer on the same WiFi.
- If other devices work, the problem is on your device. Skip to the device-specific steps.
- If no devices work, the problem is your router, modem or internet service. Start with Step 2.
- If your device says "Connected, no internet", it reaches the router but the router can't reach the internet. Restarting the router and modem usually helps.
| What you see | Likely cause | Try first |
|---|---|---|
| No devices can get online | Router, modem or provider outage | Restart router and modem; contact your provider |
| Only one device can't connect | Device settings or saved network | Restart device; forget and rejoin network |
| "Connected, no internet" | Router can't reach the internet | Restart modem and router |
| Network doesn't appear in the list | Too far away, or band not supported | Move closer; try the other band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) |
| Wrong password message | Password changed or typo | Forget network and re-enter password carefully |
| WiFi drops on and off | Weak signal or power saving | Move closer; check power settings |
Step 2: Restart your router and modem
This is the single most effective fix. It refreshes the connection between your home network and your internet provider.
- Unplug the power cable from your router, then from your modem.
- Wait at least 30 seconds.
- Plug the modem back in first. Wait until its lights stop blinking.
- Plug the router back in. Wait a few minutes for it to fully start.
- Try connecting your device again.
If you have a single combined modem and router, you only need to restart that one box. While you're at it, keep your router's firmware up to date using its app or admin page.
Step 3: Fix WiFi on Windows
Work through these in order and test your connection after each one.
- Check WiFi status. Select the network icon on the right side of the taskbar. Make sure WiFi is on and your network shows "Connected."
- Turn off Airplane mode. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Airplane mode and make sure it's off.
- Run the troubleshooter. On Windows 11, open the Get Help app and run the Network and Internet troubleshooter.
- Forget and reconnect. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks, select your network, choose Forget, then reconnect and enter the password.
- Try the other band. If you see two versions of your network (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), connect to the other one.
- Reset network components. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run these commands one at a time, then restart:
-
netsh winsock reset-netsh int ip reset-ipconfig /release-ipconfig /renew-ipconfig /flushdns - Stop WiFi power saving. In Device Manager > Network adapters, right-click your WiFi adapter, choose Properties, open Power Management, and clear the box that lets the computer turn off the device to save power.
- Update Windows. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
- Use Network reset as a last resort. On Windows 11, go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset and select Reset now. This reinstalls network adapters, so you may need to reinstall VPN software afterward.
Step 4: Fix WiFi on iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings > Wi-Fi and make sure WiFi is on.
- Tap your network name. A blue checkmark means you're connected.
- Make sure Airplane Mode is off.
- If the WiFi setting is dimmed, restart your device.
- If you use a VPN or security app, uninstall it, restart, and test WiFi again.
- Restart your router and modem (see Step 2).
- If nothing else works, reset network settings: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Apple advises resetting network settings only if other solutions fail. It erases all saved WiFi networks and passwords, plus cellular, VPN and APN settings. If your phone is managed by a school or employer, check with IT first.
Step 5: Fix WiFi on Android
Android menus vary by phone brand. You may see "Connections" instead of "Network & internet."
- Restart your phone. Sometimes that's all it takes.
- Toggle Airplane mode. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Airplane mode, turn it on, wait 10 seconds, then turn it off.
- Check WiFi is on. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Internet and make sure WiFi is on and connected.
- Forget and rejoin. In the same Internet screen, touch and hold your saved network, tap Forget, then select it again and enter the password.
- Reset the connection. Swipe down from the top of the screen, touch and hold Internet, then tap Reset. This ends any active call.
- Move closer to the router if the WiFi icon shows few bars.
If none of this works, contact your internet provider for WiFi problems, or your mobile carrier for mobile data problems.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
Typing the password wrong. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive. Check the label on your router or ask whoever set it up.
Being too far from the router. Walls, floors and appliances weaken the signal. The 5 GHz band is faster but has shorter range than 2.4 GHz.
Resetting network settings too early. It wipes every saved network. Try the simple fixes first.
Ignoring an outage. If nothing in your home connects, check your provider's status page or app on mobile data before changing settings.
A website won't load but others do. That's usually not a WiFi problem. Try clearing your browser cache instead. If your whole computer feels sluggish, see how to speed up a slow computer.
Need your device's network address for support? Our guide on how to find your IP address shows where to look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my WiFi say connected but no internet?
Your device is linked to the router, but the router can't reach the internet. Restarting the modem and router fixes this most of the time. If it doesn't, your internet provider may have an outage.
How long should I unplug my router?
Wait at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in. Plug the modem in first and let its lights settle before powering the router back on.
Will resetting network settings delete my data?
No. It doesn't delete photos, apps or files. It does erase saved WiFi networks and passwords, and on phones it also resets cellular and VPN settings, so you'll need to reconnect.
Why can my phone connect but not my laptop?
That means the router and internet are working, so the issue is the laptop. Forget the network, restart the laptop, and on Windows try the network commands or Network reset described above.
Should I use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi?
Use 5 GHz when you're close to the router for faster speeds. Switch to 2.4 GHz if you're far away or behind several walls, because it reaches farther.