Start with the simplest fixes first

When a device won't connect to WiFi, the problem is usually one of three things: the device doesn't see the network, the password is wrong, or something is blocking the connection. Before you restart your router or change settings, try these steps in order, because most connection problems stop here.

First, turn WiFi off and back on in your device's settings. On phones and tablets, swipe down from the top of the screen to find the WiFi toggle, turn it off for ten seconds, then turn it back on. On a computer, look for the WiFi icon in the system tray (bottom right on Windows, top right on Mac) and toggle it off and on. This clears temporary connection errors that happen when a device tries to connect but fails partway through.

Second, forget the network and reconnect. Go to your WiFi settings, find your network name in the list, and select "Forget" or "Remove". Then find the network again in the available list, select it, enter your password, and wait for it to say "Connected". Forgetting the network clears out old or corrupted connection information that your device has stored.

Key Takeaways

  • Toggle WiFi off and on in your device settings, then forget and rejoin the network — this fixes most connection problems without touching your router.
  • Check that you are entering the correct password, which is case-sensitive and often printed on a sticker on your router.
  • Move closer to your router to rule out range or interference as the cause before trying other fixes.
  • Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in and waiting two to three minutes for it to fully restart.
  • If one device won't connect but others do, the problem is with that device, not your network.

Check the password and network name

A wrong password is the most common reason a device won't connect. Your WiFi password is case-sensitive, meaning capital letters and lowercase letters are different. If you type "MyPassword" when it should be "mypassword", the connection will fail.

Find your correct password by looking at the sticker on the bottom or back of your router. It usually says "WiFi Password" or "Network Key" and shows both the network name (called the SSID) and the password. If you have changed the password since you set up the router and do not remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your settings and requires you to set it up again from the beginning.

Also check that you are connecting to the right network name. If your router broadcasts two networks — one labeled with "5G" or "5GHz" and one without — try the one without the 5G label first. Older devices sometimes have trouble with 5GHz networks, and switching to the 2.4GHz network (the one without 5G in the name) often fixes the problem.

Move closer to the router and check for interference

WiFi range depends on your router model and your home's walls, but most routers reach 100 to 150 feet in open space and much less through walls and floors. If your device is far from the router or separated by many walls, it may not see the network at all, or it may connect and then drop when ready.

Move your device to within 10 feet of the router with a clear line of sight — no walls between them — and try connecting again. If it connects, the problem is range or interference. Move the router to a more central location in your home, or move your device closer when you need to use it. If it still will not connect even at close range, move to the next step.

Interference from other devices can also block WiFi. Microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and some wireless speakers all use the same 2.4GHz frequency as most WiFi networks and can cause connection problems. If you are trying to connect near one of these devices, move away from it and try again.

Restart your router

Restarting your router clears temporary errors and resets all connections. Unplug the power cable from the back of your router, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. The router will take two to three minutes to fully restart — you will see lights on the front blink and then settle into a steady pattern. Do not unplug it again during this time.

Once the router has finished restarting, try connecting your device again. If the device still will not connect, wait another minute and try once more, because sometimes the router needs extra time to fully initialize.

If restarting does not work, check that your router is in a good location. Keep it away from metal objects, microwaves, and the floor. Routers work best when they are elevated and in an open space, not hidden in a closet or cabinet.

Check if other devices can connect

Try connecting a different device — a phone, tablet, or computer — to the same WiFi network. If another device connects without trouble, the problem is with the first device, not your network. If no devices can connect, the problem is your router or internet service.

If only one device will not connect, restart that device completely by powering it off and back on. On phones and tablets, hold the power button until you see a shutdown option, select it, wait ten seconds, then power the device back on. On a computer, use the shutdown option in the start menu or Apple menu, wait for it to fully shut down, then power it back on.

After the device restarts, try connecting to WiFi again. If it still will not connect, the device may have a hardware problem with its WiFi radio, or its WiFi drivers (the software that controls the WiFi hardware) may be corrupted. At this point, contact the device manufacturer's support line, because the fix usually requires technical steps specific to that device.

Reset your router if nothing else works

If multiple devices cannot connect and restarting the router did not help, you may need to reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all your settings, including your custom network name and password, and returns the router to the state it was in when you first bought it.

To reset your router, look for a small reset button on the back or bottom, usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will blink rapidly, then the router will restart. This takes two to three minutes.

After the reset is complete, you will need to set up your router again from the beginning. Look for a setup guide that came with the router, or visit the router manufacturer's website and search for your model number. The setup process usually involves connecting to a temporary network, opening a web browser, and following on-screen steps to create a new network name and password.

When to contact your internet provider

If your router is reset and multiple devices still cannot connect, the problem may be with your internet service itself. Contact your internet provider's support line. Before you call, have your account number ready and be able to tell them whether the router lights show that it has an internet connection (usually a light labeled "Internet" or "WAN" that is solid green or blue).

If the internet light is off or red, your modem — the device that connects your router to the internet — may have lost its connection. Restart your modem the same way you restart your router: unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait two to three minutes. If the light still does not come on, your internet service may be down in your area, or your modem may need repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my device connect but then disconnect after a few seconds?

This usually means your device is too far from the router or there is interference. Move closer to the router and try again. If it stays connected, the problem is range. If it still disconnects, restart both your device and your router, then try connecting once more. If disconnections continue, your router may be overheating — make sure it has space around it and is not in a closed cabinet.

Can I connect to WiFi if I forgot my password?

You can see your password by looking at the sticker on your router, which shows the default password. If you changed the password and do not remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings using the reset button. This erases your custom password and returns the router to its default settings, so you can then set a new password during the setup process.

Why can my phone connect but my laptop cannot?

Different devices sometimes have different compatibility with your router. Try forgetting the network on your laptop and reconnecting. If that does not work, check whether your laptop is trying to connect to the 5GHz network instead of the 2.4GHz network — older laptops often have trouble with 5GHz. Look in your WiFi settings for two network names and try the one without "5G" in the name.

Does restarting my router delete my files or settings?

Restarting your router (unplugging it and plugging it back in) does not delete anything. It is safe to do and clears temporary errors. Resetting your router (pressing the reset button) does erase your settings, including your custom network name and password, so only do that if restarting does not work.

Should I restart my modem and router at the same time?

You can, but it is better to restart them one at a time. Unplug your modem first, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for its lights to settle. Then unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This gives each device time to fully restart and reconnect properly.