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How to Fix Common Wi-Fi Connection Issues

A slow, dropping, or completely lost Wi-Fi connection can disrupt work, video calls, and daily online activities. Before calling your internet provider, follow these troubleshooting steps to fix common Wi-Fi issues quickly.

πŸš€ Brought to you by Axio Networks, an award-winning managed IT provider in Scottsdale, Arizona. We help businesses and individuals maintain reliable and secure internet connections.


πŸ“Œ Step 1: Restart Your Router and Modem

βœ” Unplug your router and modem from the power outlet.
βœ” Wait 30-60 seconds before plugging them back in.
βœ” Allow 2-3 minutes for the devices to fully reboot.
βœ” Try reconnecting to Wi-Fi.

βœ… A simple restart fixes many temporary connection issues!


πŸ“Œ Step 2: Check If the Internet is Down

βœ” Try visiting a website on a different device (e.g., phone or tablet using mobile data).
βœ” Check DownDetector to see if your ISP is having an outage.
βœ” If your internet provider is down, you may have to wait for them to restore service.

βœ… If the internet is working on other devices but not your computer, move to Step 3.


πŸ“Œ Step 3: Ensure Wi-Fi is Enabled and Connected

βœ” Click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac).
βœ” Ensure Airplane Mode is OFF (Windows: Win + A | Mac: Command + Space, then type “Airplane Mode”).
βœ” If you see “No Internet” or “Connected, but no Internet”, continue to Step 4.

βœ… Sometimes Wi-Fi gets disabled accidentallyβ€”make sure it’s turned on!


πŸ“Œ Step 4: Move Closer to the Router and Reduce Interference

βœ” Wi-Fi signals weaken through walls and floorsβ€”move closer to your router.
βœ” Avoid interference from microwaves, Bluetooth devices, or cordless phones.
βœ” If multiple devices are using Wi-Fi at once, limit background downloads or streaming.

βœ… The closer you are to your router, the stronger your Wi-Fi signal will be!


πŸ“Œ Step 5: Forget and Reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network

How to Forget and Reconnect to Wi-Fi:

  1. Click the Wi-Fi icon on your device.
  2. Select your network and click Forget.
  3. Restart your device.
  4. Reconnect by selecting the network and entering the password.

βœ… This refreshes your connection and resolves authentication issues!


πŸ“Œ Step 6: Switch Wi-Fi Bands (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz)

βœ” Use 5 GHz for faster speeds if you’re near the router.
βœ” Use 2.4 GHz for a stronger connection if you’re farther away.

How to Switch Bands:

  1. Open Wi-Fi settings and look for networks labeled “Wi-Fi Name – 5G” or “Wi-Fi Name – 2.4G”.
  2. Connect to the best option based on your distance from the router.

βœ… 5 GHz is great for speed, while 2.4 GHz has better range!


πŸ“Œ Step 7: Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

How to Run the Troubleshooter (Windows 10/11):

  1. Click Start > Settings > Network & Internet.
  2. Select Status > Network Troubleshooter.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix issues.

βœ… This built-in tool can automatically fix common connection problems!


πŸ“Œ Step 8: Restart the Network Adapter (Windows)

  1. Press Win + X, then click Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network Adapters.
  3. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select Disable device.
  4. Wait 10 seconds, then right-click and select Enable device.
  5. Try reconnecting to Wi-Fi.

βœ… Restarting the network adapter refreshes its connection to the router!


πŸ“Œ Step 9: Update Your Wi-Fi Drivers (Windows & Mac)

Windows:

  1. Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
  2. Expand Network Adapters.
  3. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

Mac:

βœ” Wi-Fi drivers update automatically with macOS updates (Apple Menu > System Settings > Software Update).

βœ… Updating drivers fixes compatibility issues that may cause Wi-Fi problems!


πŸ“Œ Step 10: Reset Your Router to Factory Settings

If all else fails, resetting your router may fix persistent issues.

How to Reset Your Router:

  1. Press and hold the reset button (usually on the back) for 10-30 seconds.
  2. Wait for the router to restart and restore to factory settings.
  3. Reconfigure your Wi-Fi settings using the default credentials printed on the router.

βœ… Factory reset should be a last resort if other fixes don’t work!


πŸ“Œ Step 11: Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

βœ” If your internet is still slow or not working, call your ISP’s support line.
βœ” Ask if they are experiencing network outages or maintenance issues.
βœ” Request a replacement router/modem if yours is outdated.

βœ… Your ISP can diagnose network issues on their end and suggest upgrades if needed!


πŸ’‘ Axio Networks Pro Tip

For business users, having a dual-band router, failover connection (mobile hotspot), and business-grade VPN ensures a stable and secure remote work experience. Need expert IT networking solutions? Axio Networks provides Wi-Fi optimization and cybersecurity servicesβ€”contact us today! πŸš€