15 Best Steps To Troubleshoot Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues – Most of our smartphones, laptops and computers these days come with Wi-Fi. It is not always pleasurable when your Wi-Fi runs into some issues like refusing to connect to your router or another phone’s hotspot. If your having such issues with your Wi-Fi connection, “Troubleshooting” is one way to solve your Wi-Fi issues. See how to Troubleshoot below;
15 Best Steps To Troubleshoot Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues
Troubleshooting Wi-Fi connectivity issues can be frustrating, but following a systematic approach can help you identify and resolve the problem. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot your Wi-Fi issues:
Find The Problem Type
Before you jump in and start trying to troubleshoot, first and foremost find out the source of the problem. Below are steps you can use to discover the source of your Wi-Fi connection issues.
- Phone: Try connecting to the Wi-Fi network with another device, like a laptop computer or friend’s phone. If other devices can use the network, the problem is most likely with your phone.
- Network: Check whether your phone can connect to another Wi-Fi network, like at a friend’s house or a public network. If your phone can connect elsewhere, the problem is most likely with the network.
- Internet: If your phone connects to the Wi-Fi network but you still have no internet, the problem is most likely with your internet connection.
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Step 1
Check Device and Network Status:
- Make sure your Wi-Fi is turned on in your device and the hotspot on the other device is on too. Even if it is a router make sure its turned on.
- Check if other devices are connected to the hotspot network you want to connect to. If other devices are also having issues, it could be a hotspot (Router) or ISP problem.
Step 2
Restart Your Devices (Hotspot or Router):
- Turn off and then turn back on your device, that is experiencing the Wi-Fi issue. Restarting can often fix temporary glitches.
Step 3
Restart Your Router:
- Unplug the power from your router, wait for about 10-15 seconds, then plug it back in. Give the router a few minutes to fully restart.
Step 4
Check Signal Strength (Hotspot or Router):
- Ensure that you are within a reasonable range of the router or hotspot. Walls and obstacles can weaken the signal.
- If possible, move closer to the router or device with the hotspot and see if the connection improves.
Step 5
Update Firmware:
- Make sure your router’s firmware is up to date. Check the router manufacturer’s website for updates and instructions on how to update.
Step 6
Check for Interference:
- Other electronic devices such as, (microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors) can interfere with Wi-Fi signals. Keep these devices away from your router.
Step 7
Change Wi-Fi Channel:
- Log into your router’s settings and try changing the Wi-Fi channel. This can reduce interference from neighboring networks.
Step 8
Forget and Reconnect:
- On your device, forget the Wi-Fi network, then reconnect by entering the password again. This works for both Routers and phone hotspots.
Step 9
Check for IP Address Conflicts:
- Sometimes, multiple devices on the network might end up with the same IP address, causing connectivity issues. Make sure your router’s DHCP settings are configured properly.
Step 10
Reset Network Settings (on Mobile Devices):
- If you’re having trouble on a mobile device, try resetting network settings to default. This will erase saved Wi-Fi networks, so be prepared to enter passwords again.
Step 11
Check for QoS Settings:
- If your router has Quality of Service (QoS) settings enabled, they might be limiting your connection. Disable QoS temporarily to see if it makes a difference.
Step 12
Run Network Troubleshooters:
- Many devices have built-in network troubleshooters that can help identify and fix common issues.
Step 13
Check ISP Status:
- Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to check if there’s a widespread outage in your area.
Step 14
Perform a Factory Reset (Last Resort):
- If all else fails, you can perform a factory reset on your router. This should be a last resort, as it will erase all custom settings.
Step 15
Seek Professional Help:
- If you’ve tried all the steps above and still have issues, it might be time to contact a professional or your ISP for assistance.
Note: Remember, patience is key when troubleshooting Wi-Fi issues. Start with the simplest solutions and work your way up to more complex ones if necessary.
