The Internet has probably become the most important aspect of our lives. Imagine you wake up one day to find out that the great internet is gone forever. Can you name one task that you’d be able to complete without internet? We sure can’t. While this example was too farfetched, having a poor or no internet connection is possible. When there is no Wi-Fi, things can turn ugly pretty quickly.
Everyone is connected worldwide via the internet and a poor connect network could make things difficult. If you notice a steric over the network icon or your device prompts that you might not have a wireless connection, it means that something isn’t right. Sometimes the devices also show a message reading ‘Wi-Fi connected but no internet’. In such instances, most people panic and think that they need to call an expert in order to solve the situation. However, these internet issues can be resolved at home with just a few simple steps.
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1. Check whether the Wi-Fi is enabled or not
Most wireless devices have a physical switch that enables Wi-Fi while other devices make it easier to enable and disable Wi-Fi with the help of software. Make sure that you check the devices before troubleshooting as it will save you plenty of time. Let’s start off with the Wi-Fi switch on your laptop, these are usually situated at the top row. So make sure that it is turned on. If you are using a USB port, make sure that it is correctly plugged in.
You can also enable Wi-Fi on your devices by going in the settings. All electronic devices have this option. For instance, if you use a Windows machine, go to control panel and search for the power settings. Select it and change the wireless network adapter settings from ‘power saving’ mode to regular mode.
2. Don’t shy away from the router, move closer
Sometimes moving near the wireless router can solve all the internet issues that you might face. Obstacles such as walls, wireless devices, windows, furniture and metal objects may obstruct the signals. When the device is receiving fewer signals, the internet connection might not remain as good as it should be.
Move closer to the router to check whether the issues get resolved or not. If it does then it is suggested that you remove all the obstacles. If you think you cannot move the router elsewhere, then try placing the router in a relatively better place. If you still can’t connect to Wi-Fi then try the next trick.
3. Press reset on your router or restart it
This could probably be one of those troubleshooting options that almost everyone tries. However, most of the people don’t know the difference between reset and restart. If the Wi-Fi seems to show poor internet issues once in a while or after every Netflix stream then it is time to restart it. It could remove all potential hiccups and you might not have to do it ever again. When restarting doesn’t help, it is time to reset the router to its original settings. This will erase all existing data permanently and your Wi-Fi will start working properly.
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4. Check the password and SSID
The SSID is the given name of the Wi-Fi network by the providing company. Usually, this name is saved on the device that connected to it previously. However, if the name is removed or not saved there anymore then it won’t connect to other electronic devices automatically. Make sure that you are selecting the right SSID that you have access to. Some SSIDs aren’t visible to everyone so you might need to enter the SSID manually for the specific Wi-Fi that you are trying to connect to. If you have selected the right SSID and still the Wi-Fi is not working then you might want to double check the password. You can forget the network and re-enter the password to make sure that you are entering the correct password for the required Wi-Fi.
5. Look into the DHCP settings
Most of the Wi-Fi routers are set as the DHCP servers so the IP addresses can be obtained by the devices and computers automatically. Check the adapter settings for TCP/IP to make sure that device is obtaining the required settings automatically from the DHCP server. If the device isn’t obtaining an address then it might produce a static IP address and that may cause internet issues. You can go to the wireless network adapter options and right click to open advanced options. Go to the properties and check IP4 or IP6 options to confirm that the device is obtaining the required addresses.
6. Update Operating System and Network Drivers
You need to check whether the devices that you are using have the latest updates installed on them or not. Sometimes, outdated drivers could cause network issues. Maybe the wireless router was recently upgraded so the old drivers might not work smoothly on them. However, before changing the drivers, update the operating system. You may check for updates manually or set your devices up for regular updates every month.
7. Allow your computer to fix the issues
Window machines can attempt to fix this situation. It provides the users with an additional troubleshooting option. You can try this by going to the taskbar and by right clicking network connection. Later you can choose from diagnosing, repair or both depending on what you are presented with. If you are unable to find these options, go to the control panel and look into network connection or network and sharing center. Search for the Wi-Fi adapter option, right click and choose the quick repair option.
Mostly, Wi-Fi connects issues can be resolved at home without calling a professional. However, when you are not able to solve the issue it is better to call an expert. If you aren’t able to get the required results by doing all of the above-mentioned troubleshooting tricks then calling the network provider is the right thing. Maybe there is something wrong at the company’s end or you need an upgrade. Either way, it is better to call a professional rather than sitting without an internet connection.
