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First determine whether your device cannot join the Wi-Fi network, or whether it joins but cannot reach the internet. Those are different problems: Wi-Fi connects your device to a local network, while the modem, router, and internet service provide access beyond it. Start with the checks below, then follow the branch that matches what you see.
Why can’t I connect to Wi-Fi?
If your device will not join the network, check the device’s wireless settings before changing router settings.
- Confirm Wi-Fi is on and Airplane mode is off.
- Check that you selected the intended network name and entered its current password.
- Look at the signal indicator. If reception is weak, move closer to the router and try again.
- Restart the device. Google includes this as an early step in its Android connection troubleshooting guidance.
Windows 10 and Windows 11
Check the network icon on the taskbar and confirm that the intended Wi-Fi network shows as connected. Make sure Airplane mode is off. Windows settings labels can vary slightly, but the Wi-Fi controls are available from Settings under Network & Internet.
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Open Internet settings, verify Wi-Fi is on, and check the signal indicator. Android menu names and locations vary by device manufacturer and version. If mobile data is available, switch to it briefly: working mobile data alongside failing Wi-Fi suggests the issue is limited to the Wi-Fi connection, though it does not by itself identify the cause.
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Why does Wi-Fi say connected but there’s no internet?
A connected status means the device has joined the local wireless network; it does not prove that the router has a working connection to the internet. Check whether other devices on the same network can get online.
- Only one device is affected: Recheck that device’s Wi-Fi connection, then restart it. If other devices work, the issue may be specific to the affected device or its saved connection.
- Several devices are affected: The router, modem, or internet service may be the problem. For a home network, restart the equipment using its manual or provider’s instructions.
- The signal is weak: Move nearer to the router and try again. A weak wireless link can interfere with the device’s connection even when the network is visible.
- It is public or managed Wi-Fi: Ask the network host or administrator for help; you may not be able to restart or configure its equipment.
Should I forget the network and reconnect?
Yes, this is a reasonable way to refresh a saved Wi-Fi connection if the password is available. Forgetting the network removes its saved connection details, so you will need to enter the correct password when joining again.
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Windows 10 and Windows 11
- Open Settings and go to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
- Open Manage known networks, select the affected network, and choose Forget.
- Return to the Wi-Fi network list, select that network, and reconnect with its password.
Microsoft’s Windows Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide covers these steps for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Android phones and tablets
Open Internet settings, select the saved network, and choose the option to forget or remove it; then select the network again and enter its password. Exact labels vary by Android device and version. If the network is hidden, Android also supports adding it by entering its network name and security details and selecting the hidden-network option. See Google’s instructions for connecting to Wi-Fi networks on Android.
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How do I check the modem, router, or internet service?
For a home connection that fails on multiple devices, restart the modem and router according to the equipment-specific instructions. Restarting disconnects everyone using that network until service returns. Do not confuse a restart with a factory reset: a factory reset is a different action that can erase configuration.
Google describes a typical router restart as unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds, reconnecting it, and waiting for its lights to return. Follow your equipment’s instructions if they differ. Microsoft also provides separate modem and router restart guidance in its Windows Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide.
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If restarting does not restore a home connection, contact your internet service provider. For a public or managed network, contact its host or administrator instead.
Can Ethernet help identify a Wi-Fi problem?
If your device and network equipment support a wired connection, connect the device to the router with an Ethernet cable and test internet access. Microsoft says: “If you can connect to the Internet using an Ethernet cable, it confirms the connection problem is due to the Wi-Fi router.” Treat this as a diagnostic clue: a successful wired connection points toward the Wi-Fi side of the setup, but it does not identify a specific fault or rule out every other cause. If Ethernet also fails, the problem may extend beyond the wireless connection.
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- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
When should I use Windows network troubleshooting or reset?
Run the Windows 11 troubleshooter
When basic checks do not solve the issue, Microsoft directs Windows 11 users to the Get Help app’s Network and Internet troubleshooter. Follow its prompts for the affected connection.
Use network reset only as a last step
Microsoft describes network reset as a last resort. It removes network adapters and their settings, then reinstalls the adapters after the device restarts. VPN software or virtual switches may need to be reinstalled or configured again, and network profiles may change. Try the simpler connection, device, and equipment checks first.
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