How to Fix it When Your Wi-Fi Network Is Not Showing Up
Tricia Goss has been a writer and editor for 10+ years. She’s written tips and tutorials for Microsoft Office applications and other sites.
In This Article
When you can’t connect to the internet because your Wi-Fi doesn’t show up on your device, you have a problem. It helps if you know the cause, but you can take steps to remedy the situation even if you don’t.
Causes for ‘Wireless Network Not Showing Up’ Issues
Problems with your router, ISP, or device could prevent your Wi-Fi network from showing up in the list of available networks. A few of the reasons that cause Wi-Fi connection problems include:
- Device not in router’s range: Your device must be within the router’s range. In most homes, that can be up to 30 feet from the router. You may be able to connect up to 50 feet away, but the speed is slower, and the connection often drops.
- Router not restored correctly: The router might not have been properly restored after losing power or being unplugged.
- Network adapter turned off/disabled: The Wi-Fi connection problem isn’t always caused by the router; your device could be the culprit. If a restart doesn’t help, your network adapter could be disabled, or its drivers may need updating.
- Virus: If your device has a virus, it could block your ability to connect to Wi-Fi. A quick virus scan and restart could help.
- Object interference: Large appliances, thick walls, or other wireless devices can interfere with your wireless connection.
Wi-Fi not showing up can be caused by these and more issues. Troubleshooting to find the problem is the key to fixing it.
Fix Wi-Fi Network Not Showing Up
Try these troubleshooting steps in order until you resolve your issue. They are listed from easiest to most complex.
- Troubleshoot your wireless connection. Before you begin trying to fix your Wi-Fi, make sure there is no problem with the device you are trying to connect. If the issue is that your Wi-Fi network is not showing up on your laptop, for example, take a few minutes to make sure everything on the computer is as it should be. Are all cables connected to the device? Are they plugged in to a working outlet? Are you sure the Wi-Fi on the device is turned on? (This could be a physical switch, an internal setting, or both.) Ruling out the basics like this is the first place to start.
Neighboring wireless networks could also interfere with your own. Changing your Wi-Fi channel number could resolve the issue.
To fix slow Wi-Fi, close background programs, avoid signal interference, troubleshoot your network equipment, scan for malware, and contact your internet service provider.
To secure your Wi-Fi network, turn on WPA2 encryption, change the network name, create a strong password, turn on your router’s firewall, and turn off admin privileges.
If you see the “Wi-Fi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” error, restart your router, change the SSID and password, reset the firewall, or perform a network reset.