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.
How to Fix It When There’s No Internet Connection
Former Lifewire writer Melanie Uy has 5+ years’ experience writing about consumer-oriented technology and is an expert telecommuter.
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years’ experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
- Wi-Fi & Wireless
- The Wireless Connection
- Routers & Firewalls
- Network Hubs
- ISP
- Broadband
- Ethernet
- Installing & Upgrading
What to Know
- When you have Wi-Fi but no internet connection, the problem usually lies in your devices rather than your internet service provider.
- The most likely culprit is a router or modem. The quickest fix is to restart one or both.
- If you still have no internet after restarting, you can try several other troubleshooting steps.
This article explains what to do when you have a strong wireless signal but no internet connection.
How to Fix It When You Have No Internet Connection
Follow these troubleshooting steps when you have Wi-Fi but no internet.
- Reboot your router and modem. The first step in troubleshooting most tech problems, and especially networking hardware issues, is to restart. Rebooting the router and modem flushes the memory and resets background or lingering problems. You’ll need to log in to your router as admin.
Rebooting is different than resetting. Rebooting shuts down and then starts back up the router/modem.
How to Reset a Home Network Router
If your Wi-Fi network isn’t showing up, your device might be out of the router’s range, or there could be interference from physical objects or other signals. If you don’t see any available networks, your device’s network adapter could be disabled.
To fix slow Wi-Fi, stop running background programs that consume bandwidth, avoid signal interference, and make sure your network equipment is working properly. Regularly scan for viruses and look into upgrading your equipment or internet plan.
To see your saved Wi-Fi passwords on Windows, go to Network and Sharing Center > Connections, choose your network, then select Wireless Properties > Security > Show Characters. On a Mac, open Spotlight and go to Keychains > System > Passwords, choose the network, and select Show password.
To set up Wi-Fi calling, go to your Cellular settings on iPhone or Mobile Network on Android and turn on the Wi-Fi Calling toggle switch. All smartphones are different, so your iPhone or Android phone may not have these exact options.