Internet and home networks
What to do when one device will not connect to Wi-Fi
Safe first checks when one phone, tablet or computer will not join Wi-Fi but other devices work.
What you will learn
You'll know safe checks to try before changing router settings or resetting equipment.
Before you continue
Do not forget a saved Wi-Fi network unless you know the password needed to join it again.
Stop and ask for help if the device contains important work, the password is unknown, or you are being asked to change router security settings.
Check whether other devices work
If other devices are online, the internet is probably not completely down. The problem may be with the one device, its saved Wi-Fi details or its distance from the router.
If no devices work, start with whole-home internet checks instead.
Move closer to the router
Try connecting near the router. If it works nearby but not in the usual room, the device may be struggling with signal in that location.
This is common with older devices, thick walls or crowded Wi-Fi areas.
Check the network name and password
Make sure the device is joining your own Wi-Fi network. Similar names can be confusing.
If you retype the password, check capital letters and symbols carefully.
Turn Wi-Fi off and on
Turn Wi-Fi off on the device, wait a moment, then turn it on again. You can also restart the device.
This is less risky than changing router settings.
Be careful with forgetting a network
Some devices let you forget a saved Wi-Fi network and join it again. This can help, but you will need the correct Wi-Fi password.
Do not forget a network if you do not know the password and no one else can provide it.
Check for updates later
If the device connects sometimes but not reliably, updates may help. Do updates when you have time, power and a backup for important information.
What to expect
You have checked whether the problem is one device, the saved Wi-Fi details or signal in one location.
Sources and further reading
- Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows · Microsoft Support
Supports Windows Wi-Fi troubleshooting steps.
- If your iPhone or iPad won't connect to a Wi-Fi network · Apple Support
Supports iPhone and iPad Wi-Fi checks.
- Fix Wi-Fi connection problems · Google Android Help
Supports Android Wi-Fi troubleshooting checks.