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WiFi Network Connection Problems? Here's What to Do

Simple Wi-Fi checks for Windows, iPhone, and Android—without jumping straight to a factory reset.

Melvin Foo

By Melvin Foo

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If Wi-Fi stops working, first check whether the problem affects one device or the whole network. That simple comparison can save time and avoid unnecessary changes.

1. Check the Basics

  • Confirm Wi-Fi is on and airplane mode is off.
  • Choose the correct network name and check the password.
  • Move closer to the router.
  • Try another website or app.
  • Check whether another device can use the same Wi-Fi.

If every device connects to Wi-Fi but cannot reach the internet, check for a provider outage or a router/modem problem. If only one device fails, start with that device’s settings. [1]

2. Restart the Device and Network Equipment

Save your work and restart the affected phone or computer. At home, restart the router and modem using the provider’s instructions. If unplugging is recommended, wait about 30 seconds before reconnecting power and allow a few minutes for service to return. [3]

Important safety note

Restart Is Not Factory Reset

Do not hold the small reset button unless you intend to erase the router’s settings and know how to restore them. Restarting network equipment interrupts everyone using it. At work, ask IT before doing so.

3. Reconnect to the Network

If you know the Wi-Fi password, forget the saved network and reconnect. This clears the saved connection details, so you will need to enter the password again.

  • Windows 11: open Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks, choose the network, then Forget. Reconnect from the Wi-Fi menu. [1]
  • iPhone or iPad: open Settings → Wi-Fi, tap the information button beside the network, and use Forget This Network if available. Rejoin with the password. [2]
  • Android: open the network or internet settings, choose the saved Wi-Fi network, and use Forget. Names vary by phone and Android version. [4]

4. Windows: Use the Built-In Help

On Windows 11, search for Get Help and run the network/internet troubleshooter. Check Windows Update for recommended updates. If a network-driver update is needed, use Windows Update or the computer maker’s official support page—not an advertised driver-updater tool. [1]

A driver is the software Windows uses to work with the wireless hardware. Do not uninstall it as a first step, especially if you have no other way to get online.

5. Phones: Compare Wi-Fi and Mobile Data

Where available, test mobile data separately from Wi-Fi. Be aware that mobile data may use your allowance. If another network works, the issue may be your home network rather than the phone. If a phone fails on several networks, follow its maker’s troubleshooting guide. [3] [2]

6. Check Coverage Before Changing Advanced Settings

If the connection improves near the router, placement or coverage may be the issue. A central position, a cable connection, or suitable mesh equipment may help. Buying a faster internet plan will not by itself fix a weak signal in one room. [5]

7. Use Network Reset Only as a Last Step

Important safety note

Network Reset Removes Saved Settings

A phone network reset can remove saved Wi-Fi passwords and other network settings. Windows network reset removes network adapters and settings and may require reinstalling or reconfiguring VPN software. A VPN is a connection often used to reach work systems. Have passwords and setup information ready, and ask IT before resetting a work device. [1] [2]

When to Ask for Help

Contact your provider if the connection fails on every device or an outage is suspected. Ask a technician if only one device fails on several networks, coverage stays poor, or the problem returns after basic checks.

Tell us which devices are affected, whether Wi-Fi connects, and whether cable or mobile-data tests work. Contact PC Ninja for local help, or read how Wi-Fi and internet speeds differ.

Sources

Sources checked October 9, 2026. Numbered links above match these references. Buying and service recommendations are PC Ninja’s advice, not guarantees.