Wi-Fi not working? Common reasons why your internet isn’t working and how to fix it

A stable Wi-Fi connection is essential today—whether for working from home, streaming your favorite content, or staying in touch with friends and family. That’s why it’s incredibly frustrating when your Wi-Fi suddenly stops working. But don’t worry: in most cases, Wi-Fi problems can be fixed with just a few simple steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons your Wi-Fi might not be working, and give you practical solutions to help you get back online quickly.

11.04.2025 | Reading time: 5 minutes

Wi-Fi not working: First things to check

If you suddenly lose your internet connection, start by checking whether the issue lies with your Wi-Fi signal or if there’s a broader problem with your internet connection. Try opening a website on a different device or use mobile data to run a quick speed test.

Often, simply restarting your router works wonders. Unplug it from the power outlet for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for all indicator lights to return to normal.

"Can’t connect to this network”

This error message can be caused by many things—from entering the wrong password to temporary network glitches. Make sure you’ve typed in the correct Wi-Fi password and that your device isn’t too far from the router. In some cases, it helps to “forget” the Wi-Fi network on your device and reconnect from scratch.

“Wi-Fi connected, no internet”

If your device shows it’s connected to Wi-Fi but websites aren’t loading, the issue could be with the DNS server, a conflicting IP address, or your internet provider. Try the following:

• Restart your device
• Change the DNS server settings (e.g., to Google’s 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4)
• Test your connection using an Ethernet cable – if it works, the issue is likely with the Wi-Fi
  
  

Wi-Fi problems on iPhone or Android devices

Many users report that their iPhone or Android connects to Wi-Fi but no data is transmitted. In these cases, check your network settings:

• Turn Airplane mode on and off
• Reset network settings (note: this will delete all saved Wi-Fi networks)
• Update iOS or Android to the latest available version
  
  

Wi-Fi icon is on, but no internet connection

If your device shows full Wi-Fi signal strength but there’s still no internet access, log into your router’s settings. Enter http://192.168.1.1 in your browser and sign in with your credentials. It could be that your provider connection has dropped, or there’s a firmware update pending.

Wi-Fi not working on laptop

Wi-Fi issues on laptops are often caused by outdated drivers or power-saving settings. Here’s what you can do:

• Open the Device Manager and update your wireless adapter driver
• Disable any power settings that may turn off the adapter during inactivity
• Run the network troubleshooter on Windows or macOS
  
  

Wi-Fi repeater or USB Wi-Fi adapter not working

Devices like Wi-Fi repeaters or USB Wi-Fi adapters can also cause issues. Unplug the repeater, wait a few seconds, and plug it back in. Make sure it’s within range of your router. If using a USB adapter, try a different USB port or test it on another device to rule out hardware failure.

Internet issues in Switzerland: Is there an outage?

If several people in your household or neighborhood are affected, there may be a wider outage with your internet provider. Many Swiss ISPs display live network status updates on their websites. You can also check platforms like allestörungen.ch to see if others are reporting the same issue.

Resetting the router: The Last resort

If nothing else works, you can reset your router to factory settings. Be aware that this will erase all saved Wi-Fi names, passwords, and settings. The reset button is usually located on the back of the router—press it with a paperclip for about 10 seconds.

Other common internet connection issues

Wi-Fi only works in some rooms

If your Wi-Fi signal is weaker in certain areas, it could be due to building materials like thick walls or reinforced concrete. In such cases, mesh Wi-Fi systems or Powerline adapters can help distribute the signal more evenly throughout your home.

Connection drops with multiple devices

If multiple devices are connected to Wi-Fi and keep getting disconnected, your router may be overwhelmed. Check if it supports dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and split your devices across both. Consider upgrading to a more powerful router for better performance.

Wi-Fi doesn’t work after a Windows update

Some users report that Wi-Fi stops working after a Windows system update. In this case, try manually reinstalling your wireless driver or rolling back to a previous version of the driver.

Wi-Fi network doesn’t show up in list of available networks

If your Wi-Fi network doesn’t appear in the list, it could be due to a few reasons. Check whether the router is broadcasting (some models have a Wi-Fi toggle button). Also verify the frequency band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz)—not all devices support both.

Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting

If your Wi-Fi frequently drops out, it might be caused by interference from other electronics (like microwaves or baby monitors) or distance from the router. Try repositioning the router or switching to a less congested Wi-Fi channel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does Wi-Fi work on my phone but not on my laptop?

This could be due to different network settings, outdated drivers, or firewall rules. Compare settings on both devices and try a wired connection.

What should I do if Wi-Fi is connected but there’s no internet access?

Changing the DNS settings or restarting the router often helps. It may also be a temporary issue with your ISP.

How can I check if there’s an outage with my provider?

Visit your provider’s website or platforms like allestörungen.ch to see if other users are reporting problems.

Can a faulty power supply or cable affect Wi-Fi?

Yes. Especially with routers that use external power adapters, a defective power unit can cause an unstable connection.

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