Wi-Fi Troubleshooting Checklist

If your Wi-Fi is not working properly, this simple printable checklist can help you work through the most common fixes one step at a time.

It is designed for beginners, families and anyone who wants a clear reminder without technical jargon.

Use the guide below if:

your Wi-Fi will not connect;
your device says it is connected but the internet does not work;
Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting;
one device cannot connect;
the signal is weak in parts of your home.

Click the guide to view it full size.

Wi-Fi troubleshooting checklist with 6 simple fixes for beginners

View Full sized.

Click or tap the image above to open the Wi-Fi troubleshooting checklist in full size for easier viewing.

Save This Guide

On a computer

Right-click the image and choose Save image as…

Choose where you want to save it, then click Save.

On a phone or tablet

Press and hold the image.

Choose Save, Download image or a similar option shown by your device.

Print This Guide

Open the full-size image and use your device’s Print option.

On a Windows computer you can usually press:

Ctrl + P

On a Mac you can usually press:

Command + P

The guide is designed to print clearly on standard A4 paper.

What Should I Try First If My Wi-Fi Is Not Working?

Start with these six simple checks:

Make sure Wi-Fi is switched on.
Try another phone, tablet or computer.
Move closer to your router.
Restart the device that is having problems.
Restart the router safely.
Forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect.

Try each step separately and check whether the internet starts working again before moving to the next one.

1. Check Wi-Fi Is Switched On

Open your device’s Wi-Fi settings.

Make sure:

Wi-Fi is turned on;
Airplane Mode is turned off;
you are connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.

2. Try Another Device

Try connecting another phone, tablet or computer to the same Wi-Fi.

If other devices work normally, the problem is probably with the original device.

If nothing can connect to the internet, the problem may be with your router or broadband connection.

3. Move Closer to the Router

Walls, floors and distance can weaken a Wi-Fi signal.

Move closer to your router and try again.

If your internet works well near the router but becomes unreliable elsewhere in the house, Wi-Fi coverage may be the problem.

4. Restart Your Device

Turn the phone, tablet or computer off.

Wait a few seconds.

Turn it back on and reconnect to Wi-Fi.

A restart can clear temporary connection problems.

5. Restart Your Router Safely

Unplug the router’s power cable.

Wait around 30 seconds.

Reconnect the power and wait several minutes for the router to start again.

Important: Do not press the small Reset button unless your broadband provider specifically tells you to. A factory reset can remove your router settings.

6. Forget the Wi-Fi Network and Reconnect

If one device still will not connect:

Open Wi-Fi settings.
Select your home Wi-Fi network.
Choose Forget or Forget This Network.
Select the network again.
Enter your Wi-Fi password carefully.

Wi-Fi Connected but No Internet?

If your device says it is connected to Wi-Fi but websites and apps still will not work, first test another device.

If several devices have no internet, check whether your broadband provider is experiencing an outage.

If only one device has the problem, restart that device and try forgetting and reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network.

When Should I Contact My Broadband Provider?

Contact your broadband provider if:

no devices can access the internet;
your router shows an internet or broadband warning light;
the connection repeatedly drops;
restarting the router does not help;
your provider reports an outage in your area.

Related Beginner Guides

Keep This Guide Handy

Save or print this Wi-Fi troubleshooting checklist and keep it somewhere easy to find.

The next time your internet stops working, you can work through the six simple checks without having to remember what to try.

Simple Tech Guide — plain-English technology help for beginners.