The Wi-Fi works, then cuts out for a few seconds or minutes, then comes back. Video calls freeze, streams buffer and pages stop loading. Drops like this usually come from a weak signal, interference, a router that needs a restart or an update, or a setting on one device. Work through these steps in order, starting with the free and easy ones.
Wi-Fi is connected but nothing loads at all? That's a different problem. See Connected to Wi-Fi but “no internet”. Can't join the network at all? See Won’t connect to Wi-Fi.
⚡ The short version
- Check if it's every device or just one. That tells you whether to fix the router or the device.
- Restart the modem and router in the right order. See how to restart them the right way.
- Move the router to a central, open, raised spot, away from microwaves and other electronics.
- Update the router's firmware using the maker's app or website.
- If it's just one device, update it, forget and rejoin the network, and check its power-saving settings.
First: is it every device, or just one?
Next time it drops, check another phone, tablet or computer in the same room.
- Everything drops at the same time → the router, modem or provider is the likely cause. Start with Fix the router side.
- Only one device drops → skip to Fix just one device.
- It only drops in certain rooms → it's probably signal range. See Move the router.
Fix the router side
Restart the modem and router
A restart clears up many temporary problems. The order matters, so follow our step-by-step: Restart your modem and router (the right way).
Restart, don't reset. Don't press the small “Reset” hole unless your provider tells you to. A reset can erase your Wi-Fi name, password and settings.Move the router to a better spot
Wi-Fi gets weaker as it passes through walls, floors and furniture, and some things, like metal cabinets, can block it almost completely. NETGEAR, a major router maker, recommends:
- Put the router in a central spot in the home, raised off the floor on a shelf or table.
- Keep it out of closets, cabinets, basements and corners, and away from metal objects.
- Keep it away from things that can cause interference, like microwave ovens, cordless phones, baby monitors, wireless cameras and TVs.
- If the router has adjustable antennas, try pointing them in different directions.
Does it drop only while the microwave is running? That's a strong hint it's interference. Moving the router, or joining the 5 GHz network (next step), often helps.
Try the other Wi-Fi band
Many routers broadcast on two bands, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. If you see both in your list of networks, try the other one. The 5 GHz band is usually faster and less crowded, but it has a shorter range. The 2.4 GHz band reaches farther but picks up more interference.
Update the router's firmware
Firmware is the router's built-in software. Updates fix bugs and improve stability. Apple and Microsoft both recommend keeping it up to date. Use the router maker's app or setup web page, or ask your internet provider if they supplied the router. If there's an option for automatic updates, turn it on.
Leave the channel on Auto (or try another one)
Routers send Wi-Fi on “channels,” like lanes on a road. If neighbors' networks use the same one, your connection can drop. Most routers pick a channel automatically, and Apple recommends leaving it on Auto. If drops continue, Microsoft and NETGEAR suggest trying a different channel in the router's settings. Your router's manual or app shows where.
Not comfortable changing router settings? Skip this step. Your internet provider can often check it for you.
Still dropping on every device? Call your provider
If you've restarted, moved and updated the router and everything still drops, the problem may be the modem or the line coming into the house. Ask your internet provider to test your line and equipment. They can often do it remotely. If a computer can plug into the router with an Ethernet cable and the cable connection drops too, mention that. It points away from the Wi-Fi.
Fix just one device
If only one device keeps dropping, first restart it and install any waiting updates. Then try these steps for your device:
- Forget and rejoin: Start → Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks, select your network and choose Forget. Then connect again and enter the password.
- Stop Windows turning off the Wi-Fi to save power: search the taskbar for Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and choose Properties. On the Power Management tab, uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
- Laptops, check the power plan: Microsoft also suggests Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Power Options → Change plan settings → Change advanced power settings, then under Wireless Adapter Settings set Power Saving Mode to Maximum Performance. Not every computer shows this option.
- Update the Wi-Fi driver: Start → Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates, and check your computer maker's support site for a newer Wi-Fi (wireless network) driver.
- Last resort, network reset: see the Windows steps in Fix just one device. It removes saved networks, so have your Wi-Fi password ready.
- Install macOS updates: Apple menu → System Settings → General → Software Update.
- Forget and rejoin: Apple menu → System Settings → Wi-Fi, click Details… next to your network, then Forget This Network. Rejoin and enter the password.
- Turn on location for Wi-Fi: Apple says Location Services helps Wi-Fi work reliably. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services, click Details next to System Services, and turn on Networking and wireless.
- Update: Settings → General → Software Update.
- Check the network's settings: in Settings → Wi-Fi, tap the info (i) button next to your network and make sure Auto-Join is on (Apple).
- Turn on location for Wi-Fi: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services, then System Services, and turn on Networking & Wireless. Apple says this helps Wi-Fi work reliably.
- Forget and rejoin: tap the info (i) button next to your network, tap Forget This Network, then join again with the password.
- Last resort: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone (or iPad) → Reset → Reset Network Settings. This erases all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings. Your apps, photos and other content stay.
Your iPhone may switch to cellular data on its own when Wi-Fi is weak, using a feature called Connectivity Assist (it was called Wi-Fi Assist on older versions). That isn't a drop, but it can look like one. You'll find it in Settings → Wi-Fi.
Menu names vary by phone maker, so look for similar wording.
- Update: open Settings and search for Software update or System update.
- Forget and rejoin: open Settings, go to your Wi-Fi settings (often under Network & internet or Connections), tap your network or its settings icon, choose Forget, then join again with the password.
- Battery saver: if drops happen mostly when battery saver is on, try turning it off to see if that's the cause.
- Last resort: search Settings for Reset Wi-Fi or Reset network settings. This erases saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords.
When it might be time for new gear
If you've tried everything and it still drops, especially only far from the router, your home may simply be bigger than one router can cover. NETGEAR suggests a mesh Wi-Fi system or a Wi-Fi extender for that. Before buying anything, ask your internet provider whether your router or modem is outdated. Many providers will replace their own equipment.
Sources
- Microsoft: Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows (includes “Wi-Fi connection is dropping frequently” and power-saving steps)
- Apple: Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points
- Apple: If you can't connect to Wi-Fi on your iPhone or iPad
- Apple: About Connectivity Assist
- Apple: Wi-Fi settings on Mac
- Google: Connect to Wi-Fi networks on your Android device
- Google: Fix internet connection problems on Android devices
- NETGEAR: How do I resolve poor wireless range or a weak WiFi signal?
- NETGEAR: Router placement tips
- NETGEAR: How do I change the wireless channel?