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Won't connect to Wi-Fi, or network not showing?

Last reviewed: October 2026, against Microsoft, Apple and Google support pages · For Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android.

Your laptop, phone or tablet can't join your Wi-Fi at all. Maybe your network isn't in the list, the password gets rejected, or you see “Can't connect to this network.” These are usually settings on the device itself, and you can fix most of them in a few minutes.

⚡ The short version

  1. Make sure Wi-Fi is on and airplane mode is off. Some laptops also have a physical Wi-Fi switch or key.
  2. Restart the device, then try joining again.
  3. Forget the network and rejoin it, typing the password carefully.
  4. Try the other band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) if your router shows two networks.

Which problem do you have?

First: can other devices join?

Try joining the same Wi-Fi on another phone or computer.

  • Nothing can join, or the network doesn't show up on any device → the router is the likely problem. Make sure it's turned on, then restart it (see Restart your modem and router).
  • Only one device can't join → follow the steps for that device below.

Wrong password, or “Can't connect to this network”

  • Check the password. Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive, so capital letters matter. If you never changed it, it's often printed on a sticker on the router.
  • Forget the network, then rejoin it. An old saved password can stop a device from connecting after the password was changed. Steps for each device are below.
  • Restart the router if the password is definitely right and it still won't take it. Microsoft also suggests updating the router's firmware (see your router's manual).
Don't press the small “Reset” hole on the router to fix a password problem unless your provider tells you to. A reset erases your Wi-Fi name and password, and every device in the house would need to be set up again.

Two networks with the same name? Try the other band

Many home routers send out Wi-Fi on two bands, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and these can appear as two separate networks (for example, one ending in “-5G”). If you can't join one, try the other. Microsoft notes that some Wi-Fi adapters only support 2.4 GHz, so a network on 5 GHz won't show up on them at all. Apple also suggests trying the other band.

Fix it on your device

First, restart the device. Then try these steps:

  1. Check Wi-Fi and airplane mode: select the network icon at the bottom-right of the taskbar and make sure Wi-Fi is on. Then check Settings → Network & internet → Airplane mode is off. Some laptops have a physical Wi-Fi switch; make sure it's on.
  2. Run the troubleshooter: on Windows 11, open the Get Help app and search for the Network and Internet troubleshooter; on Windows 10, Start → Settings → Network and Internet → Status → Network troubleshooter.
  3. Forget and rejoin: Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks, select your network and choose Forget. Then select it again and enter the password.
  4. Wi-Fi option missing? Open Device Manager (search for it from Start), expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and choose Enable device if you see it.
  5. Driver problems: install updates from Start → Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. If Wi-Fi stopped working after an update, Microsoft suggests reinstalling the driver: in Device Manager, right-click the Wi-Fi adapter → Uninstall device, tick “Attempt to remove the driver for this device” → Uninstall, then Start → Power → Restart. Windows reinstalls the driver when it starts. Download the driver from your PC maker's website first (on another computer if needed), in case Windows doesn't reinstall it.
  6. Last resort, network reset: on Windows 11, Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset (on Windows 10, Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Network reset). This removes saved networks and resets network settings, so you'll need your Wi-Fi password and may need to reinstall VPN software. The computer restarts.
  1. Check Wi-Fi is on: click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
  2. Network not listed? In that menu, click Other Networks to see more nearby networks. A hidden network needs you to click Other at the bottom and type its exact name, security type and password.
  3. Forget and rejoin: Apple menu → System Settings → Wi-Fi. Under Known Networks, click the … button next to your network and choose Remove From List. (Or click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, click … next to your network and choose Forget This Network.) Then join it again with the password.
  4. Check Wi-Fi Recommendations: click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. If you see Wi-Fi Recommendations, your Mac has spotted a problem; choose it to see what to do.
  5. Run Wireless Diagnostics: hold the Option key while clicking the Wi-Fi icon, then choose Open Wireless Diagnostics.
  1. Check Wi-Fi and Airplane Mode: open Settings → Wi-Fi and make sure Wi-Fi is on, then tap your network. A blue checkmark means you're connected. Also make sure Airplane Mode is off in Settings.
  2. Wi-Fi switch grayed out? Restart your iPhone or iPad.
  3. Forget and rejoin: in Settings → Wi-Fi, tap the info (i) button next to your network, tap Forget This Network, then join again with the password.
  4. Turn off Connectivity Assist: Apple suggests making sure Connectivity Assist is off while you troubleshoot. You'll find it in Settings → Wi-Fi.
  5. Using a VPN or security app? Apple suggests uninstalling it, restarting and trying again. If you need that app, contact its maker.
  6. 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. If a school or workplace set up your network, ask their IT team first.

If your iPhone or iPad can't join any Wi-Fi network, even at a friend's house, Apple says to contact Apple.

Menu names vary by phone maker, so look for similar wording (often Network & internet or Connections).

  1. Turn airplane mode on, wait 10 seconds, then off, and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
  2. Join from the list: Settings → Network & internet → Internet, then tap your network. If it isn't listed but is nearby, wait for the list to refresh.
  3. Forget and rejoin: in the same list, touch and hold your saved network, tap Forget, then tap it again and enter the password.
  4. Hidden network: tap Add network at the bottom of the list, type the network's exact name and password, and under Advanced options set Hidden network to Yes.
  5. Last resort (general advice): most Android phones have an option to reset Wi-Fi or network settings, but the menu names vary by phone maker. Search Settings for Reset Wi-Fi or Reset network settings. This erases saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords.

Other things worth checking

  • Too far from the router? Move closer and try again.
  • Hotel, airport or café Wi-Fi? After joining, open a browser and accept the terms on the sign-in page.
  • Router has blocked devices? Some routers can block unknown devices, which can hide the network or stop it joining. If you don't manage the router, ask whoever does, or your internet provider.

Once you're connected, if pages won't load see Connected to Wi-Fi but no internet; if it keeps cutting out, see Wi-Fi keeps dropping.

Sources

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