Wi-Fi Not Working? How to Fix It, Step by Step
When Wi-Fi stops working, the cause is usually one of three things: the device, the router, or the internet service itself. Working through the checks below in order will find the problem in most cases, and will tell you whether it is something you can fix or something your provider needs to fix.
These steps suit homes and small businesses across East Gippsland, including those on NBN fixed wireless, satellite and Starlink connections, where the causes can differ from a typical town connection.
Work Through These Steps in Order
- Check whether it is one device or all of them. If your phone works on Wi-Fi but your laptop does not, the problem is with the laptop. If every device is affected, the problem is the router or the internet service.
- Check your provider for an outage. Use your mobile data to look at your provider outage page or app (Telstra, Optus, TPG, Aussie Broadband and others all publish one). Storms and network maintenance are common causes, and nothing you do at home will fix them.
- Restart the modem or router properly. Switch it off at the power point, wait 30 seconds, then switch it back on. Allow up to five minutes for all of the lights to settle. A simple restart clears a surprising number of faults.
- Check the cables and lights. Make sure every cable is firmly seated, particularly the one running to the wall or outdoor unit. Note any light that is red, orange or off, because your provider will ask about it.
- Move closer and remove obstacles. Walls, mirrors, fish tanks, microwave ovens and cordless phones weaken Wi-Fi. Test in the same room as the router. If the signal is fine there, the router position or coverage is the issue, not the connection.
- Turn Wi-Fi off and on, and forget the network. On the affected device, switch Wi-Fi off and on, or switch airplane mode on and off. If it still fails, choose Forget This Network, then reconnect and re-enter the password.
- Restart the affected device. A full restart (not just sleep) refreshes the network software. Install any pending updates while you are there.
- Check for the password or router changes. If devices disconnected after a power cut or provider update, the router may have reset to default settings. The default network name and password are normally printed on a label on the router.
- Test with a cable. Plug a laptop directly into the router with an Ethernet cable. If the cable works but Wi-Fi does not, the fault is in the Wi-Fi itself. If neither works, the internet service is down.
- Contact your provider or get remote help. If the line or outdoor unit is at fault, your provider must fix it. If the connection is up but a device, setting or the router configuration is the problem, we can usually resolve it remotely.
Fixed Wireless and Starlink Problems
Rural connections have their own common causes. Check these before assuming the equipment has failed.
- NBN fixed wireless: heavy rain, tree growth in the line of sight to the tower, and evening congestion can all slow or drop the connection. Slow speeds only at peak times usually point to congestion rather than a fault in your home.
- Starlink: any obstruction in the dish view, such as a growing tree or a new roof line, causes brief drop-outs. The Starlink app has an obstruction checker that shows what is in the way.
- Satellite and wireless services can drop in severe weather and recover by themselves, so check for an outage notice before changing anything.
When Slow Wi-Fi Is a Router Problem
A connection that works but is slow in some rooms usually needs better router placement or a mesh system, not a new internet plan. An old router, crowded Wi-Fi channels or outdated settings can also hold back a fast service. These are fixable, and most can be diagnosed and corrected remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Wi-Fi keep dropping out?
Frequent drop-outs are most often caused by a weak signal, interference, an overheating or ageing router, or a fault on the provider line. Restarting the router and testing close to it will show whether the signal or the service is at fault.
Can you fix Wi-Fi problems remotely?
Often, yes. Where the connection is working but a device, setting or router configuration is the problem, we can diagnose and correct it over a secure remote session. Physical line and outdoor equipment faults need your provider.
Is slow internet my provider or my router?
Test with a cable plugged directly into the router. If the speed is good on the cable but poor on Wi-Fi, the router or its position is the issue. If it is slow on the cable too, the service is the likely cause and your provider should be contacted.
Need a Hand?
If you would rather have this done for you, Grimace Remote can help remotely from Bairnsdale. The first hour is $89, and every session is backed by our No Fix, No Fee guarantee.
More Guides
Make an Enquiry
Please complete the form below, email support@grimaceremote.com.au, or text 0407 464 371. Enquiries are typically answered within a few hours during business hours, and within 24 hours outside business hours.
Close