How to Fix Wi-Fi That Keeps Dropping or Disconnecting

Wi-Fi cutting out every few minutes? Try these free fixes in order — most people are back online within 5 minutes.

In this guide (6 steps):

1.Restart your router — not only your device
2.Forget and rejoin the Wi-Fi network on your device
3.Move closer to the router
4.Check if too many devices are connected
5.Check your router's age
6.Run your internet provider's speed test

Restart your router — not only your device

~37s

This fixes the majority of Wi-Fi problems. Find your router — the box provided by your internet company, usually with blinking lights. Unplug the power cord from the back of the router. Wait a full 60 seconds (count to 60). Plug it back in. Wait another 2 minutes for it to fully restart. The lights will blink and then stabilize. Try your Wi-Fi again.

Quick Tip

Restarting a router clears its memory and resets its connection to your internet provider. Most internet providers also recommend doing this once a month.

Warning

Do not press the small "Reset" button on the router — that erases all your settings and requires starting over. Just unplug the power cord.

Forget and rejoin the Wi-Fi network on your device

~26s

Sometimes your device's memory of the Wi-Fi network gets corrupted. On iPhone: SettingsWi-Fi → tap the (i) next to your network name → Forget This Network → then reconnect by tapping the network name and entering your password. On Android: SettingsWi-Fi → tap your network name → tap Forget → then reconnect. On Windows: click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar → right-click your network → Forget → then reconnect.

Move closer to the router

~30s

Wi-Fi signal gets weaker the farther you are from the router, and thick walls, floors, and appliances can block it significantly. Try using your device in the same room as the router and see if the drops stop. If they do, distance or obstacles are the problem. A Wi-Fi extender (available for $20–$50 at any electronics store) can help extend coverage to farther rooms.

Quick Tip

Microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors all use the same radio frequency as Wi-Fi and can cause interference when they are on. Try moving your router away from these devices.

Check if too many devices are connected

~26s

Every device connected to your Wi-Fi shares the same bandwidth. If many family members are streaming video, video calling, and downloading at the same time, the connection can get congested and appear to drop. Try temporarily disconnecting some devices and see if stability improves. You can manage connected devices through your router's admin panel — type 192.168.1.1 into your browser's address bar to access it (username and password are often on a sticker on the router).

Check your router's age

~33s

Routers more than 5 years old may no longer receive software updates from the manufacturer, which can make them unstable and cause frequent drops. If your router is old and the problem persists after trying the steps above, contact your internet provider. Many providers will replace an old router for free, or you can purchase a new one for $50–$150. Ask your provider if they offer a modem/router combo rental — it includes automatic updates.

Quick Tip

For more detailed Wi-Fi troubleshooting, Microsoft's free guide is at support.microsoft.com — search "fix Wi-Fi connection issues." Apple's guide is at support.apple.com — search "use wireless diagnostics."

Run your internet provider's speed test

~21s

Visit fast.com (free, no sign-up) or speedtest.net to check your actual internet speed. If the speed shown is much lower than what you pay for, the problem is with your internet service, not your home Wi-Fi. In that case, call your internet provider's support line and tell them your speed test result — they can often diagnose and fix connection issues remotely.

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A Wi-Fi connection that keeps dropping is one of the most frustrating tech problems — especially during a video call, while streaming a show, or when you are trying to get something done. The good news: most Wi-Fi problems are caused by straightforward things that you can fix yourself for free in a few minutes.

The most common cause is a router that needs a restart. The second most common is your device getting confused about which Wi-Fi network to connect to. Follow these steps in order — start with Step 1 and only move to the next step if the problem continues.

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Wi-Fi

internet

troubleshooting

router

connection

beginner