To say that our world depends on Wi-Fi is a huge understatement. Whether you’re streaming your favorite TV shows, working remotely, or listening to music, chances are you’re fully connected to Wi-Fi. And you’re not the only one. In a new report from Cisco, it is predicted that in North America, there will be 4.8 billion networked devices in 2021, up from 2.8 billion in 2016.

We rarely ever think about our reliance on Wi-Fi for our everyday life until we are suddenly disconnected. Losing connection to Wi-Fi can alter your daily schedule and even interrupt your business operations. Fortunately, most Wi-Fi connection issues are fairly simple to fix. If you find yourself unable to get your Wi-Fi running, here are a few tips to common connection issues that can help you restore access on your own!

 

• Wi-Fi is slow or does not connect in certain rooms.

Wi-Fi works by sending radio waves in different directions from a router. In order for any device in your office to receive the best reception, your router must be placed in a centralized location. If your router has antennas, make sure to adjust or alternate between different positions so that you can optimize the signal around your building. 

There’s also a chance that other routers are obstructing your router’s signal. You can use apps like NetSpot or Wi-Fi Analyzer to check what other wireless networks are nearby. That way you can evaluate whether your router overlaps with other networks in certain areas of your office, and change to another wireless channel.

 

• Wi-Fi is slow in every room. 

If you’re experiencing problems with your Wi-Fi’s speed in every room, try connecting a laptop into your modem. Then, use a website like speedtest.net to test your Internet’s speed. This helps you determine whether there’s a problem with your Internet connection or router. 

If your Internet speed is not the issue, your wireless channel may be congested with numerous devices in your office. Think about it—if your computer, smartphones, and other devices are connected to the same channel, there’s a likely chance that it’ll slow things down. You can fix this by switching the channel on your router. Of course, you’ll need to know how to navigate your specific router’s settings as each brand does it differently. 

 

• One device can’t connect to Wi-Fi. 

You may have one pesky device that refuses to connect to your Wi-Fi. If so, it may just be a fluke. Turn off the Wi-Fi settings on your device (usually on the top of the screen menu), and then turn it back on. You can also try to turn off or unplug your router a few times if that doesn’t work. 

If these tips fail to restore connection, delete your network, wait a few minutes, and then reconnect again. Make sure you know the username and password of your network. You can also use the troubleshooting setting of your device to diagnose any problems that’s preventing your device from connecting. For example, on MacOS, you can use the Wireless Diagnostics option and follow the instructions. 

 

• Wi-Fi connection drops randomly.

Sometimes, you may experience a strange pattern with your Wi-Fi connection. It may drop whenever you use a certain device like a microwave or a television. But don’t worry! Some routers have trouble establishing connectivity when particular devices are used like an old microwave or a device with specific frequencies.

It could also be that other unknown devices are connected to your Wi-Fi, causing a congested channel. Remember to regularly change your network settings and login information so that it’s available for your business and employees only.

 

• My Wi-Fi network has disappeared. 

There may be numerous reasons why Wi-Fi does not appear in your network settings. Make sure the Wi-Fi switch in your device settings is on. You can do this by selecting the networking button in your device’s taskbar or dropdown menu. Some laptops have a physical switch that needs to be switched on in order to use the Wi-Fi. 

Check your device for this type of switch if your network isn’t showing up. Your device may also be on airplane mode. When airplane mode is on, Wi-Fi is turned off so you won’t be able to access the internet. Turn off airplane mode and check if your device can connect to the Wi-Fi. 

 

It can be incredibly frustrating to have your Wi-Fi slow down or drop suddenly while you’re working. It’s important to know the basics on how to fix these issues so that you can continue operating your business. Remember: Wi-Fi isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact, whether for work or leisure, as many as 81 percent of US adults go online on a daily basis, according to Pew Research. Therefore, learn what each Wi-Fi icon means and plan out the best steps to resolve each possible issue that can arise. 

Read our blog, 6 Best Safety & Productivity Apps for Business Owners to learn more about the best apps that can protect your business data.