I Can't Connect to WiFi

    Not being able to connect to WiFi can be caused by several things — from a simple settings issue on your device to a problem with your router. This article walks you through the most common causes and how to fix them.

    Step 1 — Check the Basics

    Before diving into troubleshooting, run through these quick checks:

    • Is your WiFi turned on? Check that WiFi is enabled on your device — it's easy to accidentally turn it off
    • Is your router powered on? Check that your router has power and the lights are on
    • Are other devices connecting? Try another phone or computer — if they connect fine the issue is with your device, not the router
    • Are you selecting the right network? Make sure you're connecting to your own WiFi network and not a neighbour's

    Step 2 — Turn WiFi Off and On Again

    Sometimes simply toggling WiFi off and back on resolves connection issues.

    Windows:

    1. Click the WiFi icon in the bottom right of your taskbar
    2. Click the WiFi toggle to turn it off
    3. Wait 10 seconds
    4. Click the toggle again to turn it back on
    5. Select your network and connect

    Mac:

    1. Click the WiFi icon in the top right menu bar
    2. Click Turn WiFi Off
    3. Wait 10 seconds
    4. Click the WiFi icon again and select Turn WiFi On
    5. Select your network and connect

    Step 3 — Forget the Network and Reconnect

    If your device is trying to connect but failing, forgetting the network and reconnecting from scratch often fixes the issue.

    Windows:

    1. Click the WiFi icon in the taskbar
    2. Click the arrow next to your network name
    3. Click Forget
    4. Click on your network name again
    5. Enter your WiFi password and connect

    Mac:

    1. Click the WiFi icon in the menu bar
    2. Click Network Settings
    3. Click the i button next to your network
    4. Click Forget This Network
    5. Click your network name again and enter your password

    Step 4 — Restart Your Device

    A full restart of your computer can clear network-related issues that a simple toggle won't fix.

    Windows: Start → Power → Restart Mac: Apple menu → Restart

    After restarting, try connecting to WiFi again.

    Step 5 — Restart Your Router

    If multiple devices can't connect, the issue is likely with your router rather than your device.

    1. Unplug the power cable from your router
    2. Wait 30 seconds
    3. Plug it back in
    4. Wait 2 minutes for the router to fully restart
    5. Try connecting again

    Step 6 — Check Your WiFi Password

    If you're being asked for a password and your connection is failing, double check you're entering the correct WiFi password. Passwords are case sensitive.

    Your WiFi password can usually be found:

    • On a sticker on the back or bottom of your router
    • In your internet provider's app
    • In your router's admin settings

    If you've changed your WiFi password recently and can't remember the new one, email help@lanclub.nz and we can help you reset it.

    Step 7 — Check if Your Device is Connected but Has No Internet

    Sometimes your device shows as connected to WiFi but you still can't browse the internet. This is a different issue from not being able to connect at all.

    Signs of this:

    • The WiFi icon shows connected but websites won't load
    • You see a message like "No internet access" or "Connected, no internet"

    What to try:

    1. Restart your router (Step 5 above)
    2. On Windows, right-click the WiFi icon → Troubleshoot problems and follow the prompts
    3. Try opening a command prompt and typing ping google.com — if you get replies your internet is working and the issue may be with your browser

    Step 8 — Check Your IP Address Settings

    In rare cases your device may have incorrect network settings. Resetting these to automatic can help.

    Windows:

    1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl and press Enter
    2. Right-click your WiFi adapter and select Properties
    3. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
    4. Make sure both options are set to Obtain automatically
    5. Click OK and try connecting again

    Mac:

    1. Apple menu → System Settings → Network
    2. Click WiFi → Details
    3. Click TCP/IP
    4. Make sure Configure IPv4 is set to Using DHCP
    5. Click OK and try connecting again

    Step 9 — Check for Network Adapter Issues (Windows)

    If nothing else has worked, your network adapter may need to be reset.

    1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager
    2. Expand Network Adapters
    3. Right-click your WiFi adapter
    4. Select Disable device, wait 10 seconds, then select Enable device
    5. Try connecting again

    When to Contact LanClub

    If you've tried all of the above and still can't connect, submit a ticket at https://help.lanclub.nz or email help@lanclub.nz with:

    • Which device is affected
    • What steps you've already tried
    • What error message you're seeing if any
    • Whether other devices can connect

    We can connect remotely to investigate further or advise whether the issue is with your router — which may need your internet provider to assist.

    Quick Reference Checklist

    Step What to Try
    1 Check the basics — WiFi on, router powered, right network
    2 Toggle WiFi off and on
    3 Forget the network and reconnect
    4 Restart your device
    5 Restart your router
    6 Check your WiFi password
    7 Check if connected but no internet
    8 Check IP address settings
    9 Reset network adapter (Windows)

    Questions?

    If you're still stuck, submit a ticket at https://help.lanclub.nz, email help@lanclub.nz, or call us on +64 22 573 3469 and we'll help you get connected.

    Published