Why won’t my Chromebook connect to WiFi?

You cannot do much with a Chromebook with connectivity issues that make you unable to connect to a Wi-Fi network.

A browser-oriented device like the Chromebook is meant to give a super-fast internet experience.

If you have a Chromebook that can’t connect to your preferred network, then it’s time you take action. 

We will bring to your knowledge some probable causes and give you the best methods you can employ to fix your Chromebook Wi-Fi connection problem.

After reading this article, you will be well informed of the entire procedures that will help you fix this problem.

We have several solutions structured out; ensure you thoroughly read them.

Chromebook Disconnects From Wi-Fi

From technical analysis, several probable reasons can be responsible for your Chromebook not connecting to Wi-Fi.

But you have to be sure of the cause of this failure before carrying out a solution plan.

Most times, this type of problem is due to a lack of communication between your Chromebook and your router.

However, before you do anything, check if the password hasn’t been changed, considering a case where you’ve previously connected to that network several times.

When your device cannot communicate with your internet router, you will certainly experience connectivity issues.

Also, if your Wi-Fi adapter is accidentally deactivated, you will experience issues with connectivity.

Some of the possible factors include outdated Chrome operating system (OS), damaged internal hardware, and preferred wireless network; one of these might be the cause of your system not being able to connect to Wi-Fi.

There are a lot of computer manufacturers that make the Chromebook system, and they all use the same operating system to run the Chrome device.

So the procedure for troubleshooting a wireless connection issue is similar on all devices using the Chrome OS.

If you are not able to connect your Chromebook to Wi-Fi, it can be due to many reasons, as we stated earlier.

Some of the causes are highlighted below;

• Disabled Wi-Fi on your Chromebook device.
• Wrong Wi-Fi password.
• Internal hardware issues in your Chromebook.
• Communication failure between your router and Chromebook.
• Competition between separate Wi-Fi networks. 

Before you begin troubleshooting, you need to cancel out any possible wireless network connection problem by inspecting either your modem or your router system.

Suppose you have an encrypted network, thoroughly check to ensure that you are using the right password.

How to Fix When Your Chromebook Can’t Connect To Wi-Fi

Try using any of these methods to fix the issue of why your Chromebook won’t connect to Wi-Fi

Restart router

Your router can be the actual cause of your connectivity issues, and this is most likely the case sometimes.

But if that’s the case, you shouldn’t be bothered so much as the steps to fix this issue are quite straightforward.

First, you can try to power-cycle the router to help you solve minor issues that can stop your Chromebook from connecting to your Wi-Fi network, which is also temporary, like a conflict on IP address.

You also need to know that your router can malfunction or develop faults because of an overheating problem.

When you turn off your router system, it is always best that you allow it to cool down for some time before you activate it again.

When your router generates a lot of heat, you have to think about changing the location of the router to a cooler room or a place well ventilated.

Get closer to your Wi-Fi router

When you are far off from your router, your Chromebook might find it very difficult to pair, detect, or connect to your Wi-Fi network.

You might also experience a weak connection signal or fluctuations in connection status if your router and device are not within the connectivity range.

Suppose you have a portable or mobile router that is being powered by a battery, you need to bring it much closer to your Chromebook, and you can try the reconnection process to your network.

If you can’t move your router, you can try moving your Chromebook closer to the router, whichever is most convenient for you.

In the case of a plug-in router, you need to relocate the router close to your environment or Chromebook.

Re-activating the Wi-Fi on your Chromebook can also fix this issue.

All you have to do is switch off your book’s Wi-Fi, turn it on again, and try connecting to your preferred network.

Unblock Chromebook

Blacklisting a device is a very important security layer integrated into every network. Once your device is blacklisted on a particular, you would not be able to connect to the network despite all your effort.

The only solution is to take it out of that list.

When your Chromebook falls on a network’s backlist, you can’t connect to that particular network.

If you can gain access to your router’s admin panel, go to the WLAN security or the Device Management section.

With this, you should be able to delete your Chromebook from the blacklist.

Otherwise, reach out to the admin to unblock or whitelist your Chromebook.

Update your Chrome OS

Before you begin checking for the causes of your Chromebook not being able to connect to your Wi-Fi, the first best option is to check if your operating system has an updated version or needs an update.

When you ensure that your Chromebook is up to speed with your devices, you will automatically escape many technical issues.

But, of course, you can also solve Wi-Fi problems using the software update.

To know if your Chromebook needs an update, go to your Chromebook’s settings page, head on to About Chrome OS, and tap Check for updates.

You should be able to download the latest version of the Chrome operating system using this medium.

Reset Your Router

Resetting your Wi-Fi router can be a solution to fix your connectivity problems.

If you are experiencing issues maintaining or joining a wireless connection, you should reset your router; that’s always a good thought.

You should execute this option after you’ve carried out all other methods.

There’s a reset button on the wifi router, and you can physically reset it using that button.

If you have difficulty finding yours, refer to your router manufacturer’s guide to show you the exact spot where the button is, and it will also show you a straightforward way to reset the router.

Be aware that once you reset your router, all your settings go back to factory settings, including your password and other personal configurations.

So you will have to input your settings all over again.

Restart Chromebook

You should know that restarting your device is the second-best troubleshooting process if you are sure that there’s nothing wrong with your Wi-Fi router’s configuration.

Unfortunately, you still can’t successfully connect your Chromebook to the Wi-Fi network. Before you restart your device, close up all open apps, and save your files before turning off your Chromebook.

Press down your power button, and select the Power off option to restart your Chromebook.

You can also do this by clicking on the power icon in the notification section.

Hold on for some seconds to shut down. Then afterward, restart your device, and try reconnecting.

Reconnect to your Network

When you are consistently trying to connect to a network, and it’s not working, you might want to try rejoining that network again.

This entails removing that Wi-Fi network from your saved networks and beginning the reconnection process from scratch.

You can consider this method when your Chromebook won’t suddenly connect to a frequently connected network.

Go to your device Settings, scroll to Network, and click Wi-Fi. In your Wi-Fi settings, unhide the known networks, select the network giving you issues, and then tap Forget.

Return to your Wi-Fi settings, and choose the network. Enter the right password if the network is protected, and Connect.

Update Router’s Firmware

Some internet service providers fail to update their router’s firmware, and that can lead to connectivity issues.

Also, if your router is old, there’s a high chance that the firmware is outdated and has a poor security system.

Plus you are going to experience poor internet service.

Updating your firmware to the most recent version can fix and avoid this type of issue and prevent it from occurring again.

First, open your router’s settings and check the password, username, and address of your internet service provider.

Once you log into your dashboard, you can update your firmware easily. You should do this at scheduled intervals.

Seek for Professional Assistance

If this fails to solve the issue, it might be that your Chromebook is blacklisted on that network.

Therefore, you need to whitelist your Chromebook.

If all these methods mentioned above don’t work, you have to seek professional help.

It’s time you contact the service provider to check if they have an issue with their network service.

Also, confirm if you have a sufficient internet plan.

Contacting your Chromebook’s manufacturer is also a good idea or just go to a nearby service counter.

Tell them to inspect your Chromebook for any damage to its Wi-Fi adapter.

You will most likely fix your Chromebook for free if you are under warranty coverage.

However, you can get a new Chromebook if your adapter is bad beyond repair.

FAQs

Conclusion

We’ve constructively listed out the ideal solutions that can best resolve why your Chromebook can’t connect to Wi-Fi.

Using a Chromebook without an internet connection is like using a tree without fruits.

What’s the use? These solutions should get your Chromebook back in order, and as we suggested, if you can’t do it yourself, consult professional help.