Even when using the best router available on the market, trouble with your Wi-Fi network can still arise. There are numerous ways to address a faulty connection, whether you’re using one of the best laptops or even just a smartphone. Various approaches can be attempted, including troubleshooting individual device networks, home networks, and even DNS or IP configurations. Here are three different methods to try when your Wi-Fi is not working:
- Restart Your Router
If your Wi-Fi is not functioning properly, try restarting your router. This action will cause the system to reboot and reconfigure automatically.
2. Flush DNS Cache
If your problem is specific to one or a few devices, you can also flush the DNS cache. The DNS (domain name service) cache stores records of a device’s past DNS lookups. This cache is stored locally on your device, making it easier to reload sites you’ve recently visited. Problems can arise when the cached DNS records do not align with the correct and current DNS records. Fortunately, this is a simple fix:
For Windows:
Search for Command Prompt in the search bar at the bottom left of Windows. In the Command Prompt, type the following: ipconfig /flushdns Press Enter. This will flush the DNS, and your device will remove those cached records.
For macOS:
Open Terminal. You can access this by going to the Go menu and then selecting Utilities.
Enter the following text: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder To execute this command, you’ll need to enter your local password. After doing so, the command will proceed to clear your DNS cache.
For iOS / Android:
Turn on and off Airplane Mode.
3. Check for an Outage
If restarting the router didn’t resolve the issue, the next step is to check for a network outage in your area. The steps to do this may vary depending on your internet service provider (ISP). Contact the ISP service center to inquire about any ongoing network maintenance.
