Why do I have no signal but Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi Connected, But No Internet: Why, And How to Fix It

It’s a frustrating situation: your phone or laptop clearly shows a strong Wi-Fi connection, but you can’t load a webpage, stream a video, or send an email. This “Wi-Fi connected but no internet” dilemma is more common than you might think, and often stems from issues localized to your device, rather than a problem with the Wi-Fi network itself.

Here’s a breakdown of why this happens and how to troubleshoot it:

1. Device-Specific Network Settings:

• Airplane Mode: It might seem obvious, but ensure Airplane mode is turned OFF.
• Forget and Rejoin Network: Sometimes, simply forgetting the Wi-Fi network and reconnecting with the password can resolve the issue.
• Static IP Conflict: If you’ve manually assigned a static IP address to your device, ensure it doesn’t conflict with other devices on the network. Switching back to “Obtain an IP address automatically” is usually the easiest solution.

2. Wi-Fi Adapter Issues:

• Hardware Malfunction: A faulty Wi-Fi adapter within your device could be the culprit. This is less common, but worth considering if other devices connect fine on the same network.
• Outdated Drivers: Outdated or corrupted Wi-Fi drivers are a common cause. Visit your device manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest drivers for your specific model.

3. IP and DNS Configuration Problems:

• Incorrect IP Configuration: Similar to static IP conflicts, your device might be receiving an invalid IP address from the router. Restarting your router and device often resolves this.
• DNS Server Issues: The Domain Name System (DNS) translates website names into IP addresses. If your device’s DNS settings are incorrect or the DNS server is down, you won’t be able to access websites. Try using a public DNS server like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) as an alternative.

4. Other Possibilities:

• VPN Interference: If you’re using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), try disconnecting it temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.
• Firewall Restrictions: Overly restrictive firewall settings on your device or router could be blocking internet access. Review your firewall rules or temporarily disable the firewall to test this.

Still No Luck?

If none of these solutions work, the problem might lie with your internet service provider (ISP) or router. Contact your ISP’s technical support for further assistance.

By systematically troubleshooting your device’s settings, network adapter, and IP/DNS configuration, you can often pinpoint and resolve the “Wi-Fi connected but no internet” problem, getting you back online quickly.