7 Proven Fixes When Your WiFi Keeps Disconnecting
If your wifi keeps disconnecting, you’re not alone—and you don’t need to be a network engineer to fix it. Below are simple, safe steps (from quickest to deeper fixes) to stop random drops, improve stability, and get back to smooth streaming, gaming, and video calls.
Quick Checks (30–60 seconds each)
- Move closer to the router. Walls, mirrors, and appliances weaken the signal—especially on 5 GHz.
- Toggle Wi-Fi off/on on your device. This refreshes the connection and DHCP lease.
- Reboot the router/modem. Unplug for 20–30 seconds, plug back in, wait 2–3 minutes.
- Test another device. If only one device drops, the issue is probably device-side. If multiple devices drop, it’s likely the router or ISP.
Step-by-Step Fixes When WiFi Keeps Disconnecting
1) Forget and Reconnect to Your Network
On your phone or laptop, open Wi-Fi settings, choose your network, select Forget, then reconnect and re-enter the password. If your wifi keeps disconnecting due to a corrupted profile or cached credentials, this clears it up.
2) Split 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz into Separate Names (SSIDs)
Many routers use one name for both bands. Devices can “ping-pong” between bands and drop. In your router’s admin page, name them like Home-2G and Home-5G, then connect each device to the best band (2.4 GHz for range, 5 GHz for speed). This alone solves a lot of “wifi keeps disconnecting” complaints.
3) Change the Channel to Avoid Interference
Microwaves, baby monitors, neighbors’ routers, and even Bluetooth can crowd the same Wi-Fi channels. Log into your router and:
- 2.4 GHz: try channel 1, 6, or 11 (the non-overlapping ones).
- 5 GHz: try a DFS-free channel (e.g., 36, 40, 44, 48) first; if drops persist, test higher channels (149+).
After changing channels, reboot the router. If your wifi keeps disconnecting, scan again and try a different channel.
4) Update Router Firmware and Device Drivers
Outdated firmware or drivers cause random disconnects and poor roaming. In the router’s admin, check for firmware updates. On Windows, update your Wi-Fi adapter driver via Device Manager → Network adapters. On macOS and mobiles, make sure the OS is current. This fix is huge when wifi keeps disconnecting after an OS update.
5) Turn Off Power-Saving That Sleeps Wi-Fi
Some devices aggressively save battery by suspending Wi-Fi. On laptops, set the wireless adapter’s power setting to Maximum Performance. On Android, disable “Wi-Fi power saving” if available; on iOS, try turning off Low Power Mode during critical calls. If the wifi keeps disconnecting only on battery, this is a prime suspect.
6) Adjust DHCP Lease Time or Use a Static IP
Short DHCP leases can trigger momentary drops when renewing addresses. In your router, set the DHCP lease to 24 hours (or longer). For stubborn devices, assign a reserved IP (DHCP reservation) so they keep the same address. This often stabilizes setups where wifi keeps disconnecting every few hours.
7) Optimize Placement—or Add a Mesh Node
Routers tucked behind TVs, inside cabinets, or on the floor perform poorly. Place the router high and central, away from thick walls and metal. If the home is large or multi-story and wifi keeps disconnecting far from the router, consider a mesh system or a well-placed extender (wired backhaul is best).
Device-Specific Tips
- Android/iOS: Reset Network Settings (this clears Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/VPN; note you’ll re-enter passwords).
- Windows: In Network & Internet → Advanced network settings, run Network reset. Also disable “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” in your Wi-Fi adapter’s properties.
- macOS: Delete the Wi-Fi service and re-add it: System Settings → Network. Also remove old preferred networks.
When the Problem Is Your ISP
If your wifi keeps disconnecting but a wired (Ethernet) connection also drops, it’s likely your internet provider or modem line. Check your router’s logs (look for WAN disconnects), run a speed/ping test over Ethernet, and contact your ISP with timestamps.
Related: Browse more fixes in our Tech Help section.
FAQ
Why does my wifi keep disconnecting on my phone but not my laptop?
Phones roam between bands more aggressively and use stricter power-saving. Split your SSIDs, disable Wi-Fi power saving, and reset network settings. If only the phone’s wifi keeps disconnecting, it’s likely device-side.
Is 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz better for stability?
2.4 GHz has longer range and penetrates walls better; 5 GHz is faster but shorter range. If wifi keeps disconnecting far from the router, 2.4 GHz may hold better; close to the router, 5 GHz is ideal.
Will a mesh system stop random drops?
Yes—if the issue is weak coverage or bad placement. A mesh adds nodes to remove dead zones. If wifi keeps disconnecting even next to the router, fix interference, channels, and firmware first.
My Wi-Fi drops when the microwave runs—why?
Microwaves leak noise around 2.4 GHz, which interferes with Wi-Fi. Use 5 GHz during cooking or change the 2.4 GHz channel. If your wifi keeps disconnecting near the kitchen, this is common.
Helpful Resources
- Google: Improve your Wi-Fi network & reduce interference
- Microsoft: Fix Wi-Fi connection issues (Windows)
- Apple: If your Mac isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi
Still stuck and your wifi keeps disconnecting? Drop a comment on any Tech Help article or explore more guides in Tech Help for device-specific walkthroughs.
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