Troubleshooting home WiFi issues

A few factors could lead to connectivity issues with your home WiFi network. No need for frustration. Linksys is here to help you quickly identify common issues and provide quick fixes.

Provided below are some common scenarios, partnered with steps to determine the causes and provide fixes for each. Follow our steps closely to restore your network to proper functionality.

Before you read on, try these two easy steps:

 

1. Power cycle your router/nodes: Sometimes, a quick power cycling of your router and nodes can resolve connectivity issues. Unplug the power cable, wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. The router’s light will flash while booting up. Allow a minute or so for the router to reboot and reconnect fully. The light will go solid once ready.

2. Restart your modem: Restarting your modem can also help with some of the internet connection issues. Disconnect the power cable for about 2 minutes before reconnecting it. Depending on your modem's model, it might take a few minutes to come back online.

 


 

What to do if your WiFi network is not detected?
Is my WiFi slower than usual across the entire network?
Why am I experiencing slow WiFi performance in one area of my home?

 

What to do if your WiFi network is not detected?

Do you need help finding your home network for WiFi access? Are you unable to locate your network?


1. Verify that your router is properly turned on: Check the power connection on the back of the device.  A solid white or blue indicator signifies that the device is connected and ready to use. Someone could have accidentally unplugged the power from the router or nodes.

 

If you still cannot see the WiFi network, proceed to the next step.

 

2. Power cycle your router: Sometimes, a quick power cycling of your router can resolve connectivity issues. Unplug the power cable, wait for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. The router’s light will flash while booting up. Allow a minute or so for the router to fully reboot and reconnect. The light will go solid once it is ready. 

3. Verify if it is a device-specific issue: Check if other WiFi devices in your home can connect to the WiFi. If yes, then forget the network on the device you are having trouble with. Look for your WiFi network on the device again and rejoin by entering the password. Once connected, run a speed test to ensure it is back to normal.

4. Maintain proper proximity to the router: If you are unable to see the WiFi network on the device, make sure you are in the line of sight of your node.

5. Check for the latest firmware: Firmware updates fix bug issues on a router. Check the firmware and consider performing an update.

6. Reset the router: Consider performing a reset and checking if the default SSID will be detected afterward.

 


 

Is my WiFi slower than usual across the entire network?

 

Tips to fix a slow home network.

Experiencing sluggish performance across your entire WiFi network can be incredibly frustrating. Here’s a step-by-step troubleshooting guide to help get things back up to speed. And remember, if you’re still stumped, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance!

 

1. Check your device: First, start by determining if the slowdown is isolated to a single device. If so, a quick fix might be as simple as toggling the WiFi off and on again or rebooting the device.

 

Read on for more tips if you tried the previous step and your WiFi is still slow on your devices.

 

2. Run a speed test: Test your computer or smartphone's connectivity speeds using a reliable service like Speedtest.net or fast.com. Test from various locations in your home, including next to your main router. Compare the results to what you typically expect from your internet service provider (ISP). If the speeds are consistently low (single digits) and fall below what you’re paying for, contact your ISP to ensure your service package is correct or to report any issues on their end.

 

Continue working through our troubleshooting steps if your internet speeds are slow, i.e., operating in single digits or no internet connections.

 

3. Power cycle your router/nodes: Sometimes, a quick power cycling of your router can resolve connectivity issues. Unplug the power cable, wait for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. The router’s light will flash while booting up. Allow a minute or so for the router to reboot and reconnect fully. The light will go solid once it is ready.

4. Restart your modem: Similar to the router, restarting your modem can also help. Disconnect the power cable for about 2 minutes before reconnecting it. Depending on your modem's model, it might take a few minutes to come back online.

5. Call your ISP: If none of the above steps resolve the problem, it’s time to get in touch with your ISP. Your ISP could be having an outage / widespread issue.

 

We’re always happy to help! If you’ve followed the steps above and your WiFi is still slow, feel free to call us.

 


 

Why am I experiencing slow WiFi performance in one area of my home?

 

There are two key culprits that cause weak or spotty WiFi signals.

 

      • WiFi interference: This can be caused by your neighbor’s WiFi, microwave ovens, cordless phones, Bluetooth® devices, and baby monitors.
      • Weak signal or obstruction: This can be due to the distance from your router or nodes; thick walls and ceilings; building materials (like concrete walls); or obstructions like mirrors, glasses, furniture, Christmas trees, fish tanks, or metal objects.


Here is a breakdown of troubleshooting tips, starting from the simplest fixes you can try yourself to more complex solutions:


1. Start by checking your device to determine if the slowdown is isolated to a single device: If so, a quick fix might be as simple as toggling the WiFi off and on again or rebooting the device.

 

If you tried the previous step and your WiFi is still slow, read on for more tips!

 

2. Run a speed test: Run a speed test from your computer or smartphone using a reliable service like Speedtest.net or fast.com. Test from various locations in your home, including next to your main router. Compare the results to what you typically expect from your internet service provider (ISP). If the speeds are consistently low (single digits) and fall below what you're paying for, reach out to your ISP to verify your service package or to report any issues on their end.

3. Power cycle your router: Sometimes, a quick power cycling of your router can resolve connectivity issues. Unplug the power cable, wait for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. The router’s light will flash while booting up. Allow a minute or so for the router to fully reboot and reconnect. The light will go solid once it is ready.

4. Relocate your nodes: Ensure that the node causing the issue is not too far from your router or other nodes and that there aren't many thick walls obstructing the signal. It is best to position your nodes in open spaces, minimizing any interference between them.

 

We’re always happy to help! If you’ve followed the steps above and your WiFi is still slow, feel free to call us.

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