Why Does My Wi-Fi Keep Disconnecting?

The world runs on internet connectivity in today’s time. Staying connected is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. So, when your Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting and reconnecting every now and then, it’s more of a nuisance than just a technical glitch. Instead of taking your frustration out on your equipment—thinking the modem keeps disconnecting you from what you love doing online, or the router keeps disconnecting you from the World Wide Web, it’s important to fix the issue at hand. And, for that, you must understand and identify the reason(s) your internet connection may be dropping.

Why Does My Internet Keep Disconnecting?

If you face issues with the network disconnecting and reconnecting, it’s essential you understand what could be causing the hiccups before you are able to resolve the situation. Here are some of the most common reasons cited.

Unstable Network Connection

At times it may appear you’ve successfully connected to the network, but soon after, you disconnect. This is usually the case when your device isn’t successful at establishing a stable connection with the network for some reason. Such an issue could be originating at your ISP’s end. And, you may need to contact your provider to have them reset and restore the network connection from their end manually.

Weak Network Signal

A widely observed reason why the internet keeps disconnecting is the low signal range. If a wireless network signal cannot reach your device, chances are you won’t be able to establish a stable internet connection. You can often identify network signal strength through the signal status indicator on your device. If you are on fixed wireless internet or mobile broadband, this is very often the case why the internet randomly drops. But, in most cases the issue lies beyond your control—any interference between you and the provider access point could be causing the problem.

Unreliable or Outdated Hardware

The modem and/or router you invest in plays a huge role in your internet experience. Unreliable and outdated hardware, or a modem/router that is not compatible with the service or the plan you are subscribed to, can cause problems in connectivity. That is why it is necessary to ensure you use only modems and routers that are compatible with your internet connection—this way you can avoid the frustration caused by the modem or router that keeps disconnecting.

Busy Network

There is a significant difference between internet performance during peak and off-peak hours. At peak hours, network congestion becomes one big reason why the internet randomly drops. With more users/devices connected to the same network, the network prevents more devices from connecting altogether or you simply find yourself stuck with slow speed. This is not an issue that you can rectify on your own. It very much lies at the ISP’s end—and it is a common experience among internet users. One good way to avoid this from hampering your productivity is to switch to the cutting-edge fiber optic internet is available in your area. For instance, AT&T Fiber vows to deliver 99% reliability even at peak times.

Why Does My Wi-Fi Keep Turning Off?

You must have faced this issue at least once when using your laptop, phone, or tablet: Your internet randomly drops and reconnects while you’re online. While most of the time it reconnects automatically, at other times you have to do that manually. In addition to the probable reasons for the internet keep disconnecting that we shared earlier, here are some others that are specific to Wi-Fi disconnection.

Unable to Connect to Wi-Fi Network

If you are not able to connect to the Wi-Fi network, or your device connects but then disconnects, it could be that you’ve entered the wrong username/password. Or that you tried connecting to the wrong network. And, the simplest way is to double-check if the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password have been changed.

Weak Wi-Fi Strength

Weak internet signal is perhaps the most common cause why Wi-Fi disconnects frequently. If your Wi-Fi network strength isn’t strong, establishing a stable internet connection would be impossible. More often than not, in such cases, you are simply too far from where the router or Wi-Fi gateway device is placed. And, since concrete and brick walls, electrical gadgets, or metal objects, are all likely to affect the strength of a wireless signal, it is recommended that you boost signal range by using Wi-Fi range extenders in conjunction with your wireless router or gateway device.

Overloaded Wi-Fi Network

One of the main reasons for Wi-Fi disconnection is an overloaded network. For example, if everyone at home is connected to the Wi-Fi network, and busy in bandwidth eating online activities, you are bound to experience slow speeds, and even have your Wi-Fi disconnect. After all, every internet plan has its limitations—and if you exceed the ability of your connection, you are bound to encounter poor internet performance. Bringing internet consumption in line with the speed and data plan you are on, can help rectify the issue.

Outdated Wi-Fi Network Adapters

Your Wi-Fi connection may also drop because of an outdated or corrupt wireless network adapter driver. You can check if it is functioning optimally by visiting your Control Panel, making your way to the Device Manager, and placing your wireless card listed in the Network Adapters option. Double click on it, and if it says “this device is working properly”, you know the adapter driver is not the culprit you are looking for.

Outdated drivers can cause a huge setback. So you must update your Wi-Fi network adapter drivers on a regular basis. You can download the updates from the manufacturer’s website, and install them on your machine. Before you check for connection stability, do restart your device(s).

Wi-Fi Channel Overlap

Your router uses either the 2.4GHz or the 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency bands. Unless it’s a dual-band router. In which case you can choose to connect via one band or the other. The 2.4GHz band gives you more coverage, while the 5GHz one gives you faster speed. Now within these frequency bands are smaller bands, called Wi-Fi channels. And, it is via these channels that your Wi-Fi network sends and receives data.

Some channels suffer from interference. For example, when a number of devices are trying to communicate via the same channel. Or when devices from overlapping channels try to communicate with each other. Avoiding channels that are crowded, or going for channels that do not overlap is the way to go about this. If you are on a 2.4GHz band, look for Channels 1, 6, and 11 to connect through. And if you are using the 5GHz band, you’ll have around 24 non-overlapping channels to choose from.

Why Does My Ethernet Keep Disconnecting?

Not many internet users these days are fond of using Ethernet connectivity. But, in case you are not connected to the internet via a wireless network, and your Ethernet keeps disconnecting, here is what could be causing the problem.

Modem Keeps Disconnecting?

Your internet modem is the most essential piece of equipment when it comes to establishing internet connectivity. You can think of it as a digital translator, which retrieves information from the internet, and sends it over to your internet-enabled devices. In most cases, a modem is connected to the router, so that different user can connect to the network wirelessly. But, you can also use the modem to establish a wired connection via an Ethernet cable.

So, if you are connected to the internet modem directly, and Ethernet keeps disconnecting, it means the issue is at the modem’s end. And, the simplest, yet the most effective of cures is to simply reboot your modem.

For this, unplug the modem from the power outlet, and also remove the Ethernet cable(s) from it. Wait for a few minutes, so that the device can turn off completely, and gets the time to “cool off”. Plug all cables back in—power and Ethernet. And again wait. It can take up to 5 minutes or more for the modem to reboot fully. Once the status indicator lights on the device become stable, you are ready to switch on your device and check.

Router Keeps Disconnecting?

A router connects multiple devices to the internet, and also with each other. Chances are that you are using a wireless router and not a wired one. In any case, if you are on a wired connection with the router (Wireless or Wired), and the Ethernet keeps disconnecting, the issue could be with the router or the modem. And again rebooting the devices can do wonders.

For this, unplug the modem and the router from power for a few minutes. Remove Ethernet cable(s) too. Let the devices shut down completely. After a few minutes, you can power them back on. Wait until the modem and router reboot fully. And, status indicator lights on both devices show a connection with the internet has been established. Restart your internet-enabled devices, and check.

In case you are subscribed to Spectrum Internet, you can find detailed instructions on how to reset your modem/router/gateway device—this is sure to make your DIY endeavor easier.

Why Does My Computer Keep Disconnecting From Wi-Fi?

If your PC or laptop keeps disconnecting while you are at work, it’s important that you become aware of the factors that may be causing irregular internet connectivity. You can refer back to the section above which explains why your Wi-Fi keeps turning off. And, you can also take a look at these additional factors to help you identify and sort out the issue:

Restart Your Device

Restarting your laptop or PC may resolve the issue in the shortest possible time. Shutting it down, and letting it reboot can do wonders. Do wait for 5-10 minutes before restarting the machine. “Forget” your Wi-Fi connection from the network list, and reconnect.

Check if the Power-saving Mode Is on

If your machine is in the power-saving mode. It may be that your laptop is automatically turning off the network adapter to conserve battery life. If that is the case, you can disable the power management setting.

Check the Network Interface Card

A network interface card is essential for establishing a connection with the internet either wirelessly or via Ethernet. Most laptops are equipped with a network interface card. And, it is quite rare that you would have to update the NIC driver on your own. Because this update normally takes place along with the routine Windows update. If you do have to do this manually, check for available updates and allow them to download. At times by simply updating the network interface card drivers, you can get rid of issues with your internet performance.

Check for Virus or Corrupt Files

Malware or virus in the system can cause major connectivity issues. Not only does it destabilize the connection, but bugs your computer with malicious activity. Run an antivirus program, and make it a habit to maintain security checks on a regular basis.

Corrupt program files in the system can also cause connectivity issues. This can be fixed by identifying and replacing these corrupt files. You can also restore the operating system to a point before the corrupt files took over.

Why Does My Phone Keep Disconnecting From Wi-Fi?

Android—Wi-Fi Keeps Dropping

There could be many reasons why your Android phone keeps dropping the connection. While many problems may arise from a poor internet connection itself, often Wi-Fi disconnection can be dealt with by switching off certain settings on your Android phone.

Switch Off the ‘Smart Network’ Feature

Largely speaking, Android phones are designed to detect and connect to the strongest internet connection available. And, a poor internet connection will cause the phone to keep disconnecting. Your phone may keep switching between networks. To fix the issue, go to Wi-Fi settings on your phone. And look for options like Smart Network Switch, Wi-Fi Assistant, or Auto Network Switch. Turn these options OFF to prevent switching between Wi-Fi networks and cell phone data. You may no longer have to worry about your Wi-Fi frequently disconnecting.

Switch OFF the ‘Scanning Always Available’ Feature

To stop your phone from scanning available and better networks nearby, you can go to your Wi-Fi settings and turn OFF the Scanning Always Available option. This will stop your phone from scanning for other networks. Or for that matter having a reason to switch networks.

Switch ON the ‘Avoid Poor Connections’ Feature

To stop your smartphone from establishing a connection with a poor network, go to the Advanced Wi-Fi Settings, and look for this option. Like with other options, this one may also vary in how it appears on your Android device. However, you can look for something on the same lines. Once you find it, switch it ON so that your phone does not keep making poor connections.

Reset Network Settings

Most Android devices have this option, but some don’t. It usually appears under the System tab or General Management tab. Remember, once you perform a network reset on your device, your settings—Bluetooth, cellular, Wi-Fi, and VPN—all will reset.

iPhone—Wi-Fi keeps Dropping

There are many reasons why your iPhone may be disconnecting from the internet every now and then. While most of them are related to network issues, some may highlight hardware issues.

Ensure Airplane Mode is Off

Go to settings and check if the Airplane Mode is switched OFF. Many people encounter a network issue when they accidentally put their phone in Airplane Mode.

Toggle Wi-Fi Button

If the Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting and reconnecting on your iPhone, you can directly toggle the Wi-Fi button from your settings. Switch off Wi-Fi for a few seconds before turning it back on. Your phone will automatically connect to the network unless the network isn’t saved-- for which you have to select the network and connect manually.

“Forget” your Wi-Fi Network

Your phone automatically saves your network information once you connect it to a Wi-Fi network. “Forgetting” your Wi-Fi network is helpful in removing stored data. And automatically troubleshoots any connectivity issues, leading to restoring of connection once reconnected. Make sure you remember the network name and password before you tap on Forget This Network. Next, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.

Reset Network Settings

A hard reset often fixes most network connectivity issues. Resetting your iPhone will however delete all saved network-related information, including passwords. You can reset your phone by tapping on General in your Settings and selecting the Reset Network Settings option.

To Wrap it All Up

If none of the above tips and tricks work to fix the issue with the internet randomly dropping or your devices disconnecting from the Wi-Fi network, we’d recommend you call your ISP customer service and seek tech support. Most internet service providers offer support that goes beyond email and chat. Your ISP can offer the best explanation as to why your connection keeps dropping.

We know understanding how internet connections, wireless and wired, work can be a little daunting. But we hope this guide helps you get a better idea of the factors due to which your internet keeps disconnecting. And, also that you are able to troubleshoot minor issues on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Does My Internet Keep Disconnecting?

Your internet may be disconnecting because of weak network signal, unstable network connection, outdated hardware, busy network etc.

Why Does My Wi-Fi Keep Turning Off?

Most of the time it happens because of weak signal strength, inability to connect to the network, outdated Wi-Fi network adapters, overloaded networks or Wi-Fi channel overlap.

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