How to Fix Wi-Fi That Keeps Disconnecting

Wi-Fi that works for a few minutes and then drops is frustrating because the cause can sit in three places: the device, the router, or the line from your internet provider. The key is to work out which one is at fault before changing settings. These steps are ordered from the least disruptive to the most.

What causes Wi-Fi to keep disconnecting

• Radio interference from neighbouring networks, microwaves, cordless phones or thick walls.
• A router that has run for a long time, overheated or needs a firmware update.
• A crowded Wi-Fi channel or a device clinging to a weak band.
• A power-saving setting that turns off the Wi-Fi adapter on a laptop.
• An outdated or faulty network adapter driver.
• A fault on the line from the internet provider.

1. Check whether it is one device or all of them

Watch two devices for a while. If both lose the connection at the same moment, the router or provider is the cause. If only one drops, the device settings or driver are the cause, so you can skip to step 5.

2. Restart the router and modem

Unplug the router and modem from power, wait about 30 seconds, plug the modem in first, then the router, and give them a few minutes to start. Place the router in an open, central spot, off the floor and away from other electronics.

3. Reduce interference and pick the right band

Most routers offer a 2.4 GHz band, which reaches farther but is slower and more crowded, and a 5 GHz band, which is faster but covers a shorter range. If your phone or laptop keeps dropping at a distance, use the 2.4 GHz network there. If it drops close to the router, try the 5 GHz network. Some routers combine both under one name, and you can split them in the router’s settings page.

4. Change the Wi-Fi channel and update the router

Log in to your router’s admin page (the address is usually printed on the router). On the 2.4 GHz band, channels 1, 6 and 11 do not overlap, so try one of them if the channel is set to automatic and the connection is poor. Also check for a firmware update in the same menu. Updates can fix stability bugs.

5. Forget the network and reconnect

On the affected device, remove the saved Wi-Fi network and join it again with the password. This replaces a damaged profile.

6. Stop Windows turning off the Wi-Fi adapter

On a Windows PC, right-click the Start button and open Device Manager. Expand Network adapters, double-click your Wi-Fi adapter, open the Power Management tab and clear Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Select OK.

7. Update the network driver

In the same Device Manager window, right-click the Wi-Fi adapter and choose Update driver. If it says the best driver is already installed, check your laptop maker’s support page for a newer one.

8. Reset the network on Windows

In Windows 11 open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset and select Reset now.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Wi-Fi disconnect only at certain times of day?

Evening drops often come from neighbouring networks and busy channels. Try a different channel or the 5 GHz band.

Does a Wi-Fi extender fix dropouts?

It can help if the router signal is weak where you use the device. A badly placed extender can make things worse, so place it halfway between the router and the weak area, not in the dead spot.

How do I know it is my provider?

If every device drops, restarting the router does not help, and the modem’s status lights change when the connection fails, contact your provider and ask them to check the line.

When to contact support

Contact your internet provider if all devices drop and the modem lights show a problem. Contact the router maker if the router restarts by itself or overheats. For more checks, see our Wi-Fi and internet troubleshooting overview. If a phone says it is connected but nothing loads, read Android connected to Wi-Fi but no internet.