How to Fix Wi-Fi: 5 Checks to Try First

What this helps with: Getting back online when the internet stops working at home.

Most Wi-Fi problems can be fixed in a few minutes with these checks. Try them in order.

The 5 checks

1. Check that Wi-Fi is on.
   • iPhone: Open Settings, tap Wi-Fi, and make sure the switch is green. Your home network should have a blue check mark next to it.
   • Android: Open Settings, tap Network & internet (or Connections), then Internet or Wi-Fi. Make sure Wi-Fi is on and your network says Connected.
2. Make sure Airplane Mode is off.
   • What you’ll tap: In Settings, find Airplane Mode. The switch should be off (gray). On iPhone it’s near the top of Settings.
3. Check other devices. Can a tablet, computer, or TV get online?
   • If nothing works, the problem is likely the internet box (router) or your internet company. Go to check 4.
   • If only your phone has trouble, go to check 5.
4. Restart your router and modem. These are the boxes with blinking lights that your internet company gave you.
   • Unplug the power cord from each box.
   • Wait one full minute.
   • Plug them back in. Wait 2 to 5 minutes for the lights to settle.
5. Restart your phone. Turn it off completely, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Then rejoin your network:
   • What you’ll tap: In Wi-Fi settings, tap your network’s name. If asked, type the Wi-Fi password. It’s often printed on a sticker on the router.

If something goes wrong

• Still no internet on any device. There may be an outage in your area. Call your internet company using the phone number on your bill.
• Weak signal in some rooms. Move closer to the router. Walls, floors, and big appliances can block the signal.
• My phone says “Incorrect password.” Check for capital letters. Look at the sticker on the router for the original password, unless someone changed it.
• Wi-Fi is grayed out on iPhone. Restart the phone. If it’s still gray, contact Apple Support.
• Last resort on iPhone: Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, Reset, Reset Network Settings. This erases all saved Wi-Fi passwords, so have yours ready first.
• Someone calls saying your Wi-Fi or computer has a problem. Hang up. Your internet company won’t call out of the blue asking to get into your device.

Official sources

• Apple: If you can’t connect to Wi-Fi on your iPhone or iPad
• Google: Connect to Wi-Fi networks on your Android device

Last checked: Oct 15, 2026

This is general help, not personalized tech support. If you rent your router, your internet company can help with the router itself.