A compressive list on troubleshooting WIFI Connectivity issues. Quick tips and tricks to help with weak signal all the way to not be able to connect. This list is good for both home and school use, however there are some suggestions that will probably only work from home. If not of these suggestions don’t help your issues plus contact the tech department for additional help.
1. Confirm Wi-Fi is enabled
Before checking for deeper issues, make sure wireless is turned on.
- Select the status area (bottom-right corner where the clock is).
- Verify that Wi-Fi is enabled and not toggled off.
- If you see No network, click on Wi-Fi and select your wireless network from the list.
Important: Make sure Airplane mode is turned off, as it disables all Wi-Fi connections.
2. Restart your Chromebook
Restarting clears temporary glitches.
- Select the status area.
- Click on Power → Shut down.
- Wait 10 seconds, then turn the Chromebook back on.
- Try reconnecting to your network.
3. Check your router and modem
Sometimes the issue is with the wireless network, not the Chromebook. Obviously you can’t do this at school but if your having issues at home this would definitely be something to check.
- Ensure your router is powered on.
- Check if other devices (phones, tablets, other laptops) can connect to Wi-Fi.
- Restart your network equipment:
- Power off the modem and router.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Power the modem back on, wait for lights to stabilize.
- Power the router back on.
If other devices also fail to connect, the problem is likely with your home network or internet provider.
4. Forget and reconnect to the network
Corrupted or outdated connection settings may prevent Wi-Fi from connecting.
- Select the status area → Wi-Fi.
- Click on your network name.
- Choose Forget.
- Reconnect by selecting the network again and entering your Wi-Fi password.
5. Check for Chromebook software updates
Outdated ChromeOS builds can cause wireless issues. Chrome should grab these automatically but in the event that it doesn’t.
- Go to Settings.
- Select About ChromeOS.
- Click on Check for updates.
- Install any available updates, then restart.
6. Move closer to the router
Weak signal strength causes slow or unstable connectivity. This can be difficult at school but if you are having issues at home this can help.
- Move within 10–15 feet of your router.
- Avoid thick walls, appliances, or electronics that may cause interference.
- If Wi-Fi improves, consider adjusting your router placement or adding a Wi-Fi extender.
7. Toggle the Wi-Fi adapter
Refreshing the adapter can resolve connectivity problems. Unfortunately you will not be able to do this at school but if you ask your parents, this is something that can definitely be done at home.
- Turn Wi-Fi off.
- Wait 5 seconds.
- Turn Wi-Fi on.
- Attempt to reconnect.
8. Try another network
Connect your Chromebook to another wireless network. At school this will be difficult since you can only connect to the devices network. You can try this at home if you have multiple wifis or you can try at the public Library, friend’s house, or even your grandparents house.
- A guest network
- A mobile hotspot
- A public Wi-Fi network (if available)
If Wi-Fi works elsewhere, the issue is with the original network configuration.
9. Run the ChromeOS diagnostics tool
ChromeOS includes a built-in tool to test network functionality.
- Open the Launcher and search for Diagnostics, or open Settings → About ChromeOS → Diagnostics.
- Select the Network tab.
- Check connection status, signal strength, and adapter health.
Use the results to determine whether the Wi-Fi adapter may be failing.
10. Factory reset (Powerwash)
If all else fails, you should try a Powerwash to eliminate possible software conflicts. You can also follow this tutorial here
- Back up your files (Google Drive, USB, etc.).
- Go to Settings → Reset settings.
- Select Powerwash.
- Follow the on-screen steps to complete the reset.
- Setup the Chromebook again and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network to test your connection.