How to Fix the WiFi Network Not Showing Up Issue
WiFi is an essential tool for accessing the internet. However, sometimes you may encounter the issue of a WiFi network not showing up, which can be quite frustrating. If your device cannot detect the WiFi network, don't worry! This guide will provide several troubleshooting steps to help you reconnect.
1. Restart Your Router and Device
Before diving into complex solutions, the simplest and most effective troubleshooting step is restarting your router and device. Temporary glitches in the network can often be resolved with a simple reboot.
Power off your router and unplug it from the power source.
Turn off your computer.
Wait for about 30 seconds before plugging the router back in.
Turn your device back on and check if the WiFi network appears.
2. Ensure Your WiFi is Enabled
Sometimes, the WiFi adapter might be turned off accidentally, causing your network to be hidden.
(1) On Windows
Press Windows + A to open the Action Center.
Ensure that WiFi is enabled.
Alternatively, press Windows + I, go to Network & Internet, and check the WiFi settings.
(2) On macOS
Click the WiFi icon in the top menu bar.
If it's turned off, click Turn Wi-Fi On.
3. Run Network Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooting tool that can help identify and fix network-related issues automatically.
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Click Additional troubleshooters.
Select Internet Connections and run the troubleshooter.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
If Windows detects an issue, it will suggest a fix that you can apply.
4. Update or Reinstall Network Drivers
Additionally, if your network adapter driver is outdated or incompatible with the system, it may also cause the WiFi network to not show up. The best way to ensure your network adapter functions properly is by updating the driver. Using a reliable tool like Driver Sentry can help you easily manage and update drivers.
Download and install Driver Sentry.
Open Driver Sentry and run a scan. The software will automatically detect your computer's hardware and driver status.
Wait for the scan to complete. If a network driver update is available, click the Upgrade button to install the latest driver for your WiFi adapter.
Restart your computer and check if the WiFi network is restored.
5. Check If the Network is Hidden
Sometimes, WiFi networks are hidden for security reasons, requiring manual connection.
(1) On Windows
Click the WiFi icon in the taskbar.
Select Hidden Network and enter the SSID (network name) and password.
(2) On macOS
Go to System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi.
Click Join Other Network and enter the SSID and password manually.
6. Change Your WiFi Channel and Frequency
Interference from other WiFi networks can prevent yours from appearing. Changing your WiFi channel and frequency can resolve this issue.
Log in to your router settings by entering 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a browser.
Navigate to the Wireless Settings section.
Change the WiFi Channel to a less crowded one (e.g., 1, 6, or 11 for 2.4GHz).
Save the settings and restart your router.
Switching between 2.4GHz and 5GHz:
Some devices may not support 5GHz WiFi. If your router supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, switch between them and see if your network appears.
7. Reset Network Settings
If all else fails, resetting your network settings can resolve underlying issues preventing your WiFi from showing up.
(1) On Windows
Open Settings and go to Network & Internet > Status.
Click Reset now and confirm.
(2) On macOS
Go to System Preferences > Network.
Remove the WiFi connection and reconnect manually.
After resetting, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
By following the solutions outlined above, you can quickly restore your connection. If the problem persists, consider contacting your ISP or checking your router for potential hardware issues. Hopefully, these steps have helped you reconnect to your WiFi network!
See also:
Resolve the Mouse Keeps Disconnecting Issue on Windows 10
How to Fix Mouse Scroll Wheel Jumping Issue
