We’ve grown so accustomed to Wi-Fi being readily available for listening to music, streaming our favorite shows, and allowing us to work from home that we rarely think twice about being connected until we’re suddenly experiencing a Wi-Fi problem.

A loss of connection is disruptive to a daily routine, but most Wi-Fi issues are easy to fix, so you can get reconnected relatively quickly. When your Wi-Fi goes down, you can restore access on your own by troubleshooting some of these common problems.

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Slow or no internet access in certain rooms

Wi-Fi is radio waves, meaning your Wi-Fi router broadcasts in all directions from a central location. If your router is in a far corner of your house, then you’re covering a great deal of the outside world unnecessarily. If you can, move your router to a more centralized location. The closer you can put your router to the center of your coverage area, the better reception will be throughout your house.

If you have external antennas, you can try adjusting those, too. Alternating between fully vertical and fully horizontal positions can help it reach in multiple directions.

If you live in an apartment building, other routers might be interfering with yours. Free software, like NetSpot on Mac, Windows, and Android or Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android, can show you every wireless network nearby and what channel they’re using. If your router overlaps with nearby networks in particular rooms, consider switching to a less congested channel. If you need help switching to a less congested channel, be sure to visit our guide on changing the channel on your wireless router.

If none of that helps, your home might be too much for one router to handle. Consider purchasing a wireless repeater or setting up an old router to serve as one to extend the range of your main router. Upgrading to a whole-home mesh wireless system can also help with dead spots in certain areas of your home.

Slow internet everywhere

If your Wi-Fi speed is slow no matter where you are, try plugging a laptop into your modem directly and test your internet speed using a site like speedtest.net. If speeds are still down, the problem is likely with your internet connection, not your router. Contact your ISP.

If that’s not the issue, it could be that your current wireless channel is overcrowded by your devices or by those of other nearby networks. Consider changing the channel on your router in your router settings. Each router brand does that a little differently, though.

If that doesn’t help, performing a factory reset on your router and setting it up again may help. On most routers, there’s a Reset button that you can hold down with a paperclip, but we also have a guide if you need further help on resetting your router. Do so for 30 seconds, and the router should default to factory settings. Use our guide to setting up a wireless router to get everything properly configured, and see if that helps.

If none of that works and your internet is fine on a wired connection, your router might be dying. Consider buying a new one: Here are the best routers we’ve reviewed and why they’re great picks. If the router seems fine, then it might instead be your modem, which could suffer connectivity issues if it’s on its way out. If you’re looking to upgrade your modem as a fix, we also have a guide on some of the top modem-router combos. Upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E router can also help ease issues with congestion and support faster speeds, provided that your broadband plan is capable of these boosted speeds.

One device can’t connect to the Wi-Fi

Sometimes you run into a Wi-Fi issue with one particular device. It’s probably just a momentary network issue. Try turning off the Wi-Fi on your device, then re-enabling it. If that doesn’t work, do the same with your router by unplugging it and then plugging it back in 30 seconds later.

If that doesn’t help, or if the problem reoccurs, consider deleting your current network from the list of saved networks on your device, then reconnect again.

If you’re running Windows 10 or 11, search for “wifi troubleshooting” and open the result, which should be Identify and Repair Network Issues. That will go through a series of diagnostics that may restore connectivity. On MacOS, you can run Wireless Diagnostics. Hold the Options key and click the AirPort (Wi-Fi) icon on the menu bar. Find Open Wireless Diagnostics, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

If none of that works, consider rebooting the device.

Nothing can connect to Wi-Fi

If you can’t connect to your Wi-Fi at all, plug your laptop into the router directly using an Ethernet cable, and see if you can connect that way. There are different types of Ethernet cables, so be sure to read our guide to select the best one that will work for you. If that works, your Wi-Fi is the problem — but if it doesn’t, then your internet may be down altogether. Check your ISP’s webpage and social accounts, or deliver them a call to see if they are reporting problems. Sometimes providers can be a little slow to note issues, so you can also check with a monitoring site like Downdetector and see if other users in your region are reporting problems.

Resetting your router can fix myriad issues, and an inability to connect is one of them. Press the Reset button on the back of the router with a paperclip for 30 seconds, and the router should default to factory settings. Use our guide to setting up a wireless router to get everything properly configured.

If that’s no use, you may need to consider buying a new router. There are plenty of options today, and choosing the right one can help alleviate some connectivity options in the future. These options include mesh routers, extended range routers, and Wi-Fi 6 routers.

Connections drop at random times

It could be that you’re experiencing interference from other networks or devices. If your neighbors are heavy Wi-Fi users at a particular time each day, this could be slowing you down. Changing your router’s channel might help. You can use NetSpot on Mac and Windows and Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android to show you every wireless network nearby. If yours overlaps with nearby networks, switching to a less congested channel in your router settings can help. We have a guide that will walk you through changing the channel on your router.

If that doesn’t work, try performing a factory reset on your router by pressing a paperclip into the miniature hole on it.

Wi-Fi network disappears entirely

If you lose track of your Wi-Fi network on any device, it’s possible that your router reset itself. Do you see an unprotected network named after your brand of router? That might be yours. Connect a laptop or desktop to it via an Ethernet cable, then use our guide to setting up a wireless router to get everything properly configured again.

If you don’t see such a network, plug your laptop into the router with an Ethernet, and see if you get a connection. Use our guide to finding your router’s IP address and login information for more help. Also, if you don’t have a cable, check out our guide on how to choose the right Ethernet cable.

The network connects, but there’s no internet access

Connect a laptop or desktop to your router with an Ethernet cable (these are the best ones). If this works, then the router is having a problem and may need to be reset. If there’s still no internet, though, you may have an outage. Contact your ISP.

Router crashes regularly and only restarting it helps

If your router needs to be restarted regularly, consider giving it a full reset. On most routers, you’ll find a Reset button that you can hold down with a paperclip. Do so for 30 seconds, and the router should default from factory settings. Use our guide to setting up a wireless router to get everything properly configured.

If that doesn’t work, your router may be on its way out. Your only real option is to return it if it is within its warranty period or to buy a new one.

Wi-Fi connection lost when logging back into the computer

This problem can crop up on Windows 10 due to an issue with Fast Startup. Fast Startup keeps certain processes running so you can log back in very quickly. However, this can sometimes cause a bug with the wireless driver that prevents it from reconnecting to Wi-Fi properly. In the short term, you can turn off Fast Startup to prevent this problem. Search for Power Options in your Windows 10 or Windows 11 search bar and go to this section of the Control Panel. Select Choose What the Power Button Does on the left-side menu, and then look at the new section Shutdown Settings. Find the option to Turn On Fast Startup and make sure it is deselected.

In the long term, your wireless network adapter may need to have its driver updated to fix any bugs causing this issue. You can follow our guide on how to update Windows 10 drivers for more information.

Forgot the Wi-Fi password

If you really can’t remember your Wi-Fi password, and there are no notes or cards with it written down somewhere, you’ll have to reset your router. Use a paperclip to press the hidden switch in the pinhole on the back of your router for 30 seconds. It should then default to factory settings.

Use our guide to setting up a wireless router to get everything properly configured.

Unknown devices on my Wi-Fi network

Log into your Wi-Fi app or administrator settings (which you can find by searching your IP address on your browser — here’s how to find it). Look for a list of currently connected devices and pinpoint the devices you don’t recognize. First, make sure these don’t represent connections you didn’t realize you had — each smart device will have its own connection, for example, and they can have some strange titles if you didn’t name them. Game consoles and TVs may also be connected.

If you’ve ruled out all your own potential devices and there’s still a connection or two you don’t recognize, it’s possible someone else is hijacking your Wi-Fi network. In this case, look in your settings for an option to block these devices on your Wi-Fi and ban their MAC addresses, if possible. Then change your Wi-Fi password, and reboot your router (here’s how). This may not stop especially determined hackers, but it’s usually enough to kick unwanted guests off your network.

A latest update broke Wi-Fi

This can happen with some operating system updates. Windows 10 updates in mid-2020 had bugs that stopped some users from connecting to their Wi-Fi networks or even seeing a Wi-Fi connection at all. Similar updates to iOS, Android, and other platforms also have created bugs in the past that disrupt Wi-Fi connections.

When something like this happens, it’s best to wait for a patch that fixes the problem. In the meantime, remove the update and roll back your system to an earlier version to help get your online connectivity back.

While routers can last for years without needing a replacement, keep in mind that some problems can develop with age — a router may start lacking support for new device updates and similar issues that prevent it from working properly (as seen when Apple discontinued the AirPort Extreme, for example). That’s a sign that it’s time to look for a new router.

The satellite routers on my mesh network aren’t connecting

Make sure that your satellite devices are powered up and turned on. If they are, try unplugging and replugging the problematic device and see if it will connect to your network then. If your router app allows you to restart a Wi-Fi point (Google’s Home app, for example, allows this), then reboot that point and see if this helps, too.

Google also allows you to run a test to make sure the network is set up properly. You can find Wifi points on the Home app, under Test mesh. If the test comes back with a weak or failed connection, you should try repositioning your satellite routers to be closer to your primary router. This also is a good tactic for any mesh system that keeps dropping its satellite points — they could be too far away from the primary point.

You can also double-check to make sure that your satellite router devices have a different SSID than your primary router. If they were accidentally all assigned the same SSID, then the mesh network may not be able to coordinate properly.

If your router still seems unable to connect, then make sure that nothing significant has changed for your network settings. For example, if your ISP WAN (wide-area network) type changed for some reason, you may have to go back into the settings for the router and make sure that the right WAN setting is chosen.

There are additional special cases where certain Wi-Fi technology can interfere with mesh networks, so it’s also a good idea to contact router support directly and explain your situation if nothing is working.

My smart device isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi

First, make sure that your smart device and your router are both updated. Then try resetting your router and rebooting your smart device. You can either unplug and plug in the smart device or check its app for a reboot option — the Google Home app, for example, has a Reboot tool under each device section that you can use.

If the device still isn’t connecting properly, try moving it next to the router and seeing if it connects then — distance and interference can make a difference, especially for smaller smart devices. You should also double-check to make sure that your smart device doesn’t need a Zigbee hub to operate, which is more common among older smart devices but a problem that still occasionally crops up.

If your smart device keeps dropping a Wi-Fi signal, especially during busy times of the day, check to see if your router supports automatic band switching for devices. If it does, try turning this feature off. Sometimes a router will try to switch a smart device to a different band, but the device isn’t ready for that, causing it to lose a connection. There may also be issues with connecting to a mesh router, and you may have to be very specific about your network connection to make smart devices work.

It’s also a good idea to check if your particular device is suffering from temporary bugs that make connecting to Wi-Fi difficult or impossible. Nest minis and HomePod minis have both encountered such errors in the past. In these cases, a fix is usually patched in before too long, so keep making sure that your device is updated. Sometimes operating system updates, like a new iOS patch, also can affect smart device performance.

Finally, there are a number of other router settings that may block smart devices. If you can’t find what’s wrong, call up support for that device and explain that you think your router is having trouble connecting.

My game console can’t connect to Wi-Fi

First, check social media and Downdetector to make sure nothing is wrong with your gaming platform — sometimes Xbox Live or Playstation Network goes down for any number of reasons, but they’re typically back up again after a short period.

If everything looks all right there, reboot both your router and your game console and see if they can successfully connect. This is also a good time to test your internet connection. Major systems like Xbox and PlayStation have an option in their Settings menu to test your internet connection. On PlayStation, head to Settings, then Network, then select Test Internet Connection. On Xbox, go to Profile & System, select Settings, and in the General section, select Network Settings, where you will find an option to Test Network Speed & Statistics. This can provide more information about what’s going wrong and even tips on what you may need to change.

If your console and router seem to be acting properly but Wi-Fi keeps dropping, you may want to try moving the two devices closer to each other to see if the Wi-Fi signal improves. Try to remove any material or objects between the console and router: Placing both in a high, clear location often brings the best results.

You also can check our guides on troubleshooting your Playstation and fixing problems on Xbox to learn more.

Can’t connect to wireless printer

First, make sure you are trying to connect to your Wi-Fi and not via Wi-Fi Direct — they are two different technologies. We also highly suggest the traditional routine of turning everything off and back on again, especially if your printer has connected to Wi-Fi successfully in the past. If your printer is far away from your router and keeps running into Wi-Fi errors, try moving it to a closer position.

If it looks like your printer is connected to Wi-Fi but you can’t get it to work, head into your printer settings on your computer and make sure the correct default printer is selected. Microsoft also has some troubleshooters you can run to see if they pick up on anything obviously awry.

We also suggest checking your router security, firewalls, and VPN security to see if any of them are identifying the printer as a strange device and refusing a wireless connection. You may need to disable certain firewalls or reconfigure security protocols to use your printer successfully. When all else fails, uninstall your printer drivers and reinstall the more latest versions to see if this makes a difference.

And if your printer isn’t wirelessly enabled, consider upgrading to one that is. We have some recommendations for some top printers, laser printers, and multifunction printers that can be used wirelessly and connect to your home network.

Can’t connect to a guest Wi-Fi network that I set up

Guest Wi-Fi networks allow you to share your Wi-Fi with others in a secure way that helps prevent security issues. You’ve probably seen it on business routers, but it can be set up on home routers, too. If someone is having trouble connecting to the guest network but otherwise the Wi-Fi seems to be working, there are a few things you can try.

First, if you just set up your guest network, wait a few minutes. It may take a little time for the network to show up. If the guest network is visible, take a minute to head into your router app and check settings. Settings like Public Wi-Fi Active and Allow Guests to Access My Local Network should always be enabled. If it’s still not working, reset your router and try again.

Keep in mind, some guest networks have a stricter limit on how many devices can use them. If you have over a dozen people already on the guest network, others may not be able to log on.

I’m thinking about Amazon Sidewalk giving my Wi-Fi to strangers

Amazon Sidewalk is a new service that started rolling out in June 2021 and has caused some consternation among those with Amazon devices because of its use of Wi-Fi beyond the home.

There are two important parts of Sidewalk to consider. First, any compatible device (Amazon Echos, newer Ring devices, etc.) will use BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) to help facilitate smart device communication and strengthen the Wi-Fi network around your home. If your neighbors are already using your Wi-Fi (see that issue addressed above), they may find it easier, but otherwise not much will change.

However, Bridge devices can use Sidewalk to broadcast parts of your Wi-Fi band as far as half a mile away to accomplish similar goals. Bridge devices include the Echo Show 10, the Echo 4th-generation, the Ring Spotlight, and the Ring Floodlight Cam. Now, the signals these devices send are encrypted, but they also include information about your address and remain connected to your smart home. If that’s a concern for you, we have a guide dedicated to disabling Sidewalk with the Alexa app for now and seeing how the service develops in the future.

Editors' Recommendations

It’s frustrating when the tech we rely on doesn’t work as it should, and printers are no exception. In our latest annual tech experience survey, we quizzed over 16,000 people* to uncover the most common printer problems.

Many of the issues we heard about were related to poor print quality, which meant users were struggling with colour imbalance and smudged text. Other respondents told us that the paper wasn't feeding into their printer correctly.

On the plus side, our study found that many people were able to fix these problems themselves, so you don't necessarily need to pay a professional.

Keep scrolling for details on how to ensure your printer is working at its best. If you're thinking of replacing your current printer entirely, we've also rounded up some tips on picking the perfect alternative.

Tech tips you can trust – get our free Tech newsletter for advice, news, deals and stuff the manuals don’t tell you

Common printer problems revealed

1. Bad print quality

Deterioration in print quality was by far the most common problem experienced by respondents. Users told us they had noticed colour imbalance and white lines on prints. Text was flawed, too, landing in the paper tray looking spiky, misaligned or smudged.

To fix, simply turn your printer off and on again to see if there's an instant solution. If not, check whether your ink cartridges need replacing.

To check printer ink levels on Windows, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button in the bottom-left corner of your screen. 
2. Search for Printers & Scanners. 
3. Click on the printer you want to check and select Manage.
4. If your printer is low on ink, you'll see a message next to Printer Status that says so.

To check printer ink levels on Mac, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple icon and go to System Preferences.
2. Select Printers & Scanners and choose your printer. 
3. Click Options & Supplies.
4. Ink levels are shown under the Supply Levels tab.

If your cartridges have plenty of ink left, poor print quality might be caused by blocked printer head nozzles – those are the components that spray ink onto the paper. This is more likely to happen if you don’t use your printer very often, as dried ink can cause a blockage.

Cleaning the nozzles could help. You can do this by running your printer’s cleaning function, either via the brand's printing app on your computer or on the printer itself. Consult your printer’s manual if you’re not sure where to find it.

If the self-cleaning function doesn't solve your problem, you can clean the printer head manually. Use a lint-free cloth dampened with warm distilled, filtered or bottled water. 

To tackle text that doesn't line up correctly, have your printer perform an alignment – you'll see an option for this in your printer settings. Turning it off and on again after 30 seconds can also fix the problem.

Your printer paper could also be causing smudging or feathering, so confirm that you're using the right printer paper for the job. Damp, curled or wrinkled paper can affect print quality.

Looking for a budget printer with quality performance? Read our guide on the best cheap printers to buy and run.

2. Hardware problems 

General hardware problems were also widely reported in our survey. These could be more difficult to fix yourself if components need replacing. If you suspect a hardware issue – maybe the printer won’t print or won’t turn on – check the basics first. 

Ask yourself the following:

• Have the cables become disconnected or are they damaged?
• Is there a paper jam?
• Has the paper been loaded incorrectly?
• Is the power light on?
• Are there any flashing lights that could indicate a problem?

Once you’ve checked all of the above and, assuming you’re able to print, try to print a self-test report – this could tell you what’s causing the problem.

To run a test report on Windows, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, then Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.
2. Select your printer and choose Manage.
3. Click Print a Test Page.

To run a test report on Mac, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple icon and go to System Preferences.
2. Select Printers & Scanners and choose your printer. 
3. Click Open Print Queue > Printer > Printer Test Page.

If you need to pay for a printer repair but don't fancy spending big, there's good news. According to our survey, the average repair cost for an inkjet printer is lower compared to any other type of tech product we asked about: £42 compared to £74 for wireless headphones and £73 for laptops.

3. Problems with paper

This can be caused by dusty or dirty rollers, obstructions in the paper tray, an overfilled paper tray or even the paper itself. If turning the printer off and on again doesn’t fix it, check the paper you're using.

Your printer paper should all be of the same size and type, and loaded properly, with the edges of each sheet aligned. Issues with the paper can cause paper jams, too. Remove the paper and, using a torch if you need to, check for obstructions in the mechanism inside the tray.

Try cleaning the rollers inside the paper tray using your printer’s roller-cleaning function, if it has one. Alternatively, use a long cotton swab dampened with distilled, bottled or filtered water, but make sure you unplug the printer first.

Rotate the rollers as you clean them, and leave them to dry for 15 minutes before turning your printer on again.

If you're dealing with expensive running costs, explore our guide on the best cheap printer ink cartridges and where to buy them.

4. The ink jets/print head stops working 

Our printer survey also uncovered problems linked to ink jets or nozzles on the print head not working, which can happen if your printer hasn’t been used in a while.

Try cleaning the print head. As we mentioned earlier, you'll need to use a damp lint-free cloth. If the print head is built into the ink cartridges, replacing it could fix the problem – consult the user manual or the brand's website for more details. The HP website, for example, has a walkthrough on replacing a print head.

Some printers feature print heads that can't be removed, so you'd need to get the part replaced professionally.

In some cases, it's more economical to buy a new printer than to pay for a new printer head. If you're leaning towards buying a new printer, consult our printer reviews to secure a Which? Eco Buy model combining quality printing, energy efficiency and low running costs.

5. Wi-fi connection problems

A printer that connects to your home wi-fi network lets you queue jobs from a phone or computer without a cable. However, some respondents told us they were struggling with this.

If you’re unable to print over wi-fi, check that your printer’s software is up to date by visiting the manufacturer’s website. Most brand sites will make this an easy task, especially if you have your model number to hand.

We’ve included the most common manufacturer site links here:

Investing in a wi-fi extender can help Excellerate your internet coverage – these plug into the wall and boost the signal coming from your router. Some models will create an extra network that appears in the list of available networks on your devices. Often, the extender will mirror the name of your normal network with 'EXT' at the end. 

Other wi-fi extenders work within a mesh system, boosting your existing router network without creating an extra one. These allow you to stay on the same network right through your home, but they tend to cost more.

Struggling to stay connected at home? Check in with our wi-fi extender reviews.

Buying a new printer 

If your current printer leaves you feeling frustrated, it might be time to look for an alternative model. At Which?, we rigorously test the latest printers to help you pick the perfect one for you. 

When buying a new printer, you'll need to decide whether you want to purchase an inkjet or laser model. Inkjets are typically cheaper up front and cost more to run, while laser printers are pricier to buy but can produce quality prints faster and more cheaply. Tank printers (often inkjet models) are extremely cheap to run, but can be expensive to buy.

See also: Why your next new printer should be a Which? Eco Buy

Which features matter the most?

• Size – if you're limited on space, you'll want a printer that performs brilliantly but doesn't take up too much room. 
• Ink and paper capacity – consider shopping for a printer with a large capacity for paper and ink so you don't need to constantly replace them. 
• Running costs – some of the best printers may seem expensive initially, but they cost less than cheaper models to run throughout the year. 
• Print quality – colour accuracy and sharpness are key, which is why our expert reviews cover print quality in detail. 
• Printing speed – using a printer that takes a lifetime to print can be particularly frustrating. For every printer we test, we time the print speed of different types of documents and how long it takes to turn out the first page.

If you're thinking of buying a new printer, explore our guide to the best printers – our expert reviews are backed by rigorous lab tests.

Recycling your old printer

If you're looking to replace your printer, you can't just throw it in your rubbish bin.

The good news is that recycling your printer is fairly simple – a number of high street stores are willing to take your unwanted printer if you buy a replacement from them. Note that Robert Dyas, Argos and Currys accept second-hand printers.

Some local councils are unable to collect small electricals directly from your home. If council collection isn't an option, you can visit a recycling centre – there are thousands across the UK. For an overview of nearby donation points, enter your postcode on the Recycle your Electricals website.

For more details on getting rid of unwanted electricals, batteries and chargers, read our advice on how to recycle electrical items.

Sign up for Which? Computing

Which? Tech Support can help you keep you on top of your home tech. Our experts explain things clearly so that you can resolve issues and feel more confident using your devices.

Get expert support:

• By phone – clear guidance in choosing, setting up, using and resolving issues with your home tech devices.
• By email – outline the issue and we’ll email you our answer.
• By remote fix – we connect securely from our office to your home computer and resolve issues while you watch.
• In print – Which? Computing magazine, six issues a year delivered to your door.

Join Which? Tech Support for £4.99 a month. You can cancel at any time.

* Survey of 16,097 Which? members and general public carried out in March 2022.

Additional reporting by Ian Molyneaux.

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Sooner or later, you will have to completely wipe your iPhone memory — whether it's to clear it of personal data before selling it or just to refresh it for better performance. When that happens, a factory reset is a useful, though nuclear, option. When you're done, you will have what amounts to a brand new iPhone.

Before you get started, it's essential to back up your iPhone. This allows you to restore your backup once the factory reset is done. Even if you don't want or need all your old settings, it's a good idea to hang on to them at least for a while, just in case.

If you're selling or giving away your iPhone, be sure to turn off Find my iPhone before you reset.

Is your iPhone frozen or not responding? Follow our guide on how to reset an iPhone so that you can get up and running again. You should also check out our troubleshooting guide, because there are many steps you can take to fix problems with your iPhone, even if a factory reset doesn’t fix your issue.

How to factory reset an iPhone

Once your backups are in place, the easiest way to reset your iPhone is to start with the Settings app.

Step 1: Go to Settings > General.

Step 2: Tap Transfer or reset phone.

Step 3: Tap Erase all content and settings.

Step 4: Tap Continue.

Step 5: Enter your passcode.

Step 6: At this point, your phone will try to back up to the cloud. If it works, you'll be allowed to continue. If not, you'll be prompted to Erase anyway

Ensure the phone was restored

If done correctly, you’ll once again see the iOS Setup Assistant upon startup, from which you can then restore your phone from a backup or continue the process as if you were setting it up anew.

What do the other reset options mean?