Why does my WiFi keep disconnecting?
In this guide, learn why your WiFi keeps disconnecting and how to fix it, from simple steps like restarting your router or device, to improving signal strength, reducing network congestion, checking for outages, and upgrading your broadband if needed.
Why does my WiFi keep disconnecting and how can I fix it?
Whether you’re working from home, playing your favourite game, or enjoying a family movie night, it can be frustrating if your WiFi keeps disconnecting. It’s important to understand what’s happening with your connection and how to fix it and understanding the difference between slow WiFI and a lost connection is the first step.
What is the difference between slow WiFi and disconnected WiFi?
When it comes to diagnosing your connectivity issues, there is a difference between slow WiFi and WiFi that keeps disconnecting. Slow WiFi means your connection is working but lagging, while disconnected WiFi means your device loses connection entirely.
Though long load times and buffering videos are symptoms of both, there are more specific signs that indicate your WiFi may may be disconnecting, such as:
- Your device is displaying a “no connection” message or the WiFi symbol has disappeared.
- The light on your router may flash or changing colours.
- Apps or webpages may display a message saying the signal has been lost or they cannot connect to the internet.
Whereas slow WiFi might look like:
- Videos and pages buffering or moving slowly but still loading.
- Images and videos appear low quality.
Both issues can disturb your work or fun, but in order to correctly address them, it’s important to diagnose the right issue so you can stop WiFi from disconnecting.
Though long load times and buffering videos are symptoms of both, there are more specific signs that indicate your WiFi may may be disconnecting, such as:
- Your device is displaying a “no connection” message or the WiFi symbol has disappeared.
- The light on your router may flash or changing colours.
- Apps or webpages may display a message saying the signal has been lost or they cannot connect to the internet.
Whereas slow WiFi might look like:
- Videos and pages buffering or moving slowly but still loading.
- Images and videos appear low quality.
Both issues can disturb your work or fun, but in order to correctly address them, it’s important to diagnose the right issue so you can stop WiFi from disconnecting.
Why your wireless network keeps disconnecting
There are several reasons why your WiFi may keep disconnecting, and it doesn’t always mean your router is broken or not working properly. It could indicate:
- Your broadband isn’t fast or strong enough for multiple users or devices.
- Your WiFi signal is too weak.
- There is an outage in your area.
If you suspect there may be a WiFi outage, or you want to eliminate the possibility first, you can look online or Sky's service checker to check the status of WiFi in your area.
If a local outage isn’t the problem, there are a few more troubleshooting actions you can take to try and get your connection back up and running.
1. Restarting your router
Like any other piece of technology, routers can occasionally run into small bugs or problems that affect the way they work. Sometimes, simply turning your router off and on is enough to fix your connectivity issues. To do so:
1. Unplug your router from the wall.
2. Wait a few seconds.
3. Plug it back in.
4. Wait a few minutes to check your device connectivity again.
2. Restarting your device
Like with your router, your device might experience background processes and issues interfering with your connectivity that have nothing to do with actual connection. To restart your device:
1. Turn whatever device you’re currently experiencing connection issues with completely off.
2. Wait a few seconds.
3. Turn it back on and try to connect to the WiFi again.
3. Disconnect other unnecessary devices
If your connection issues persist, you can try disconnecting devices you aren’t currently using to free up some bandwidth.
You likely have devices currently connected to the WiFi that don’t really need it, like gaming consoles or appliances that aren’t in use.
4. Adjust the position of your router
Routers do not have unlimited range, and sometimes the position of your router can impact your connectivity.
Thick walls, furniture, and electrical devices can weaken WiFi signals, especially in rooms further away from the router. Adjusting where your router is placed could help keep your WiFi reliably connected.
- Your broadband isn’t fast or strong enough for multiple users or devices.
- Your WiFi signal is too weak.
- There is an outage in your area.
If you suspect there may be a WiFi outage, or you want to eliminate the possibility first, you can look online or Sky's service checker to check the status of WiFi in your area.
If a local outage isn’t the problem, there are a few more troubleshooting actions you can take to try and get your connection back up and running.
1. Restarting your router
Like any other piece of technology, routers can occasionally run into small bugs or problems that affect the way they work. Sometimes, simply turning your router off and on is enough to fix your connectivity issues. To do so:
1. Unplug your router from the wall.
2. Wait a few seconds.
3. Plug it back in.
4. Wait a few minutes to check your device connectivity again.
2. Restarting your device
Like with your router, your device might experience background processes and issues interfering with your connectivity that have nothing to do with actual connection. To restart your device:
1. Turn whatever device you’re currently experiencing connection issues with completely off.
2. Wait a few seconds.
3. Turn it back on and try to connect to the WiFi again.
3. Disconnect other unnecessary devices
If your connection issues persist, you can try disconnecting devices you aren’t currently using to free up some bandwidth.
You likely have devices currently connected to the WiFi that don’t really need it, like gaming consoles or appliances that aren’t in use.
4. Adjust the position of your router
Routers do not have unlimited range, and sometimes the position of your router can impact your connectivity.
Thick walls, furniture, and electrical devices can weaken WiFi signals, especially in rooms further away from the router. Adjusting where your router is placed could help keep your WiFi reliably connected.
Still having problems? It might be time for an upgrade
You’ve checked for outages, restarted your router, and eliminated device interference, but your WiFi is still disconnecting. What now?
As time goes on, older makes or models of routers work less seamlessly with new devices. And like anything else, routers can wear out with consistent use.
Your broadband package may also just not align with your needs. If you have lots of users and devices, you need fast, powerful broadband.
If you’re still having issues after troubleshooting, it might be time for an equipment upgrade. Sky Broadband is fast and reliable, with a range of packages and speeds to meet your needs.
For your everyday essentials, Sky offers speeds up to 150 Mbps. If you work from home or have lots of devices active at once, you may need faster upload speeds – choose from 300Mbps, 500Mbps, or Gigafast 900 Mbps. Use our availability checker to see what Sky Broadband deals are available in your area.
As time goes on, older makes or models of routers work less seamlessly with new devices. And like anything else, routers can wear out with consistent use.
Your broadband package may also just not align with your needs. If you have lots of users and devices, you need fast, powerful broadband.
If you’re still having issues after troubleshooting, it might be time for an equipment upgrade. Sky Broadband is fast and reliable, with a range of packages and speeds to meet your needs.
For your everyday essentials, Sky offers speeds up to 150 Mbps. If you work from home or have lots of devices active at once, you may need faster upload speeds – choose from 300Mbps, 500Mbps, or Gigafast 900 Mbps. Use our availability checker to see what Sky Broadband deals are available in your area.