Wireless Troubleshooting

Keeping it simple is the most basic and cherished rule in troubleshooting.  So, when dealing with a loss of connection, it is always best to start with the most basic steps and work out from there.

One of the simplest solutions is to check and confirm a connection to the local wireless or Wi-Fi network, which is outlined step-by-step below:

1)      Find the Network Connections icon on your computer or mobile device.  This icon will display whether you are connected to a Wi-Fi network.     

a.       Some examples of Wireless devices include (outlined in red)

                                                               i.      Windows 10  found in the bottom right corner of the screen

                                                             ii.      Windows 7 and Vista  also found in the bottom right corner of the screen

                                                            iii.      Apple computers  found in the top right corner of the screen (outlined in red)

                                                           iv.      Apple mobile devices (iPad, iPhone, iPod) found in the top left corner of the screen

                                                             v.      Android Devices found in the top right corner of the screen

2)      If you see the icon and are either not sure what it indicates or you find you are not connected to a network then a network will need to be selected.  You can always check to see if you are connected to a network following these instructions as well.

                                                               i.      Windows 8 - 10 – click on the Network Connection icon displayed above in 1i)  located in the bottom right hand corner of the screen near to the time

1.        You should see a list of available wireless networks listed near the middle of the pop-up (Here outlined in red, listed as CHARLIE-PC_Network, although remember this is just an example, the Wi-Fi network broadcasting in your home will be unique to you)

2.       In the bottom left of the same graphic shown above, it is also worthwhile to ensure that Wi-Fi is enabled.  The Wi-Fi icon (also outlined in red) should be bright blue in colour

3.       Click on the network you determine is your wifi network and then click ‘Connect’

a.       If the option to disconnect pops up after clicking on the network name then you are already connected to the Wi-Fi network.  In this case, do not click on  disconnect. 

4.       You will then be prompted to enter a network security key. This is the Wi-Fi password

      or pre-shared key

  

5.       After clicking ‘Next’ the computer should connect to the Wi-Fi network if the password was entered correctly.

                                                             ii.      Windows 7 and Vista – Click on the Network Connection Icon as shown in 1ii.

1.       This will open a pop-up which will display a list of available networks to join

2.       The graphic above shows a Wireless network that the user is currently connected to (the network on top) and a network that the user is not connected to (below).

3.       To connect – click on the network you wish to join (in this case the network below)

and a new option presents itself: the option to ‘Connect’

4.       Click on ‘Connect’ and a window will show up requesting you enter a password or ‘network key’ which is the Wi-Fi password

5.       After entering the password and continuing you should be connected to the network.

                                                            iii.      Apple Computers – Click on the Wi-Fi  Icon (as seen in 1iii above)

1.       Ensure that Wi-Fi is turned on (If Wi-Fi is on, you will see ‘Turn Wi-Fi Off’ on the second line of the popup as shown below.
If Wi-Fi is turned off then You must select ‘Turn Wi-Fi On’)

2.       If there is a check mark beside your home Wi-Finetwork like that listed above, then you are already connected to the network

3.       If no checkmark exists then simply click on the network you wish to join among those listed

4.       At this point you will be prompted to enter a password which will of course be the Wi-Fi password

5.       Once entered you should be able to click ‘connect’ and if the password is entered correctly then you will join the Wi-Fi network

                                                            iv.      Apple mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod)

                          1.       Tap the settings icon

 

2.  Tap the Wi-Fi option from the settings main page

3.       Ensure that Wi-Fi is turned on (green is enabled, white/grey is disabled

4.       Choose a Network to join from the networks listed under ‘Choose a Network’ by tapping on one of the networks listed

2.       You will be prompted to enter the password and after doing so simply tap ‘Join’ in thetop right corner of the screen

3.       At this point you should be connected to the Wi-Fi network

                                                             v.      Android mobile device

 1.       Find the Settings Icon and tap it

    

 2.       Tap on Wi-Fi

3.       Click on the network you wish to join

5.       At this point you will be prompted to enter a password which is of course the Wi-Fi Password

6.       After entering the Wi-Fi password click connect  in the bottom right corner (different platforms may have an alternative to ‘Connect’ in which case tap the alternative)

7.       This should connect you to the Wi-Fi network

Common Problems Encountered when attempting to join a Wi-Fi network

1)      Airplane mode is on

a.       Airplane mode must be turned off or disabled in order to connect to maintain a connection to a Wi-Fi network

                                                               i.      Windows 8 - 10

1.       click on the Network Connection icon displayed above in 1i)  located in the bottom right hand corner of the screen near to the time

2.       At the bottom of this window you should see 3 icons along the bottom

3.       Airplane mode is the centre option and in the above case it is turned off (which is the correct setting

4.       If airplane mode is enabled it will be highlighted in blue and will need to be disabled by clicking on it

5.       be disabled by clicking on it

                                                            ii.      Apple mobile devices

                            1. Tap the settings icon

  

                                                   

2.       Airplane mode should be the first option on the Settings menu

3.       Ensure that the Airplane mode is disabled as shown above, with the toggle switch white and slid to the left

                                                             iii.      Android Devices

                          1.       Find and tap the settings icon

   

2.       Tap on airplane mode, it should be the first option on the Settings menu

3.       Ensure that airplane mode is set to off as pictured here

2)      Wi-Fi/Wireless is turned off – There are many ways to turn wifi off on a device

a.       Windows computers

                                                               i.      Laptops often have physical ‘Wireless’ switches or buttons found on the physical computer itself and may look like:                                            
 

                                                             ii.      Ensure that Wireless is turned on, on your device.