How to fix a Chromebook that won’t connect to Wi-Fi

You can’t get much far with a Chromebook whose connectivity issues won’t allow you to connect it to Wi-Fi. After all, these are browser-oriented devices we’re talking about here, and Chrome OS is purely intended to deliver a fast and swift internet surfing experience. If you’ve got a Chromebook that has been giving you Wi-Fi issues lately, the time is nigh to take action.

In this article, we’ll go through the best ways you can try to fix your Chromebook not connecting to the internet. Keep on reading till the very end to leave here knowledgeably well-equipped to tackle this problem. We’ve got a whole list of solutions compiled for you, so be sure to check each of them.

However, before we begin, triple-check that you’re using the correct password for your Wi-Fi. Also, check your modem or router and see if it’s working as it normally does. Lastly, make sure that other devices do connect to your Wi-Fi. If they don’t, then the issue lies in your internet service provider and not your Chromebook.

Fixing a Chromebook that won’t connect to Wi-Fi

With this disclaimer out of the way, let’s move on to the troubleshooting part.

Check for a Chrome OS Update

The best thing to rule out initially is checking for any available update that may lie in wait for your Chrome OS. By ensuring that your Chromebook is right up to speed with the rest of the devices, you automatically overcome a dozen of technical issues. More on the plus side, your Wi-Fi problem might be one of them too. To find out if your device needs an update, you’ll have to go to the “About Chrome OS” section in your Chromebook’s “Settings” and click on “Check for updates.” If your device has the latest Chrome OS version, you can move on to the next step.

Checking for Updates

Hard-Reset Your Device and Turn Off the Wi-Fi Router

A hard-reset entitles your device to refresh itself mechanically. Besides, rebooting your device in this fashion on an occasional basis is a good habit and bodes well for your Chromebook. The key combination for pulling this off is illustrated in the photo below.

Key Combination for a Hard Reset

Right alongside this, we’ll be giving our Wi-Fi router a go-through to see if it’s performing as it usually would. If it ticks all boxes of normalcy, turn it off and then turn it back on again. By executing this combo of hard-resetting your Chromebook and turning off your router, there’s a great chance that your connectivity issues have been resolved.

Reconnect to Your Network

If you can establish a connection with your network, but it doesn’t seem to work, and you’re not able to browse the internet, this step is for you. As basic as it may seem, reconnecting to your network seems merely plausible. What you’ll do is go to your Wi-Fi settings and click on “Forget” to disconnect your network with your Chromebook. This will remove this particular connection’s history and permit you to start over and connect to it again. If this step doesn’t work for you either, try out the next one.

Forgetting the Network Connection

Try Using a Wired Connection

There is a possibility that your Chromebook has issues with wireless connectivity. To tackle this, we can try a wired connection. If your device has an Ethernet port, then this would be a lot easier. If not, you’ll have to get your hands on a USB-to-Ethernet adapter. Don’t worry, though, since these are readily available online and don’t cost a lot too. If you can go online on your Chromebook and use the internet using an Ethernet, then the issue is with your device’s Wi-Fi receiver.

Chrome Connectivity Diagnostics to the Rescue

There is an application on the Chrome Web Store that has been made and developed by Google to specify connectivity hassles and troubleshoot them. For this step, you’ll have to download and install this diagnostics tool and run it on your Chromebook. If the internet on your Chromebook works when you connect an Ethernet cable to it, go to this link and click on “Add to Chrome.”

Installing the Chrome Connectivity Diagnostics Tool

When you’re done with the installation, which will probably take a few moments, find the application in your Launcher and click on it to launch the tool.

Chrome Connectivity Diagnostics Installed

When you start this app, the tool will run specific tests on your Chromebook to detect where exactly the problem persists. It will then proceed to pinpoint the issues and troubleshoot them accordingly. If it does not detect any complications, it will tell you that everything is working fine.

Connectivity Diagnostics Working

Try a Different Connection

To confirm that it’s not your Wi-Fi but your Chromebook that is causing you trouble try another connection. This can be done through either a mobile hotspot or by taking your device to a friend’s house and connecting your Chromebook to their Wi-Fi. If your Chromebook still does not connect, then the worry is most likely on your laptop’s end.

Powerwash Your Chromebook

This is ultimately the last resort if you’ve tried everything listed above and your Chromebook is still acting stubborn. The best you can do is perform a Powerwash. Beware since this factory resets your device and makes it as good as new, eliminating all issues in its wake and erasing everything stored on the system. A Powerwash is known to fix problems, and we’re betting that your Wi-Fi issue will be resolved as well.

Get Professional Help

Even if the almighty Powerwash doesn’t do the trick for you, it’s time to seek a bit of professional guidance. You may contact your manufacturer as well if you’ve got time on your warranty still left to save money. If not, it’s only appropriate to get your Chromebook checked by an expert who can open your device up and clear up anything that hinders it from living up to its potential.

Conclusion

A Chromebook that cannot connect to the Internet is like a gun with no bullets. We’ve managed to enlist the best solutions for this predicament, and we truly hope that your device is fixed by the end of this article. If not, it may be for the better to get it fixed by a professional.