Wi-Fi Support 101: Troubleshooting, Quick Fixes, and When You Need An Expert
If your connection to the Internet goes down, what happens to your business for the day?
For most business owners, “no Internet” often means “no business.” That’s why it’s so critical to have IT support to get your business back on its feet as quickly as possible.
Luckily, there are some Wi-Fi 101 quick fixes you can try if your Internet service is interrupted. These are the most basic ways to troubleshoot the most common problems that threaten an Internet connection – but there are still times when your team should call in an expert.
Troubleshooting 101: Is it actually the Wi-Fi?
If you’re having trouble connecting to a site or online program, you can usually identify where the issue is coming from based on your connection status. No matter what operating system you use, your computer will typically have an Internet icon in the toolbar, often located at the bottom right of your screen (or in your toolbar at the top of your screen on a Mac). It looks like a fan or a bar graph filled with signal lines. If the symbol is dark, or there is an exclamation point next to it, this is a good sign that your Internet connection has been interrupted in some way.
If you’re unexpectedly disconnected, it’s a good idea to check with your Internet service provider (ISP) to see if there is a local outage. Most ISPs provide this information through a cell phone app or hotline that can be reached without an Internet connection. If there is an outage in your area, this typically means that the ISP is working on the service, or there is a downed line somewhere. At this point, there is nothing you can do for your Internet connection until your ISP has had a chance to fix the problem. (This is usually when it’s a good time to look into mobile hotspots through cell phone providers, or other temporary solutions.) If you’ve checked with your ISP and they’re not reporting an outage, it’s time for troubleshooting.
Quick Fixes: Testing devices for minor technology issues
Before you move on to the more complex troubleshooting methods, you should try the following quick fixes.
Disconnect and reconnect to your Internet connection.
Make sure your WiFi is turned ON. If it is, turn it off and back on again to see if it will automatically reconnect.
Make sure Airplane Mode is turned OFF. If it is, turn it on and back off again to see if your device will automatically reconnect.
Restart your computer.
No dice? Let’s move on to the more advanced methods.
Method #1: Using your computer’s built-in troubleshooter
If it looks like your Wi-Fi isn’t connecting correctly, you can try resetting your internet settings with your computer’s built-in troubleshooter. Simply right-click on the Wi-Fi connection symbol and select “Troubleshoot problems” (for Windows) or “Launch Troubleshoot” (for Mac). This will launch your computer’s Network Diagnostics program. (You can also find this program by searching for it in your Start menu or in Finder – navigating to your Internet settings and clicking “troubleshoot” will also launch this program.)
From here, your computer will automatically run through a barrage of tests to figure out if the connection issue is on the device’s end. Often, the wireless device just needs to reset, which is something your computer can do itself. Follow any instructions outlined in the troubleshooter to reset your connection.
If the troubleshooter is unable to identify the problem, move on to Method #2.
Method #2: Resetting your router
Your wireless router is the piece of technology that manages the connection between your Internet service and the devices that connect to it. It’s usually a box with flashing lights on the front, installed when your Internet provider set up your connection for the first time. You also may have an external router connected to the modem. Sometimes, if there has been a brief disruption in service, like a power outage or local outage that has since been fixed, your modem/router may simply need to be reset in order for it to go back to working at its optimal levels.
There are a few methods for resetting your router, such as through your ISP’s app or customer service center, but you can also reset your router manually by unplugging its power cord, waiting a minute, and plugging it back in. This starts a reboot process for the router that can take ten to fifteen minutes. Once all of the lights on the front of the router are lit or blinking again, you’re back in business!
At this point, you should be able to connect to your Wi-Fi again through your devices. You may need to run your computer’s troubleshooter again, if its wireless settings need to be reset.
When to call in the cavalry:
If you’ve tried all of the basic troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, it’s time to call in some backup. Your managed service provider can take a deeper dive into your systems to identify if the connectivity issue is in your computer or network devices, or with your Internet service.
At Grand Technology Solutions, we can help troubleshoot your Internet connection remotely, over the phone, or during an in-person visit for our North Florida clients. Once we’ve identified the source of your connectivity issues, we’ll work to fix them and get your business up and running as quickly as possible. We can also act as your advocate with your Internet service provider, saving you the headache of a long wait with customer service.
GTS can also help with Wi-Fi dead spots in your office or home-based business. We work with customers on a regular basis for Wi-Fi overhauls – creating a mesh network that allows you to connect to a fast, reliable Internet connection anywhere in your workspace. Mesh Wi-Fi network device costs have dropped significantly over the past couple of years. In addition, we can set up a guest Wi-Fi network for your business, allowing your customers to browse the web without having access to your internal network.
Are you struggling with frequent Internet outages, a slow connection, or other connectivity issues? We’re here to help! Give us a call at (904) 606-6011 or email info@helpgts.com to get started.
