Does your tablet not recognize your Wi-Fi network, or is the connection failing? Is the signal weak or unstable? This indicates a problem with your mobile device and/or network equipment. We have prepared an in-depth article where you will find the cause and how to fix the problem.
How do I know what’s wrong?
When you connect to the Internet, your device also connects to your ISP and network equipment. To solve the problem quickly, it is important to determine whose side is at fault.
Find out if the Internet connection is interrupted on the ISP side. To do this, connect an Ethernet cable to the network card of your computer or laptop. If this is not possible, call your ISP and ask if there is an Internet outage at your address.
Connect another device to the router, preferably one with the same Wi-Fi module specification. If other hardware connects and works properly, the problem should be looked for in the mobile device.
Connect the tablet to other Wi-Fi access points. A failed connection indicates a problem with the mobile device. If the connection fails only with your home router, then the problem should be looked for in the hardware you are using.
What do I do when the problem is on the ISP’s side?
Solution 1: Report the problem to your Internet Service Provider, replace the Ethernet cable
If there is no Internet connection, report the problem to your service provider. If the problem cannot be solved remotely, call a technician at home. If you live in an apartment building, and the Ethernet cable is laid outside, it may need to be replaced. Most providers will diagnose cable integrity remotely.
Solution 2: Check the modem/settings
If the Internet is provided via a telephone line, check that the modem is working properly. Connect the equipment directly to a PC or laptop and check the connection settings. If there is no result, take the modem to a service center for diagnostics.
What should I do if my router is malfunctioning?
Solution 1: Restart the router
The router is a miniature computer, so failures and system errors during its operation are inevitable. The problem is solved by restarting the system. It is desirable to turn off the power for 2-3 minutes.
Solution 2: Check the Internet settings
For proper Internet operation, you need to set the correct settings in the control console. This is a must if you are setting up the router for the first time. Periodically recheck the settings, as failures often result in a reset.
Solution 3: Enable wireless Internet distribution using DHCP
In the settings, it is important to activate the wireless broadcasting function of the router and SSID broadcasting. Also, turn on the DHCP protocol if the option has not been activated before.
Solution 4: Change the channel
If the router is set to fixed channel, it is recommended to change the value or set to auto mode. If auto mode is already in use, restart the router. It will automatically switch to a less loaded channel.
Solution 5: Switch the broadcast range
Some routers only work in one or two broadcast bands – 2.4/5 GHz. If the frequency range of your router and your tablet do not match, you will not be able to connect. Set the router’s settings to the frequency supported by the tablet.
Solution 6: Disable MAC blocking
Sometimes when blocking users, you may mistakenly add your own tablet to a blacklist, which will prevent you from connecting to the Wi-Fi network. If there are blocked MAC addresses in the router list, check the current address in the Wi-Fi settings. Verify the data, and if necessary, remove the MAC address from the blacklist
Solution 7: Reduce load/temperature
It is not possible to use Wi-Fi network if the router is used by another connected device – PC or laptop. Then it is necessary to limit the speed or temporarily stop downloading/uploading information.
Take care of an acceptable temperature condition. If the router overheats, consider active or passive cooling.
Solution 8: Increase transmitter power
If an AP appears and then disappears from the list of available APs, or if the connection is lost after you connect, the transmitter power is probably low. Open the router’s settings and increase the transmitter level. If your router’s antennas are interchangeable, install an amplified version.
Solution 9: Reset router settings/update firmware
Sometimes viruses and system failures make it impossible to change settings. When you change the settings, the values are saved, and after switching to other settings, they return to their original position, which makes the configuration pointless. In this case, it is recommended to reset the router, and set the settings manually from scratch.
If the reset has no effect on the router’s performance, update the firmware. If there is no result, have the router repaired or consider buying a new device.
What should I do if my tablet is malfunctioning?
Solution 1: Check that the password you enter is correct
A common mistake when connecting to an access point is an incorrect password. By default, the tablet’s settings are set to hide the password, making it easy to make a mistake when entering it. Therefore, it is recommended to allow the password to be displayed, as well as to be case-sensitive when entering characters.
Solution 2: Restart the system
Sometimes the tablet has a system failure, which prevents it from connecting to the network, or the connection is successful, but there is no access to the Internet. In this case it usually helps to reboot the operating system.
Solution 3: Disable the energy-saving functions
To save power, most tablets have a power saving mode. Usually, the effect is achieved by disabling modules that actively waste power, including Wi-Fi. Therefore, it is recommended to deactivate the corresponding mode or use a performance preset.
Solution 4: Change the broadcasting range/turn on the display of networks with weak signal
If the tablet is designed to work with the 2.4 and 5 GHz band, it is recommended to set the automatic band selection. Also, do not use the option to hide access points with a weak signal, as if the router signal is weak, you will not be able to connect.
Solution 5: Change the firmware/radio module
Changing the firmware or radio module can often improve Wi-Fi performance. If you start having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi after reflashing the firmware, it is recommended that you return the original firmware.
Solution 6: Replace the Wi-Fi module/motherboard
If the above methods did not help, the problem will be solved by replacing the motherboard with a working module. In some tablets, the Wi-Fi module is a separate board. Then, there is no need to change the motherboard, it is enough to unsolder the old Wi-Fi module and paste in a new or used, but in good condition.
Often it is impossible to find a suitable module. In this case it helps to implant a USB Wi-Fi module, as in the images below. One end of the wire should be soldered to the USB pins, the other to the pins on the motherboard. If there are no markings near the soldering points, it is worth finding a schematic beforehand.
FAQ
Why is my tablet not connecting to my Wi-Fi?
The most common causes of malfunction are wrong password and wrong date. Therefore, you should check if the password, date and time are correct. If the password, date and time are correct, then restart your tablet and router.
How do you fix your Android tablet when it wont connect to Wi-Fi?
It is necessary to make sure that the Wi-Fi module is working. To do this, connect the tablet to another router or phone in the access point mode. If the tablet connects to other access points, then the problem may be in the wrong password or date. It is necessary to check the password you enter for the access point. The tablet must also be set to the correct date and time. If the tablet does not connect to any access point, then it is worth saving all the data and doing a reset. If the reset did not help solve the problem, then you need to contact the service center for diagnosis and fix the problem.
Why is my Samsung tablet not connecting to Wi-Fi?
The connection may be prevented by a firmware failure, incorrect access point password, as well as wrong date and time. The problem could also be with the router itself. Overheating or overloading of the router does not allow you to connect and use the Internet. It is necessary to disconnect the router for 5-10 minutes and then reconnect. If the connection is successful, you should think about cooling your router or reduce the load on the access point.
How do I get Wi-Fi to work on my tablet?
Check the password you are entering. Sometimes there is an extra character in the password. Also the password is case sensitive. Check the date and time of the tablet. Make sure that the tablet supports the router’s broadcast frequency. If necessary, turn on the tablet’s Wi-Fi settings to display all networks. Check the router’s settings to see if it can broadcast on all standards. Also, the router may be overloaded or overheated. In this case, you need to disconnect some devices from the wireless network and cool the router.
Why won’t my devices connect to my Wi-Fi?
In the management console of the router you need to check the date and time settings. Set the appropriate region. You also need to turn on the wireless Internet distribution function with support for all standards.
Why is my Wi-Fi on but not connecting?
Probably the date and time in the tablet is set incorrectly. You must recheck and set the correct settings. Also possible software failure in the system. Resetting the tablet and router may help to solve the problem. There may also be a problem with your Internet Service Provider. Therefore, you need to contact the company to find out whether the Internet is working properly.
Why can’t I connect to Wi-Fi but others can?
Perhaps, the router is overloaded or has a limit on the number of connected devices. Also, the mac address of the mobile device may be blocked in the router settings. Or the router broadcasts the signal on the frequencies that are not supported by mobile devices.
Basic Wi-Fi troubleshooting on a phone or tablet:
1. Check the device.
2. Reboot the mobile device.
3. Confirm that Wi-Fi is turned on.
4. Reconnect to the network.
Source: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshooting/TSG01001559
Conclusion
When using the Internet, the chain of participants consists of three elements – the ISP, the network equipment, and the user’s device – the tablet. To quickly solve connection problems, it is important to determine which part of the chain is at fault. This article contains detailed troubleshooting methods if your tablet can’t connect to Wi-Fi. The solutions are grouped into categories for alternate performance, as well as better understanding for beginners and advanced users.
Did you manage to solve the problem? Write about it in the comments.
