Why Does My WiFi Keep Disconnecting? Router, Laptop & Phone Fixes

WiFi that keeps disconnecting is almost always caused by one of five things: a router that needs a reboot or firmware update, a weak signal from distance or walls, interference from other networks or devices on the same channel, too many devices on the network, or an outdated WiFi driver on one device. Restarting the router fixes it more often than anything else, so start there.

The fastest way to narrow it down is to check whether every device drops at once or just one. If your phone, laptop, and TV all lose WiFi together, the problem is the router or your internet connection. If only one device drops, the problem is that device's WiFi settings or driver.

How to fix if all your devices drop when the WiFi disconnects

1. Restart your router

Unplug the router from power, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Give it two to three minutes to fully reconnect. This clears the router's memory and re-establishes its connection to the network, and it resolves the majority of intermittent drops.

If the WiFi is stable for a few days after a restart and then starts dropping again, keep going. A router that needs restarting every week is telling you something, usually Fix 2 or Fix 6.

2. Update the router's firmware

Router firmware is the software that runs the router, and old firmware is a common cause of random disconnects. Log in to your router's admin page (the address and password are on a sticker on the router) and look for "Firmware update" or "Router update," usually under Advanced or Administration.

3. Move the router to a better spot

WiFi signal weakens with every wall, floor, and large appliance it passes through, and a device at the edge of the signal will connect, drop, and reconnect over and over. Put the router in a central, open location, off the floor, away from the TV, microwave, and metal shelving. A router in a closet, behind the TV, or in a basement corner is the single most common cause of drops in one part of the house.

If moving the router isn't practical, a mesh WiFi system or an extender will fix dead zones. Our guide to the best place to put your router covers placement in detail, and how far WiFi reaches explains what to expect from 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz.

4. Change the WiFi channel to avoid interference

Your neighbors' networks, baby monitors, cordless phones, and microwaves all share the same airspace as your WiFi. When too many networks sit on the same channel, connections stutter and drop, especially on 2.4 GHz.

In your router's admin page, find the WiFi or Wireless settings and set the channel from "Auto" to 1, 6, or 11 on 2.4 GHz (those three don't overlap). On 5 GHz, try a different channel than the one you're on. If your router lets you, connect phones, laptops, and TVs to the 5 GHz network and leave 2.4 GHz for smart-home devices.

5. Check for too many devices on the network

Every phone, TV, camera, thermostat, and smart speaker takes a share of your router's attention. A consumer router starts to struggle somewhere around 25–30 active devices, and the symptom is exactly this: connections that drop and reconnect under load.

Look at your router's connected-device list. Remove anything you don't recognize by changing the WiFi password, and put streaming and gaming devices on Ethernet where you can. If you regularly have 30+ devices, a mesh system or a router with more capacity is the fix.

Too many devices usually shows up as a slowdown first and drops second. If yours gets slow every evening around the same time, why your internet slows down at night walks through how to tell whether it's your WiFi or your connection.

6. Replace an old router

Routers wear out. If yours is more than four or five years old, runs hot, or needs restarting every few days, it's the problem. Newer WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E routers handle more devices and interference far better than WiFi 5 equipment. Read how long modems and routers last for the signs.

How to fix if only one device drops when the WiFi disconnects

7. Forget the network and reconnect

On the device that's dropping, open WiFi settings, choose your network, and tap Forget. Then reconnect and enter the password. This clears a corrupted saved profile, which is the most common cause of a single device dropping.

• iPhone/iPad: Settings > Wi‑Fi > tap the ⓘ next to your network > Forget This Network
• Android: Settings > Connections (or Network & internet) > Wi‑Fi > tap the gear > Forget
• Windows: Settings > Network & internet > Wi‑Fi > Manage known networks > Forget
• Mac: System Settings > Wi‑Fi > Details… > Forget This Network

8. Update the device's WiFi driver or software

An outdated WiFi driver on a laptop, or an old OS version on a phone, causes drops that no router setting can fix.

• Windows: right-click Start > Device Manager > Network adapters > right-click your WiFi adapter > Update driver. If that finds nothing, download the latest driver from the laptop maker's support site.
• Mac, iPhone, Android: install any pending system update under Settings > General > Software Update (Apple) or Settings > System > System update (Android).

9. Turn off power saving for WiFi

Laptops and Android phones will switch WiFi off to save battery, which looks exactly like a random disconnect.

• Windows: Device Manager > Network adapters > your WiFi adapter > Properties > Power Management > uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."
• Android (Samsung and others): Settings > Connections > Wi‑Fi > ⋮ or Intelligent Wi‑Fi > turn off Switch to mobile data and Adaptive Wi‑Fi. These features drop WiFi whenever the phone decides cellular looks better.
• iPhone: Settings > Cellular > scroll down > turn off Wi‑Fi Assist.

10. Reset the device's network settings

If Fixes 7-9 didn't work, reset all network settings on that device. It erases saved WiFi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and VPN settings, so you'll re-enter passwords afterward.

• iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings
• Android: Settings > System (or General management) > Reset > Reset network settings
• Windows: Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset

11. Change the DNS server

Occasionally a device stays connected to WiFi but keeps losing internet, which shows up as "connected, no internet" rather than a true disconnect. Switching the device's DNS to 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) in its WiFi settings often fixes this. If you're seeing "limited connection" or "connected without internet" instead of drops, see how to fix a limited WiFi connection.

How to fix If your WiFi still keeps dropping

12. Test with a cable, then check for an outage

Plug a laptop directly into the router with an Ethernet cable. If the connection is stable on the cable, the problem is WiFi and one of Fixes 1-6 will solve it. If the wired connection drops too, the problem is between the router and EPB, not your WiFi.

Check the EPB Fiber outage map first. If there's no outage, report the problem or chat with EPB support; our technicians can see the signal on your fiber line and tell you whether the issue is the line, the router, or inside the home.

Frequently asked questions

Why won't my WiFi stay connected?

The usual causes are a router that needs a restart or update, a weak signal where you're sitting, channel interference from nearby networks, or a power-saving setting on your device that switches WiFi off.

Restart the router first; if only one device is affected, forget the network and reconnect on that device.

How do I stop my WiFi from automatically disconnecting?

On phones and laptops, turn off the settings that let the device abandon WiFi: Wi‑Fi Assist on iPhone, Adaptive Wi‑Fi or Switch to mobile data on Android, and the network adapter's power-management option on Windows (Fix 9 above).

Why does my 2.4 GHz keep dropping but 5 GHz works?

2.4 GHz is more crowded: it has only three non-overlapping channels and shares them with microwaves, baby monitors, and every neighbor's network. Set your 2.4 GHz channel to 1, 6, or 11 manually, and move phones, laptops, and TVs to 5 GHz.

Why does my WiFi disconnect every few minutes?

A drop on a fixed cycle (every few minutes, or at the same time each day) usually points to router firmware, an overheating router, or a scheduled process like a DHCP lease renewal on one device. Update the firmware, make sure the router has airflow, and if one device is affected, reset its network settings.

Why does my WiFi disconnect at night?
WiFi that drops in the evening is usually a router overloaded by the number of devices online at once, or a device switching between WiFi and cellular as the network gets busy. Fixes 1, 5, and 9 above cover those. If it slows down at night rather than dropping, see why your internet slows down at night.

Does EPB Fiber go out, or is it my WiFi?

Fiber service itself rarely drops. In most cases where "the internet keeps going out," the fiber connection is steady and the WiFi between the router and the device is what's failing, which is why a wired test (Fix 12) is the quickest way to know.

If the wired connection drops, check the outage map and contact us.

The step-by-step guide below will help you troubleshoot your WiFi issue to determine which level your connection is dropping.

Where to start:

• Does your WiFi drop on all connected devices? Troubleshoot your router first.
• Does your WiFi drop on a particular device? Troubleshoot the device first.

Fix WiFi Dropping In and Out Due to Router

When troubleshooting your WiFi, you should first question whether your router is the issue or if something else is going on. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot potential issues with your router and fix them.

Step 1: Reboot Your Router

If your WiFi keeps dropping, your first step in troubleshooting should be rebooting your router. This allows your router to reset and may fix any any potential issues your router is having once it restarts.

Every router is different, but it should be user-friendly to reboot your device. Most routers can be rebooted with the following method:

1. Unplug the device from its power source or outlet.
2. Wait 5-10 seconds.
3. Plug the device back in.

Or, if your device has a reset button, you can press this instead.

Step 2: Update or Reset Router Firmware

Routers are like computers in that they need to be updated regularly. Most firmware updates include bug fixes and security updates that are necessary to keep your network safe and optimized. Check to see if your router is in need of a firmware update. To do this you will need to visit the device’s control panel and look for an option that says Router Update. You will then need to follow the provided directions to assure that your router has the latest firmware.

Step 4: The Router Is in a Bad Spot

If you have a strong signal, your WiFi should be working properly. If it’s not, your router likely needs to be relocated. Believe it or not, routers can be extremely picky when it comes to location. Routers should be placed off the ground, in a central location in your home, away from large electronics.

Experiment with moving your router until you find a sweet spot where it can send signals from full strength to all areas where you need WiFi. If you do not find this to be successful, instead you can opt to purchase extenders or mesh networks that will expand your router's reach to every room in your home.

Step 5: Check if Unwanted Devices Are Hogging Your Bandwidth

Unless your router is made to host a lot of devices, having devices that you do not use connected to your WiFi could be slowing down your connection and creating disruptions. Depending on your router, unwanted devices can fill the device list and put more load on the router than it can handle. These days, many of your home devices and appliances are WiFi-compatible, meaning you may not even realize how many of your devices are connected to your router.

Step 6: You Need New Equipment

If you troubleshoot your router and find that it is the issue, it may be time for a new router, or even better, a mesh network. Routers typically have a lifespan of five years. It is not uncommon for older routers to become unreliable and cause connectivity issues such as dropping in and out. Mesh networks have access points that are easy to install and extend your WiFi coverage throughout your home. Review your options and consider purchasing a new router for your home.

1. Click on Start and type “device manager” in the search bar
2. Click on “Network Adapters”
3. Find your adapter and click “update driver”
4. Click “search automatically for drivers”

This will reset the connection between your Windows 10 device and your router. If you still have connectivity issues after updating this connection, continue troubleshooting.

Step 3: Try Network Reset

Just like rebooting your device can give the software a chance to remedy any issues while turned off, resetting your network is a potential fix to poor connection issues.

To do this on a Windows 10 device:

1. Open the “Network and Internet” setting
2. Click on “Network Reset” and restart the system

Step 4: Make the WiFi Network Private

If your WiFi is dropping in and out, the fix may be simpler than you think! Often WiFi settings are the cause for poor connection. For example, having your home network classified as a public network may cause connectivity issues. Open the settings of your Windows 10 device and change your network to a private connection. This could potentially fix your issue — and it is also more secure!

Step 5: Turn off WiFi Sense

If you have an older Windows 10 device that you do not keep updated, your device may be equipped with WiFi Sense. WiFi Sense was originally included on Windows devices as a way to connect to your friends’ and colleagues’ Wi-Fi connections. However, this feature can cause connectivity problems when not being utilized.

To disable this feature, you can either open settings, search for WiFi sense and disable the feature or you can update your device to the newest software update.

If you have a newer device or keep your device updated, this issue will not be what is affecting your poor connection, since Windows devices equipped with version 1803 or newer no longer have the feature.

To run the troubleshooter:

1. Click the internet icon in the bottom-right corner and open the troubleshooter. Or, open the control panel and click “Troubleshooting”
2. Click “Network and Internet” and choose “Network Adapters”
3. Evaluate the results and follow the prompts to fix any issues that the troubleshooter finds

Step 8: Reset the WiFi AutoConfig service

If you have changed your WiFi AutoConfig settings, it is possible that the setting has been disabled. WiFi AutoConfig is the setting that searches for connections, connects you to your usual network or the network that is strongest and open and creates automatic settings for your device. This setting is extremely useful because it means you do not have to manually connect and select settings. However, if this setting has been altered it is possible that it could cause connectivity issues, such as WiFi dropping in and out.

To reset your WiFi AutoConfig service:

1. Type in Windows + R and type in “services.msc”
2. Right-click “WLAN AutoConfig” and select “Properties”
3. Change startup type to “Automatic” and click apply

Step 9: Forget Your Old Networks

If you have a connection you no longer need to connect to, it is best to select these connections and try to “forget” them. This will prioritize the connections you actually use and keep your device from trying to connect to other networks that may not be the strongest.

Step 10: Switch DNS Server

If your connection keeps “hanging” or “stalling out,” this solution is worth trying.

Go to the Settings>Network and Internet>Change Adapter Options in Advanced network settings>Changing Adapter Options Settings in Windows 10 >Select your network adapter from the available options> Properties and double-tap on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)>Check the circle for Use the following DNS server addresses>Set 8 8 8 8 and 8 8 4 4 in Preferred and Alternate DNS servers.

Step 11: Reset TCP/IP

TCP/IP is a form of communication between devices that are interconnected on the same network. If there is an error with how your device is communicating with your router, it could be causing dropped connection.

Use the following steps to reset TCP/IP

• Right click “Start” then click “Command Prompt”
• Type “netsh winsock reset” and hit the Enter key

Fix Internet Connection Issues on Android

Step 1: Toggle Airplane On/Off

On Android, resetting your network connection is as simple as turning airplane mode on and then off again. This is one of the simplest ways to troubleshoot connectivity issues. If you reset your connection and still experience WiFi dropping in and out, continue troubleshooting to find other errors.

Step 2: Check the Signal Strength

Checking your signal strength is one of the best ways to determine why your connection might be spotty. If you have a weak signal, you probably won’t experience a continuous and reliable connection. Checking your connection is easy on Android: you can simply see if all three bars are full on the WiFi icon on your home screen. If you notice that you are not receiving a strong signal, follow the steps above on how to troubleshoot potential issues with your router.

Step 3: Forget and Re-add Network

If turning airplane mode on and off isn’t enough to reset your WiFi connection, try forgetting the network entirely. To do this go into your settings and select your connection and then click “Forget Network.” This will completely remove your connection from your device. You will then have to go through the process of connecting to a new network again. This acts as a reboot of the connection entirely, and could potentially fix connectivity issues.

Step 4: Remove Obsolete WiFi Networks

Although public WiFi connections are convenient and useful, once you no longer use them they can be a detriment to your most-used connections. Connecting to public WiFi networks or others that you do not use often leaves behind a graveyard of connections. You can clean up your saved networks by removing connections you no longer use. This will prioritize the connections that you use most often

Step 7: Enter Safe Mode

Android devices are equipped with a feature called Safe Mode. This setting detects when apps on your phone might be having issues. This setting allows you to troubleshoot why your device is not working properly. If you turn Safe Mode on and your phone starts functioning properly, this means that any issues you are experiencing are the fault of an app that you have downloaded to the device.

If you utilize Safe Mode and you still experience connectivity issues such as your WiFi dropping in and out, then the issue is likely with the hardware of your device or your router. This step is good to take if you suspect that the issue might be at the device level.

Step 8: Update Your Android

If you suspect that you are experiencing WiFi unreliability because of an error at the device level, one of the ways you can troubleshoot is by ensuring that your Android device is updated to the newest software version. Devices running on older versions of software are more likely to experience functionality issues. Updating your device can eliminate simple processing errors that may be taking place on your phone.

Step 9: Reset Network Settings

Another way that you can troubleshoot errors at the device level is to reset the network settings on your device. This will delete your current network connection and you will have to re-connect. This can reset your connection and potentially fix minor processing errors.

You can do this by following these steps:

• Settings > System > Reset options and tap Reset WiFi, then mobile & Bluetooth > Reset settings

Get Rid of WiFi Connection Issues for Good

We all know how frustrating an unreliable connection can be, especially when your WiFi is constantly dropping in and out. Various errors can take place that cause these issues, usually at one of two levels: router or device. Following the steps above will help you thoroughly troubleshoot all the potential issues that could be the cause of your frustration. Placing your router in an ideal location and maintaining good signal strength should keep WiFi issues at a minimum.

If your WiFi continues disconnecting and you’re an EPB customer, you can always sign up for EPB Smart Net Plus to power all your devices flawlessly at once with warp-speed WiFi in every corner of your home. Our EPB Tech Pros will install your network, set up your devices and offer around-the-clock, no-charge technical support anytime.