Wi-Fi Not Working on Chromebook

If other Wi-Fi devices do not have this problem:

  • Bring your Chromebook closer to the router.
  • Turn wifi off all your other devices.
  • Factory reset the Chromebook:
    • Press and hold esc + refresh, then press the power button.
    • press Ctrl+D.
    • Enter. Space, Enter. Wait.
    • Follow prompts until Done.

Chrome OS Settings > Network

  • Enable Prefer this network
  • Change the name servers from your ISP's default to Google's servers, 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4

Chrome OS Settings>Bluetooth

  • Disable Bluetooth
  • Restart Chromebook

-If you are having problems reconnecting to your WiFi after your Chromebook wakes from sleep, try this:

Go to settings > advanced > privacy & security > keep wifi on during sleep. Enable that option.

-Run the Chrome Connectivity Diagnostics to help identify the actual problem.

Test your device on another network. If it works without dropping off wifi then it’s likely a problem with the router:

-Turn your Chromebook off, turn the modem off, and turn off the router if you have a separate one. Wait a good minute or two, then begin rebooting your devices. Start with the modem, followed by the router and then, finally, your Chromebook. If that doesn’t fix your problem, move on to the next step. (If you can’t surf restart modem only)

Some older routers are not compatible with Chromebooks due to incomplete or obsolete network protocol implementations. Check for updates to provide the latest and most secure connections possible.

If you have access to the router's settings (log into the router’s online user interface), these tweaks often solve the problem:

  1. A firmware update in the router can sometimes fix compatibility issues.
  2. If your router is dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz), assign a different SSID to each band. This will let you choose the band and see if one works better than the other for your location in your house. 5GHz does not travel through walls and floors well. Your Chromebook may try to connect to the 5 GHz band, and then have problems reconnecting in a weaker signal area of your home. In this case move closer to the router.
  3. In the WiFi security settings, make sure that your encryption is set to WPA2-PSK with AES Encryption. Disable TKIP if it is enabled. You may have to select WPA/WPA2. Do not select WPA only, as it is not secure.
  4. Disable WPS.
  5. Disable WMM/QoS
  6. Check (or temporarily disable) firewall settings to see if ports or sites are being blocked that may impact normal internet use.
  7. Make sure the 2.4 GHz channel is set to only 1, 6, or 11. Other channels can cause problems.
  8. Test for Bluetooth interference - temporarily turn off Bluetooth and see if that helps. If it does, change WiFi channel and try again with Bluetooth turned on.
  9. Use a tool like farproc’s WiFi Analyzer on your phone (Android or iOS) to look for nearby routers causing interference.
  10. Do not use a hidden SSID - it really does nothing to improve security! Some Chromebooks will have problems connecting to a hidden SSID.
  11. Save the changes and reboot the router
  12. Reboot the Chromebook - do a complete power down, don’t just close the lid.

Devices that are assigned to Xfinity/Comcast protected or parental controlled internet may also have issues. This link covers this third party service. We suggest having the Chromebooks be unprotected,

https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/set-up-parental-controls-with-comcast-networking