How to fix Wi-Fi that keeps dropping on your phone or laptop

Introduction

A Wi-Fi connection that keeps dropping is incredibly frustrating, especially when you're working, streaming, or on a video call. The problem could be with your device, your router, or your internet connection itself. Here's a step-by-step guide to diagnosing and fixing the issue.

Step 1: Check if It's Just Your Device

First, check whether other devices on the same Wi-Fi network are also dropping. If they are, the problem is likely with your router or internet connection. If only one device is affected, the issue is with that device.

Step 2: Restart Everything

1. Restart your device (phone or laptop)
2. Restart your router — unplug it from the wall, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in
3. Wait for the router to fully reconnect (usually 1–2 minutes) before testing

This resolves the majority of temporary Wi-Fi issues.

Step 3: Forget and Reconnect to the Network

1. Go to your Wi-Fi settings and find your network
2. Select Forget or Remove
3. Reconnect by selecting the network and entering your password

This clears any corrupted network settings that may be causing drops.

Step 4: Check Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength

If you're far from your router or there are thick walls between you and it, your signal may be too weak to maintain a stable connection.

• Move closer to the router and see if the drops stop
• Consider a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network system if signal is weak in certain areas of your home
• Avoid placing your router near microwaves, cordless phones, or baby monitors — these can cause interference

Step 5: Change the Wi-Fi Band

Most modern routers broadcast on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The 5GHz band is faster but has shorter range; 2.4GHz is slower but reaches further.

• If you're close to the router, try connecting to the 5GHz network for a more stable connection
• If you're further away, try the 2.4GHz network

Step 6: Update Network Drivers (Windows)

1. Right-click the Start menu and open Device Manager
2. Expand Network Adapters
3. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select Update driver
4. Restart your laptop after updating

Step 7: Disable Wi-Fi Power Saving (Windows)

Windows sometimes turns off the Wi-Fi adapter to save power, causing drops.

1. Open Device Manager and find your Wi-Fi adapter
2. Right-click and select Properties
3. Go to the Power Management tab
4. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
5. Click OK and restart

Step 8: Check for Router Firmware Updates

Log into your router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and check if there are any firmware updates available. Outdated router firmware can cause stability issues.

Step 9: Contact Your ISP

If the problem affects all devices and persists after restarting the router, the issue may be with your internet service provider. Contact your ISP to check for outages or line faults in your area.

Still Having Issues?

If your phone or laptop's Wi-Fi keeps dropping despite trying all of the above, there may be a hardware fault with the Wi-Fi antenna or chip. Our team at RepairMedia can diagnose and repair Wi-Fi issues on a wide range of devices. Contact us or visit our Huddersfield repair centre.