you may usually connect to Wi-Fi on your Dell laptop by selecting the Service Set Identifier (SSID) or network name and entering the password. However, there are a few things that can go wrong depending on your router or system configuration.
Here, we will provide a step-by-step guide on connecting your laptop to Wi-Fi. In the end, we will also mention how you can resolve any potential issues that you can encounter during the process.
Before you begin, you need to power on the router, modem, or network extender and make sure the network cables go to their proper ports. Also, make sure you know the SSID (Network name) and the password of the Wi-Fi network.
Step 1: Put Laptop in Router’s Range
Each router or access point has a range where it can properly broadcast the Wi-Fi signal. If your laptop is not in this range, it can’t connect to the network. Apart from that, physical obstructions like walls and doors can alsoweaken the signals. So, you need to make sure that the Dell laptop is close enough to the router or access point.
Also, equipment such as refrigerators, microwave ovens, etc., can also interfere with the Wi-Fi signals due to electromagnetic interference. So, make sure such devices are not interfering with the Wi-Fi signals.
Step 2: Enable Wi-Fi on Dell
Some laptops include physical Wi-Fi switches. You should be able to find them on the sides of the device. If your laptop has such a switch, make sure that it is On.
After that, you need to see if Wi-Fi is enabled in the Dell settings as well.
Depending on your model, the laptop may also have a shortcut to toggle Wi-Fi on one of your function keys.
Step 3: Connect to the Wi-Fi SSID
Now, you can finally connect your laptop to Wi-Fi.
If youcan’t find the SSID on the list, your Router is not configured to broadcast its SSID. In such cases, you need tolog in to the routerportal using an Ethernet connection. Then, search for the necessary setting (usually Wireless SSID broadcast), and set it to Enabled. If you can’t find the option, check official sources for the exact location.
Problems Connecting to Wi-Fi?
If yourlaptop doesn’t connect to the Wi-Fior if the Wi-Fi doesn’t work even after connecting it, you can do a few things to troubleshoot this issue.
Restart Router
Check if all the necessary LEDs, especially the Internet or Online LED, light up after some time. You can check with the ISP or instruction manuals to know which ones you need to look out for.
If some LEDs on your router, like the Internet LED, do not blink, it indicates that therouter is not connecting to the internet. In such cases, power off the router for 20 seconds and then restart it again. After that, try pressing the reset button for 10 seconds using a pin or straightened paper clip.
It’s also best to restart the router, even if all LEDs glow, whenever you’re able to’t connect to the internet.
Enable Wi-Fi on Router
It is possible todisable Wi-Fi on some routersfrom their portal. In such cases, the WLAN or Wireless LED turns off. Here, you need to connect the router using an Ethernet cable, access its portal/settings and enable Wi-Fi.
Reset IP Configuration or Set Static IP
You can’t connect to the network through any network if your device is not getting a valid IP address from the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) of the router or ISP. You can resolve this issue by resetting your TCP/IP configuration.
Sometimes, the DHCP can become corrupt and may not provide a valid IP address to your device. In this case, resetting the TCP/IP does not work. Here, you need to manually set astatic IP.
Reinstall Wi-Fi Driver
All devices need corresponding drivers to work. So, if you can’t connect to the Wi-Fi network or the Wi-Fi is not working, you should try reinstalling its driver.
