Wi-Fi network not showing up: how to find it again

Your Wi-Fi network is not in the list when you look for it, or the list is empty. Work out whether the problem is your device, the router, or the network setup.

Before you start

This usually takes about 10 minutes. Start in the same room as the router, because distance is a common reason a network disappears from the list.

First decide which of these describes your problem. It tells you where to look.

• Every Wi-Fi name is missing, on one device only: the device's Wi-Fi is off or its hardware has a fault. Start at Fix 1.
• Only your own network is missing, on all devices: the router is off, restarting, or not broadcasting. Start at Fix 2.
• Only your own network is missing on one device, while other devices see it: the device may not support that band, or the network name is hidden. Start at Fix 3.

Try these fixes in order

Fix 1: Check Wi-Fi and airplane mode on the device

This takes about 2 minutes.

1. Look for a physical Wi-Fi switch or a Wi-Fi key on a laptop or tablet. If there is one, make sure it is on.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi. On Windows 11 and Windows 10, open Settings then Network & internet and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on. On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap Wi-Fi and make sure it is on. On an Android phone, menu names vary by maker; on a Google Pixel, open Settings then Network & internet then Internet. On a Mac, open System Settings then Wi-Fi (earlier macOS: System Preferences) and make sure Wi-Fi is on.
3. Make sure airplane mode is off. On Windows, it is under Settings then Network & internet then Airplane mode. On an iPhone, it is near the top of Settings. On Android, search Settings for "airplane".
4. Turn Wi-Fi off, count to 10, then turn it on again. The list of networks should fill in within a few seconds.
5. Restart the device if Wi-Fi is grayed out or stays empty.

Fix 2: Check the router and restart it

This takes 5 to 10 minutes. A router that is switched off, or is still starting, shows no network at all.

1. Check that the router's power light is on and that the power cable is firmly in place.
2. Ask whether any other device, such as a phone or tablet, can see the network. If one can, the router is working and the problem is on the device that cannot.
3. If no device can see it, unplug the power from the router and from the modem if you have a separate one. Wait at least 30 seconds (2 minutes is safer).
4. Plug the modem in and wait until its lights stop blinking. Then plug the router in and wait a few minutes for it to finish starting.
5. Check the Wi-Fi list again.

The full routine, including modems with a backup battery, is in how to restart your router and modem the right way. Never press the router's small Reset button for this: it erases the router's settings, including the Wi-Fi name and password.

Fix 3: Check the band and the hidden-name setting

Wi-Fi uses radio bands. The older 2.4 GHz band reaches farther. The 5 GHz band is faster over shorter distances. The 6 GHz band is the newest. Some routers show each band as a separate network name. A device that supports only some bands may not see the others.

1. Look through the whole list. Your router may show two names, one for each band, often with "5G" or similar added to one of them. Try joining the other name.
2. If a 5 GHz or 6 GHz name is missing on an older device, the device may not support that band. Check its specifications on the maker's website, and join the 2.4 GHz name instead. See Wi-Fi bands explained.
3. If you are in the same room as the router and still see nothing, ask whether the network name is hidden. A hidden network does not appear in the list, but it still works if you join it by typing its exact name.
4. To join a hidden network on an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap Wi-Fi, tap Other, and enter the network name, security type and password. On a Google Pixel, open Settings then Network & internet then Internet, tap Add network, and enter the name and security details. On Windows, open Settings then Network & internet then Wi-Fi then Manage known networks and look for the button that adds a network manually. On other devices, look for an option such as Add network at the bottom of the Wi-Fi list.

Fix 4: Check the Wi-Fi hardware on Windows

If the Wi-Fi option is missing from Settings, or no networks ever appear on a Windows computer, the Wi-Fi adapter may be disabled or its driver may have a problem. This takes about 10 minutes.

1. Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters and find your wireless adapter. Its name usually includes "Wi-Fi", "Wireless" or "WLAN".
3. Right-click the adapter. If the menu shows Enable device, the adapter was turned off, so select it.
4. Open Settings then Windows Update and select Check for updates. On Windows 10, the path is Settings then Update & Security then Windows Update. Windows can install a newer network driver this way.
5. Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter, find WLAN AutoConfig, right-click it and select Restart. Wi-Fi may drop for a moment while it restarts.

If Windows cannot find the adapter at all, get the driver only from your PC maker's own website. Microsoft says you may need to install it manually from the manufacturer. Never use a "driver updater" tool or a download portal. The guide fix driver problems in Device Manager explains the safe route.

If it still does not work

• Move the device into the same room as the router. Thick walls, floors and distance can hide a network completely. If this helps, see router placement, extenders and mesh.
• Try a different device. If it sees the network, the first device's Wi-Fi hardware is the likely cause. If no device can, the router or your provider is the likely cause.
• If the network shows up but joining fails, go to "Can't connect to this network". If you can join but pages will not load, go to Wi-Fi connected but no internet.
• Use the support page on the router maker's or your internet provider's website.

Frequently asked questions