Home WiFi Not Working? A Brisbane IT Pro's Troubleshooting Guide
WiFi problems are incredibly frustrating, especially when you're working from home or trying to stream something. Before you call your ISP, try these steps. Most WiFi issues I see in Brisbane homes have straightforward fixes.
Step 1: Restart Your Router
I know, I know. But it genuinely works about 50% of the time. Unplug your router from power, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Give it 2-3 minutes to fully restart.
Step 2: Check If It's Your Internet or Your WiFi
Connect a device to your router with an ethernet cable. If the internet works via cable but not WiFi, the problem is your WiFi. If it doesn't work via cable either, the problem is your internet connection, call your ISP.
Step 3: Check Router Placement
WiFi signals are weakened by walls, floors, metal objects, and distance. Your router should be in a central location, elevated (not on the floor), and away from other electronics. The corner of the house is the worst place for a router.
Step 4: Check for Channel Congestion
In Brisbane suburbs with tightly packed houses, your WiFi can be competing with dozens of neighbouring networks on the same channel. Most modern routers have an 'auto' channel setting, but sometimes manually selecting a less congested channel helps. Use a free app like WiFi Analyzer to check.
Step 5: Update Router Firmware
Log into your router's admin panel (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and check for firmware updates. Outdated firmware can cause stability issues and security vulnerabilities.
Step 6: Consider a Mesh System
If your house is large or has thick walls, a single router might not cut it. A mesh WiFi system (like Google Nest WiFi or TP-Link Deco) uses multiple access points to blanket your home in consistent coverage.
Still Having Issues?
Some WiFi problems need hands-on diagnosis, interference from specific devices, faulty hardware, or ISP-side issues that need escalating. I can come to your home, diagnose the problem, and get your WiFi sorted.