Your WiFi dropping out every few minutes can turn a productive day into a frustrating nightmare. This issue typically means your device is losing its connection to your router repeatedly, disrupting everything from video calls to streaming and basic web browsing.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Step 1: Restart Your Router and Device (2 minutes)
Turn off your router by unplugging it from power. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. While waiting for the router to boot up (usually takes 2-3 minutes), restart your computer or phone. This simple reset clears temporary glitches and refreshes your network connection. Most WiFi disconnection problems get resolved right here.
Step 2: Update Your Network Adapter Driver (5 minutes)
On Windows 11, right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Find “Network adapters” and expand it. Right-click your WiFi adapter (usually contains “Wireless” or “802.11” in the name) and choose “Update driver.” Select “Search automatically for drivers.” Windows will find and install any available updates. Mac users should check System Settings > General > Software Update instead.
Step 3: Change Your WiFi Channel (10 minutes)
Access your router settings by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser. Log in with your admin credentials (check the sticker on your router if unsure). Navigate to Wireless Settings or WiFi Settings. Look for “Channel” and switch from Auto to channel 1, 6, or 11 for 2.4GHz networks. For 5GHz, try channels 36, 40, 44, or 48. Save and restart your router.
Step 4: Adjust Power Management Settings (3 minutes)
Windows loves to save power by turning off your WiFi adapter. Open Device Manager again, find your network adapter, right-click and select Properties. Click the “Power Management” tab and uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.” This prevents Windows from disconnecting your WiFi to save battery.
Step 5: Reset Network Settings (15 minutes)
If nothing else works, reset your network completely. On Windows 11, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Click “Reset now.” Your computer will restart and reinstall all network adapters. You’ll need to reconnect to your WiFi and re-enter the password. iPhone users can find this under Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Likely Causes
Cause #1: Router Overheating or Old Firmware
Modern routers in 2025 pack serious processing power into small boxes, making them prone to overheating. Touch your router – if it feels hot, that’s your culprit. Check for dust blocking vents and ensure it has breathing room on all sides. While you’re at it, update the firmware by logging into your router settings and looking for “Administration” or “System” sections. Most routers now offer automatic firmware updates – enable this feature.
Cause #2: Network Adapter Power Settings
Your computer’s aggressive power-saving features might be disconnecting WiFi to extend battery life. This happens especially on laptops and tablets. Beyond the Device Manager fix mentioned earlier, check your power plan settings. Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings. Find “Wireless Adapter Settings” and set both options to “Maximum Performance.” This tells Windows to prioritize connection stability over battery savings.
Cause #3: Interference from Other Devices
Your neighbor’s router, baby monitors, Bluetooth speakers, and even microwave ovens can interfere with WiFi signals. The 2.4GHz band is especially crowded. Download a WiFi analyzer app like WiFi Analyzer for Android or WiFi Explorer for Mac to see which channels are least congested in your area. If possible, switch to 5GHz band for less interference, though it has shorter range. Position your router away from other electronics and ideally in a central, elevated location.
When to Call Expert Help
Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) if disconnections persist after trying these fixes. Signs you need professional help include: your modem lights showing errors (usually red or amber instead of green), multiple devices experiencing the same issue simultaneously, or problems starting after a storm or power outage. Your ISP can run remote diagnostics and might need to replace your modem or check the physical line to your home.
Consider calling a local IT technician if only one device keeps disconnecting while others work fine, especially if it’s a work computer with special security software. Hardware failure in your device’s WiFi card is rare but possible – professionals have tools to diagnose this quickly.
Copy-Paste Prompt for AI Help
“`
My WiFi keeps disconnecting every few minutes on my [device type and OS version]. I’ve already tried restarting my router and device. The disconnections happen [describe when – during video calls, randomly, when downloading, etc.]. Other devices [do/don’t] have the same problem. My router model is [router brand and model]. My internet provider is [ISP name]. What specific troubleshooting steps should I try next?
“`
This WiFi disconnection issue is ideal for DIY troubleshooting before calling support. These solutions work best when applied systematically, starting with the quickest fixes. Not recommended when you see physical damage to cables or equipment. Remember that WiFi technology in 2025 is generally reliable – persistent disconnections usually have a specific, fixable cause rather than being random glitches.