How to Fix Wi-Fi Only Working on Some Devices

Step by step

1. Check which devices connect and which don't

   Make a list of working and non-working devices, noting their ages and operating systems. Look for patterns like all Apple devices failing, only older devices having issues, or specific device types being affected. This information reveals whether the problem is device-specific or network-wide.

   Note: Check if failing devices can see the network name but can't connect, or if they can't detect the network at all.

2. Restart your router and modem

   Unplug both devices for 30 seconds, then plug in the modem first and wait 2 minutes. Plug in the router and wait another 2 minutes for full startup. Test the problematic devices again to see if a fresh network session resolves connection conflicts.

   Note: If you have a combined modem-router unit, unplug it for 30 seconds and wait 3 minutes after plugging it back in.

3. Check Wi-Fi band settings

   Log into your router admin panel and navigate to wireless settings. If you have a dual-band router, check if 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands use the same network name. Older devices often can't connect to 5GHz networks, while some newer devices prefer 5GHz and struggle with mixed networks.

   Note: Create separate network names for 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands to give devices clear connection options.

4. Review security protocol settings

   In your router's wireless security settings, check if you're using WPA3 encryption. Change the security protocol to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode or WPA2 only if older devices can't connect. Very old devices may require WEP, but avoid this unless absolutely necessary due to security risks.

   Note: WPA3 provides better security but isn't compatible with devices released before 2018.

5. Check connected device limits

   Look for device limit settings in your router configuration and verify you haven't exceeded the maximum number of connected devices. Some routers limit connections to 15-20 devices, and reaching this cap prevents new devices from connecting even if others disconnect.

   Note: Remove old or unused device MAC addresses from your router's connected devices list to free up connection slots.

6. Update router firmware

   Access your router's admin panel and check for firmware updates in the administration or system section. Download and install any available updates, as outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues with newer device operating systems and wireless standards.

   Note: Enable automatic firmware updates if your router supports this feature to prevent future compatibility issues.

7. Reset network settings on affected devices

   On devices that can't connect, forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect with the password. For persistent issues, reset network settings entirely: on iOS go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings, on Android go to Settings > System > Reset > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.

   Note: Resetting network settings removes all saved Wi-Fi passwords, so have them ready before proceeding.

8. Check for MAC address filtering

   In your router settings, look for MAC address filtering or access control lists. If enabled, this feature only allows specific device MAC addresses to connect. Either disable MAC filtering or add the MAC addresses of devices that can't connect to the allowed list.

   Note: Find a device's MAC address in its network settings or by checking your router's list of detected devices.