How to Fix Wi-Fi Password Not Working

Step by step

1. Verify the password is correct

   Check the exact password on your router label or with your network administrator. Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive and include special characters. On Windows, view saved passwords in Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks. On macOS, use Keychain Access to reveal stored passwords.

   Note: Use your phone's camera to scan QR codes on newer routers instead of typing passwords manually.

2. Forget and reconnect to the network

   Remove the saved network profile completely. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks, select your network, and click Forget. On macOS, System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced, select the network and click the minus button. On mobile devices, tap the info icon next to the network name and select Forget.

   Note: Clearing the network profile also removes any corrupted authentication data that might cause repeated failures.

3. Restart your network adapter

   Disable and re-enable your Wi-Fi connection. On Windows, open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, and select Disable device, then Enable device. On macOS, turn Wi-Fi off in the menu bar icon, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.

   Note: Use the Windows keyboard shortcut Fn + F2 (varies by manufacturer) to quickly toggle Wi-Fi on laptops.

4. Check for network security changes

   Verify the network security type matches what your device expects. Access your router admin panel by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser. Navigate to Wireless Security settings and confirm the encryption type is WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK. Avoid WEP encryption, which many modern devices reject.

   Note: If you recently updated router firmware, security settings may have reset to defaults, requiring password changes.

5. Reset network settings on your device

   Clear all network configurations and start fresh. On Windows 10/11, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset. On macOS, delete the file /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.network.identification.plist after backing up. On iOS, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

   Note: Network reset removes all saved Wi-Fi passwords, so have them ready before proceeding.

6. Update network drivers and firmware

   Download the latest drivers for your Wi-Fi adapter from the manufacturer's website. On Windows, check Device Manager for driver updates or use Windows Update. For routers, access the admin panel and check for firmware updates in the Administration or System section. Apply updates and restart both devices.

   Note: Enable automatic firmware updates on your router to prevent future compatibility issues with client devices.

7. Test with different devices

   Attempt to connect another device using the same password. If other devices connect successfully, the issue is device-specific. If no devices can connect, the problem lies with the router or network configuration. Contact your internet service provider if the issue affects all devices.

   Note: Use your smartphone's mobile hotspot to test if your device's Wi-Fi hardware functions properly with different networks.