Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting? Let's Find Out Why
Drops every few minutes, on one laptop or every device, or only in the evening? The pattern tells us where the fault is, and most causes are fixable without new equipment.
Remote help from $25 · Home visits from $40 · Free diagnosis
The most useful question is who it happens to. If every device drops at the same moment, the problem is the router, the modem or the line coming into the house. If only one laptop or phone keeps disconnecting while everything else stays online, the problem is that device's settings, driver or Wi-Fi hardware.
Note when it happens too: every few minutes, only in one room, only in the evening, or after a Windows or iOS update. Each points somewhere different, and it saves a lot of guessing.
Why Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting
The common causes, starting with the ones we find most often.
Every device drops at once
Usually the modem or router: overheating, outdated firmware, or a line problem from your provider. Check whether the modem's internet light goes out when it happens.
Crowded channels and interference
In apartments and townhouses, dozens of neighbouring networks share the same channels. Evenings, when everyone is streaming, are when it gets worst.
Laptop drops but other devices don't
Windows power-saving switching the Wi-Fi adapter off, an outdated or broken driver after an update, or an older Wi-Fi card struggling with a newer router.
Phone drops when you move around
Weak signal at the edge of coverage, or a phone holding on to a distant access point. Better placement or a mesh system fixes it.
Combined 2.4 and 5 GHz network
Routers that put both bands under one name can bounce some devices back and forth. Separating or tuning the bands often stops the drops.
Extenders and old pods
A plug-in extender on a separate network name, or a pod too far from the main router, causes constant handoffs and disconnects.
Windows 11 Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting?
Start in Device Manager: open the Wi-Fi adapter's properties and, under Power Management, untick the option that lets Windows turn it off to save power. Then install the Wi-Fi driver from your laptop maker's support site rather than relying on Windows Update; Intel Wi-Fi 6 adapters in particular often need the latest driver.
If it's still dropping, Settings, Network & internet, Advanced network settings, Network reset puts every network setting back to default (you'll need your Wi-Fi password again). If none of that helps, the adapter itself may be failing, and a replacement Wi-Fi card is an inexpensive fix on most laptops.
iPhone or MacBook Keeps Dropping Wi-Fi?
On an iPhone, forget the network and join it again, and try turning off Private Wi-Fi Address for your home network in its Wi-Fi settings. If it keeps happening, Reset Network Settings clears all saved Wi-Fi networks and usually fixes stubborn drops.
On a MacBook, install the latest macOS update, forget and rejoin the network, and check whether it only happens on one band. If your iPhone and Mac drop but other devices don't, the router's settings for Apple devices are often the cause, and that's something we can fix.
From First Message to Fixed
Step 1: Tell us the pattern
Which devices drop, how often, where in the house, and your provider and router.
Step 2: We find the cause
Remotely on the affected device, or on a visit where we check the router, channels and signal room by room.
Step 3: Fixed and confirmed
Settings, drivers, placement or equipment sorted, then tested until the connection holds.
What It Costs
| Diagnosis | Free |
| Remote fix on a laptop or computer | $25 |
| Home Wi-Fi troubleshooting visit | From $40 |
| Mesh Wi-Fi setup (if coverage is the cause) | From $40 |
Hardware such as a mesh system or Wi-Fi card is bought by you, only if it's actually needed. You approve the price first. See full pricing.
Wi-Fi Disconnecting FAQs
Why does my Wi-Fi keep disconnecting?
If every device drops at once, it's usually the router, modem or your provider's line. If only one device drops, it's that device: power-saving settings, an outdated driver, or an old Wi-Fi card. Interference from neighbouring networks and weak signal at the edge of coverage are the other common causes.
Why does my laptop keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi when other devices don't?
On Windows laptops it's most often power management turning the Wi-Fi adapter off, or a driver that an update replaced or broke. Disable the power-saving option in Device Manager and install the driver from the laptop maker. If it continues, the Wi-Fi card may need replacing.
Why does my internet keep disconnecting and reconnecting every few minutes?
When everything drops and comes back on a cycle, check the modem: if its internet light goes off each time, the fault is the line or the modem, and your provider needs to check it. If the modem stays connected, it's the router or Wi-Fi, which we can fix.
Why does my iPhone keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?
Try forgetting and rejoining the network, turning off Private Wi-Fi Address for your home network, and updating iOS. If it still drops, Reset Network Settings usually clears it. If it only happens in certain rooms, the signal there is too weak.
Will a mesh system stop my Wi-Fi disconnecting?
If the drops happen in rooms far from the router, or when you move around the house, yes. If they happen right next to the router or only on one device, mesh won't help, and we'll tell you so rather than sell you one.
Can you fix it remotely?
If one computer is affected and it can still get online some of the time, often yes, from $25. Whole-home drops and coverage problems need a visit so we can check the router and signal in each room.
Related Ottawa Services
- Slow Wi-Fi Fix
- Wi-Fi Not Working Help
- Mesh Wi-Fi & Extenders
- Wi-Fi Card Upgrades
- Home Wi-Fi Setup & Repair
Serving Ottawa and nearby
Make the Drops Stop
Tell us which devices drop and when. We'll tell you where the problem most likely is.