6 ways to fix network not available error on Chromebook

Chromebooks without Wi-Fi are practically useless. Don't worry! With just one or two simple fixes, you can restore your connection and get back to work or play.

1. Check the Wi-Fi status on your Chromebook

If your Chromebook can't connect to Wi-Fi, the first thing to do is check the Wi-Fi status. If your model has a physical network switch, turn it on.

Also, check the network status from the Settings tab . In Settings, navigate to the Network tab and find the toggle next to the Wi-Fi name. Make sure you have the Wi-Fi button turned on.

2. Check for available Chromebook updates

ChromeOS developers regularly release updates. This update may cause problems connecting to the Internet. To check for updates:

1. Go to the Settings tab .
2. In Settings , open the About ChromeOS tab .
3. Click the Check for updates button .

ChromeOS will begin installing available updates (if any). Check if your Chromebook is still having Wi-Fi problems after the installation is complete.

3. Add router details again

If you see your Wi-Fi name in the list of available networks but still can't connect, you should re-enter your router details and reconfigure your Wi-Fi settings. A factory reset like this can resolve any inherent bottlenecks and help your Chromebook connect to the Internet.

To forget and reset router details:

1. Open the Settings tab from the main menu.
2. Click Network .
3. Open Wi-Fi name.
4. Click the Forget button .

1. Let the network list refresh.
2. Once you have the Wi-Fi name, click the network name again.
3. In the Join Wi-Fi network dialog box , enter the network password.

1. Click Connect once completed.

To get the most out of your router, you can learn more about what a router is and how to use it.

4. Run Chrome Connectivity Diagnostics

Chrome Connectivity Diagnostics is a useful tool for performing network testing and troubleshooting errors. After running this tool, you can resolve issues related to port blocking, network latency, Wi-Fi network signal strength, etc.

Here's how to install and run this app on Chromebook:

1. Access the Chrome Connectivity Diagnostics browser extension from the Chrome Web Store.

2. Click the Add to Chrome button .

3. In the next dialog box, click the Add App button .

4. After installation, click the Launch app button .

5. Wait for the tool to run a series of necessary tests.

6. Depending on the problem found during the troubleshooting phase, it will give you action notifications.

5. Hard reset Chromebook

If none of the above steps work, you can restart your Chromebook and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network. After rebooting, you can perform a hard reset if your Chromebook won't connect to Wi-Fi.

To perform a hard reset, follow these steps:

1. Power off your Chromebook. Hold the Power button for a few seconds.
2. Press the Refresh button and Power button to restart the device.
3. Release the Refresh button after the device restarts.

Note : Remember to back up your device before performing a hard reset, because you may lose data.

6. Check the router connection on other computers

Finally, if you've tried everything and nothing seems to work, try connecting another device to the Wi-Fi network. If there is a problem with the network, you may not be able to connect. In this step, please reboot/restart the router, as rebooting can resolve most connection issues.

It's also important to check if the Wi-Fi connection is stable. You should fix any Wi-Fi network problems before trying to connect again.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 14 May 2024