“No network connection” errors: What they are and how to solve them

Troubleshooting internet connection errors

Network issues can happen for all sorts of reasons — the problem could come from your router, your internet service provider (ISP), your device settings, or even outdated hardware. The best thing to do when you face a "No network connection" or a similar error is to figure out what exactly is going wrong. The error message can give you clues about the cause, like whether it’s a problem with the Wi-Fi settings, a server issue, or something wrong with your hardware.

But before diving into the specifics of each type of error, some basic troubleshooting steps can help you with most network issues. Here’s a simple checklist to follow:

• Check for physical issues. Make sure all wires and cables are plugged in properly and that your router is working.
• Restart the router. Sometimes, all it takes is a quick reset to fix the connection.
• Check the signal strength. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak, it could be causing problems.
• Update your software. Ensure your device is running the latest software updates, which can fix bugs and improve connectivity.
• Try another device. If you can, test the connection on a different device to see if the issue is specific to one device.
• Contact your ISP. If all else fails, your internet service provider can help identify any internet outages or issues on their end.

However, sometimes these errors can be specific to the device or platform you're using, and each one might have its own set of troubleshooting steps to follow. In the sections below, we’ll go over some of the most common network issues for Windows, Android, iOS, smart TVs, and gaming consoles and provide simple solutions to restore your connection.

No network connection on Windows devices

If you're seeing some type of “No network connection” error on Windows 10, Windows 11, or other versions, no need to panic. Internet connection issues are fairly common on Windows devices and don’t always mean there’s a major problem. These issues are often caused by factors like temporary glitches, incorrect settings, or outdated drivers and can usually be fixed with a few simple steps. So even if you’re seeing a "No network connection" error, it’s not necessarily a sign of something serious.

“Windows can't connect to this network”

The “Windows can’t connect to the network” error appears when your computer struggles to connect to a network. This issue can happen for a few reasons — maybe the Wi-Fi password is wrong, the internet signal is weak, the network drivers need an update, there’s a setting issue like an IP conflict, or the network adapter isn’t working properly.

The good news is that no matter what's causing the issue, you can troubleshoot and fix it in a few simple ways:

1. 1.Restart your router and computer. A quick reboot can resolve temporary glitches. Turn both devices off, wait 10 seconds, and then turn them back on.
2. 2.Reconnect to the network. Go to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “Wi-Fi” > “Manage known networks,” select the network, and click “Forget.” Then reconnect to the same network and make sure you’re using the correct password.
3. 3.Update or reinstall network drivers. Sometimes the issue might be with your computer’s network drivers. Click on the “Device Manager” icon, find your network adapter, and update or uninstall and reinstall the driver.
4. 4.Reset TCP/IP settings. Open the “Command Prompt” window by clicking the “Start” menu, typing “cmd” or “Command Prompt,” and pressing “Enter.” In the command prompt, input a series of commands. Press “Enter” after each one of them: 
   • “ipconfig /release”
   • “ipconfig /flushdns”
   • “ipconfig /renew”
   • “netsh int ip reset”
   • “netsh winsock reset”

After running these commands, your network settings are reset, and your computer will try to reconnect to the network with fresh configurations.

1. 1.Run Network Troubleshooter. If you're still experiencing network issues, running the built-in Windows Network Troubleshooter might help diagnose and fix the problem automatically. Go to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “Status” > “Network Troubleshooter” and run it following the instructions on the screen.
2. 2.Reset the network. If the issue continues, you can perform a network reset. Go to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “Status” > “Network reset.” This step should only be used as a last resort because it resets most network configurations to their default settings.

“No internet”

The “No internet” error is probably one of the most common internet connection problems you can encounter. It pops up when your device can’t find any networks. It can happen because of a disabled network, outdated drivers, or even physical issues, like a loose Ethernet cable. It could also mean there’s an issue with your router or even your ISP (internet service provider). 

Here are the steps to troubleshoot the error:

1. 1.Ensure the Wi-Fi is enabled on your device. Go to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “Wi-Fi” and check if the toggle is switched on. 
2. 2.Update or reinstall network drivers. Open the “Device Manager” window, find your network adapter, and update or uninstall and reinstall the driver.
3. 3.Check the physical connection. Examine your router and check if the Ethernet cable is secure and undamaged. If everything seems in order, restart your router and your computer to refresh the connection.
4. 4.Check with your ISP and test another device. Verify that your internet service is active and working. Use another device to check if the network is accessible. If not, contact your ISP for assistance.
5. 5.Use Network Troubleshooter. Head to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “Status” > “Network troubleshooter” and follow the on-screen steps to complete the process.

“Ethernet doesn't have a valid IP configuration”

The IP configuration error happens when Windows can’t receive the IP address from the DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol). DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses to devices connected to the network and without a valid IP configuration, your computer won’t connect to the internet. The reasons for this error might include problems with your router, network adapter, or IP settings.

While it might look otherwise, this issue can be resolved with a few steps and without any technical knowledge:

1. 1.Reset your network adapter. Go to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “Status.” Under “Advanced network settings,” click “Change adapter options.” Right-click on your Ethernet adapter, select “Disable,” and then “Enable” to reset it.
2. 2.Renew your IP configuration. Open the command prompt and type in these commands:
   • “ipconfig /release”  
   • “ipconfig /renew”  
   • “ipconfig /flushdns”  
3. 3.Configure your network adapter settings. Your device usually gets an IP address automatically, but it’s a good idea to double-check your settings. Head to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “Status” > “Advanced network settings” and click “Change adapter options.” Right-click on your Ethernet adapter, select “Properties,” then double-click “Internet protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4).” Make sure that both “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” are selected.
4. 4.Check the DHCP settings in your router. Open your preferred web browser and type the router’s IP address in the address bar to access the router’s admin page. Log in and find the DHCP settings, usually under the “LAN setup” or “Network settings” section. Ensure that the “Enable DHCP” option is turned on. If it’s disabled, enable it, and save the settings.
5. 5.Update your Ethernet drivers. Open the “Device manager”, expand the “Network adapters” section, and right-click the “Ethernet driver.” Select “Update driver” to install available updates.

No network connection on macOS devices

Network issues on macOS can be frustrating, but they often don’t require any technical knowledge to fix them. Most errors are simple system glitches that can usually be resolved with a few simple steps.

“Wi-Fi: No hardware installed”

The “Wi-Fi: No hardware installed” error on macOS is a glitch that usually appears after your device wakes from sleep. It means the system can’t detect the wireless network hardware. Restarting your Mac will often resolve the issue. If it doesn’t, follow these steps:

1. 1.Reset your network settings. Go to “System preferences” > “Network.” Select your network, click the circle with three dots, and choose “Make service inactive.” Apply the changes, restart your Mac, and then repeat the steps, this time selecting “Make service active.”
2. 2.Forget and reconnect to your network. Open “System preferences” > “Network.” Select your network and click on “Advanced.” Remove your saved network by selecting it and clicking the minus (–) button. Click “Remove,” then “OK,” and reconnect to your Wi-Fi.
3. 3.Reset the SMC (System Management Controller). The SMC manages many system functions, including power and hardware connections. To reset it, shut down your device, connect it to a power source, press and hold the “Control” + “Shift” + “Option” + “Power” combination for five seconds, release the keys, and turn your device back on.

If the issue persists, you may need to contact Apple Support for further help. It might mean there’s a problem with your computer's hardware.

“Self-assigned IP address”

The “Self-assigned IP address” error on Mac occurs when your device cannot obtain an IP address from the DHCP server and assigns itself a local IP instead, which prevents internet access while still allowing limited communication with other devices on the same local network. Here’s how you can fix this error:

1. 1.Restart your Mac and router. Restart your Mac by clicking the Apple logo and selecting “Restart.” Then, restart your router by turning it off, waiting 10 seconds, and turning it back on.
2. 2.Renew the DHCP lease. Go to the Apple menu and open “System settings” > “Network.” Select your network, and click on “Details.” Go to the “TCP/IP” tab, click “Renew DHCP lease,” then confirm the changes by clicking “Apply.”
3. 3.Check your network settings. Go to “System settings” > “Network.” Choose your network adapter and click on “Details.” Under the “TCP/IP” tab, make sure that “Configure IPv4” is set to “Using DHCP” and “Configure IPv6” is set to “Automatically.” Go to the “DNS” tab, delete the DNS servers listed there, and save the changes by clicking “OK.”
4. 4.Create a new network location. Open “System settings” > “Network.” Click the drop-down menu in the bottom-right corner, select “Locations”, and choose “Edit locations.” Click on the plus (+) button to add a new location, name it, and click “Done.” Now in the menu, select the new location instead of “Automatic.”
5. 5.Reset the firewall. Open the “Finder” window, click “Go,” and choose “Go to folder.” In the pop-up window, type “Library/Preferences/” and choose the “com.apple.alf.plist” file in the “Preferences” folder. Delete it and then restart your Mac.

No network connection on Linux devices

Network connection issues on Linux devices can be caused by a range of factors, such as missing drivers, hardware problems, or misconfigurations. Below are some of the most common errors you can encounter and tips to get your Linux device back online.

“No Wi-Fi adapter found”

The "No Wi-Fi adapter found" error usually occurs when Linux can’t detect your Wi-Fi hardware. This error can happen because of missing or outdated drivers, faulty configurations, or even issues with the Linux kernel. Here's how to troubleshoot this problem and get your Wi-Fi working again:

1. 1.Check if the Wi-Fi adapter is recognized. Open Terminal on your Linux by clicking on the “Terminal” icon on the desktop or pressing the “Ctrl” + “Alt” + “T” combination on your keyboard. Run the “sudo lshw -C network” command to check for a wireless interface device. This command will list all network interfaces. If no wireless adapter is listed, you might need to install the correct drivers.
2. 2.Install new drivers for your Wi-Fi adapter. Go to “Software & updates” > “Additional drivers.” Look for drivers listed for your Wi-Fi adapter. Select the recommended driver and click “Apply changes.”
3. 3.Check for missing firmware. Sometimes your network adapter might not work because the necessary firmware is missing. To check for this, run the “sudo dmesg | grep firmware” command in Terminal. If you see errors indicating missing firmware, you can install the required files by running the “sudo apt-get install linux-firmware” command.
4. 4.Use an alternative Linux kernel. Occasionally, the problem might be related to the version of the Linux kernel you're running. If your system was recently updated and Wi-Fi stopped working, a kernel bug could be the culprit. You can try switching to an older or different kernel version. Restart your computer and in the boot menu, select “Advanced options for (your Linux OS name).” Choose an earlier kernel version and see if it resolves the issue.

“Network manager not running”

When the Linux Network Manager isn't running, your Linux system won’t be able to connect to any networks. This service, which manages the internet connection, might have been disabled or failed to start properly because of a glitch.

Here’s how to fix it:

1. 1.Start Network Manager manually. Open Terminal and enter the “sudo systemctl start systemd-networkd” command. After entering your password, the service should start, and your network should reconnect.
2. 2.Enable Network Manager to start on boot. To prevent this issue from happening again, you can enable Network Manager to start automatically every time you boot up your system. Run the “sudo systemctl enable systemd-networkd” command in the terminal. 
3. 3.Reinstall Network Manager. If the service still doesn’t run properly, it might be worth reinstalling it. You can do so by running the following commands in Terminal:
   • “sudo apt update” 
   • “sudo apt upgrade” 
   • “sudo apt install --reinstall network-manager”  

After reinstalling, restart your system to ensure everything is set up correctly.

No network connection on Android devices

If you're having trouble connecting to the network on your Android device, you're not alone. Whether you're using a Samsung phone or another Android device, most connection problems are easily fixable.

“Mobile network not available”

The “Mobile network not available” error means your phone can't connect to a mobile network. It could be due to a problem with your SIM card or your mobile settings. Here’s what you can do to fix it:

1. 1.Check your phone’s cellular connection. Find your phone’s signal strength indicator, usually shown as bars, at the top of the screen. If the bars are low or there’s no signal, your phone may not be within range of a cellular tower to have internet. 
2. 2.Turn airplane mode on and off. Refresh your connection by toggling the airplane mode switch on your phone from the top of your screen. Or go to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “Airplane mode.”
3. 3.Restart your phone. A quick restart can fix many connection problems. Hold the power button and volume buttons down together for 10 seconds until the screen goes black. Let go and wait for your phone to restart.
4. 4.Check your SIM card. Sometimes your SIM card might not be seated properly or may be dirty. Turn off your phone, eject the SIM tray using a paperclip or a specific tool, and clean the SIM card with a soft cloth. Then put it back in and restart your phone.
5. 5.Update your software. Your phone running on outdated software may cause connection issues. Go to “Settings” > “Software update” and make sure your phone is updated to the latest Android version. 

“Wi-Fi authentication error”

If you see a “Wi-Fi authentication error," your phone can't connect to the network because of a problem with the connection details or settings. The good news is that you can easily fix it:

1. 1.Reconnect to the Wi-Fi network. Go to “Settings” > “Wi-Fi,” select the network you're having trouble with, and tap “Forget.” Then, reconnect using the correct login details.
2. 2.Check the time and date. If your phone's time isn’t synced with the router, it can cause Wi-Fi authentication problems. Go to “Settings” > “Date & time” and turn on “Automatic date & time.”
3. 3.Reboot your router. If everything looks fine on your phone but you’re still having issues, try restarting your Wi-Fi router. Unplug your router for about 10 seconds and plug it back in. Then try connecting again.

“Failed to obtain IP address”

The “Failed to obtain IP address” error on Android typically appears when your device can’t get an IP address from your Wi-Fi router. This issue can prevent you from connecting to the internet. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a poor Wi-Fi signal, router configuration problems, or software issues on your device. Here’s how to solve this problem:

1. 1.Reconnect to the network. It’s the simplest first step that can help resolve temporary issues. Go to “Settings” > “Connections” > “Wi-Fi.” Tap on the Wi-Fi network, then choose “Forget.” Reconnect to the network as usual.
2. 2.Assign a static IP address. If your device still can't obtain an IP address automatically, you can manually assign one. Go to “Settings” > “Connections” > “Wi-Fi.” Tap the selected Wi-Fi network and choose “Forget.” Reconnect to the network, then tap on “IP settings” and select “Static.” In the “IP Address” field, change the last digit of your IP address to any number between 1 and 225. Tap “Save” and try reconnecting.
3. 3.Restart device. Restarting the phone can help fix issues caused by software glitches or conflicts. Hold the power button for 10 seconds, then select “Power off” and turn it back on.
4. 4.Check your router’s DHCP settings. Open a web browser and enter the router’s IP address in the address bar to access its admin interface. Log in using your credentials, then go to the DHCP settings, usually found under “LAN setup” or “Network settings.” Make sure that the “Enable DHCP” option is activated. If it’s turned off, switch it on and save the changes.

No network connection on iOS Devices

If you're experiencing a “No network connection error” on an iPhone or iPad, several common issues could be at play. It could be data plan problems or even a SIM card error, depending on the error you’re seeing.

“Could not activate cellular data network”

The “Could not activate cellular data network” error means your iPhone is unable to connect to the mobile data network. This issue could happen for a few reasons, such as restrictions from your carrier or issues with your data plan. Here are some of the troubleshooting steps you can take:

1. 1.Check if your data plan is active. Ensure that your cellular plan is active and that you have available data. Visit and log in to your network provider’s website to check.
2. 2.Turn on cellular data. Sometimes you might accidentally turn off cellular data. To check, go to “Settings” > “Cellular,” and make sure the “Cellular data” slider is on.
3. 3.Turn off airplane mode. Go to “Settings” and check if the toggle is off near “Airplane mode.”
4. 4.Update carrier settings. Carrier settings control how your phone connects to your mobile network. If they're out of date, it can cause issues with cellular data. To update them, go to “Settings” > “General” > “About.” Wait for 10 seconds for it to load. If an update is available, you'll see a prompt.
5. 5.Restart your device. A simple restart can often resolve network issues, including problems activating your data. Press and hold the “Side” and “Volume” buttons simultaneously. Release when the power off slider appears. Slide to turn off. After it shuts down, press and hold the “Side” button again until the Apple logo appears.

“No SIM” or “Invalid SIM”

The "No SIM" or "Invalid SIM" errors can happen if your SIM card isn't installed properly, is damaged, or your carrier is experiencing an issue. This error means your phone isn’t recognizing your SIM, which is crucial for connecting to your carrier’s network. Here’s how to fix it:

1. 1.Remove and reinsert the SIM card. Sometimes the SIM card might not be properly seated. Turn off your device, remove the SIM tray on the side of the device using a paperclip or the SIM ejector tool, remove the SIM, and then carefully reinsert it.
2. 2.Try a different SIM card. If you have a spare SIM card or one from a friend, try inserting it into your iPhone to see if the phone is experiencing a hardware issue.
3. 3.Contact your carrier. If you’ve tried the steps above and are still facing the issue, contact your carrier. It can check if your SIM is active or damaged and may provide a replacement if necessary.
4. 4.Check if your iPhone is carrier locked. If you’re using a SIM from a different carrier than the one you got your phone from, your iPhone must be carrier unlocked. To check, go to “Settings” > “General” > “About.” If your phone is unlocked, it will say “No SIM restrictions” next to “Carrier lock.”

“No network connection”

If you see "No network connection," it most likely is caused by a software glitch. Here’s how you can fix this issue:

1. 1.Reset network settings. Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Transfer or reset iPhone” > “Reset” > “Reset network settings.” Doing so will clear all Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings, so you’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi again afterward.
2. 2.Check for the latest iOS update. Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Software update” to check for available updates.

Network connection issues on smart TVs

Smart TVs are fantastic for streaming your favorite shows and movies, but internet connection problems can sometimes interrupt the experience. Here’s how to troubleshoot the connectivity problems that occur the most often across popular brands like LG, Samsung, and even Vizio.

The Wi-Fi is turned off

If your smart TV can’t find or connect to any Wi-Fi networks, it might be because Wi-Fi is disabled or the TV’s Wi-Fi module is faulty. Here’s what you can do to fix it:

1. 1.Enable Wi-Fi. Go to your TV’s settings, look for the network options, and ensure that Wi-Fi is enabled. Look for options like “Settings” > “Network” > “Wireless connection.”
2. 2.Perform a factory reset. If enabling Wi-Fi doesn’t work, reset the TV to factory settings. This option can usually be found under “Settings” > “General” > “Reset to initial settings.”
3. 3.Contact customer support. If the issue persists, your TV’s Wi-Fi module may need repair or replacement. Contact the manufacturer’s support for help.

The TV can’t connect to the network

When your TV detects your Wi-Fi but can’t connect, it’s often due to password errors or compatibility issues with your router. Try these steps to troubleshoot the error:

1. 1.Re-enter the Wi-Fi password. Double-check your Wi-Fi password and carefully re-enter it. Remember — passwords are case sensitive.
2. 2.Check router frequency. Ensure your TV supports your router’s Wi-Fi frequency band. Some older TVs work only on 2.4GHz, not 5GHz. If that’s the case, switch to the compatible band in your router settings.

A problem with the wireless network

Wireless network issues can happen because of interference from nearby devices or outdated software on your Smart TV. Take these steps to fix the issue:

1. 1.Reduce interference. Devices like microwaves, baby monitors, or cordless phones can sometimes disrupt Wi-Fi signals. To avoid signal disruption, keep them away from the TV and router.
2. 2.Update your TV’s software. Older TV software might not work well with your network. Go to your TV settings, look for options similar to “Support” > “Software update,” and download available updates to fix any bugs.
3. 3.Use a wired connection. If the issue with the wireless connection persists, you might have to consider connecting your TV directly to the router with an Ethernet cable for a stable connection.

Network connection issues on gaming consoles

Nothing’s more frustrating than losing connection when you’re in the middle of gaming. Here’s how to troubleshoot common connectivity issues in games like Roblox and on consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.

Network connection issues on Xbox

If your Xbox can’t connect to the internet or Xbox Live, here are a few quick checks to try:

1. 1.Check your internet connection. Test your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection on another device. Restart your router if needed.
2. 2.Verify Xbox Live status. Visit the Xbox Status page to check for server maintenance or outages.
3. 3.Restart your console. Power off your Xbox, unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in and restart.

Network connection issues on PlayStation

PlayStation consoles may encounter connectivity errors due to PSN maintenance or local network problems. Here’s what to try:

1. 1.Test your internet connection. Check if other devices have an internet connection. You can also run an internet health test online to see if your internet connection has enough internet speed.
2. 2.Check PSN status. Visit the PSN Status page to see if maintenance is happening. If so, you’ll just need to wait it out.
3. 3.Restart your console. Power off your PlayStation, wait for about 10 seconds, and then turn it back on.