Most of us have had to deal with this classic and supremely annoying problem: not being able to connect to what seems like a healthy WiFi network.
The worst part about this issue is that there are many reasons why your device may not be able to get online—from a weak signal to a pending firmware update. To solve this, try some of the tips from our guide to the six things you should do first when connecting your phone, laptop, or home appliance to a WiFi network.
If you can’t remember your WiFi password but have a Windows or Mac computer connected to it, this is an easy problem to solve.
On a Windows machine, you’ll need to find the list of known networks. The easiest way to do so is by opening the Run app (summon it with Win + R or by entering its name into the search bar next to the Start button), typing ncpa.cpl, and clicking OK. A new window with your computer’s known connections will appear. Double-click on the network you need access to and then click Wireless Properties on the popup menu. A third window will emerge, and under the Security tab you’ll see the Network security key, which is just a fancy way of saying “password.” By default, the word or phrase will not be visible (you’ll see some black dots instead), but if you click on the Show characters box underneath, the password will appear before your eyes.
You can do something similar on a Mac computer. Open the Keychain Access app (via Spotlight Search or Cmd + Space), go to the Passwords tab, and double-click on the network you’re trying to gain access to. On the popup menu, check the box next to Show password—the app will ask for your system credentials (the details you use to log into your computer). Enter those and the password will appear on the screen. Keep in mind that TouchID is not enough to unlock your network’s WiFi password, and this solution won’t work if you’re not the administrator of your machine.
If you have an Android device running the latest version of Google’s operating system, you’ll also be able to see the password for the network it’s connected to. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Internet and select your home WiFi network. Tap the Share button and verify your identity. Depending on how you have your phone set up, it’ll ask you for your biometrics, your password, passcode, or pattern. This tool will generate a QR code other devices can use to hop onto the network, but you’ll also be able to see the password right underneath.
If none of this works, you’ll need to reset your credentials. This entails accessing your router and—you guessed it—entering a username and password. The good news is that whether you bought your router or still have the one your internet service provider gave you, you probably didn’t actually change the device’s default credentials. If that’s the case, you’ll be able to find them by looking at the user manual or searching for your router’s brand and model online.
Source : https://www.popsci.com/diy/how-to-fix-wifi-problems/
