The Most Common Reasons Your Tablet Loses WiFi

A tablet that won't connect to WiFi usually has one of three problems: the WiFi itself is down, your tablet's WiFi radio is turned off or malfunctioning, or your tablet is too far from the router or blocked by interference. Start by checking whether other devices in your home can reach the same network. If your phone, laptop, or another tablet connects fine, the problem is with your tablet. If nothing connects, the issue is your router or internet service.

The second most common cause is that your tablet has forgotten the network password or the router has changed its settings since you last connected. This happens often after a router restart or a password change. Your tablet stores the old credentials and refuses to reconnect until you tell it to forget the network and enter the new password.

Key Takeaways

  • Check whether other devices can connect to the same WiFi network — if they can, the problem is your tablet, not your router.
  • Restart your tablet and your router by powering them off completely for 30 seconds, then turning them back on.
  • If your tablet still won't connect, go to WiFi settings, select the network, and choose "Forget This Network," then reconnect with the current password.
  • Move your tablet closer to the router and away from microwaves, cordless phones, and thick walls, which block the WiFi signal.
  • If the problem persists after these steps, your tablet's WiFi hardware may be failing and may need repair or replacement.

Restart Your Tablet and Router

The fastest fix is a full restart of both devices. Power off your tablet completely — not sleep mode, but a full shutdown. Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. While your tablet is restarting, do the same with your router: unplug it from power, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.

This clears temporary memory errors that sometimes prevent WiFi from working. Many tablets and routers hold onto bad connection data until they are fully powered down. After both devices have restarted and your router has finished booting (usually two to three minutes), try connecting again.

Forget the Network and Reconnect

If restarting did not work, your tablet may be holding onto an old or corrupted password. Go to your tablet's WiFi settings, find the network name in the list of saved networks, and select "Forget This Network" or "Remove." The exact wording varies by tablet brand and operating system version.

Once you have forgotten the network, look for the network name again in the available networks list. Select it and enter the current WiFi password. If you do not know the password, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — most routers print the default password there. If you changed the password and cannot remember it, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, which will restore the default password printed on the device.

Check Your Physical Location and Signal Strength

WiFi signals weaken with distance and are blocked by walls, metal, and water. If your tablet is in a bedroom on the opposite side of your house from the router, move it closer and try again. Walls, especially those with metal studs or plumbing, cut WiFi range by half or more. A tablet that works fine in the living room next to the router may not connect reliably in a basement or garage.

Also move your tablet away from devices that broadcast on the same frequency as WiFi: microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and some wireless speakers. These devices operate on the 2.4 GHz band, the same frequency most older routers use, and they cause interference that makes connections drop or fail. If you have a newer router that broadcasts on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, try connecting to the 5 GHz network instead — it has shorter range but less interference.

Check Whether WiFi Is Turned On

This sounds obvious, but many tablets have a physical WiFi switch or a software toggle that users accidentally turn off. On most tablets, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings menu and look for a WiFi icon. If it is grayed out or shows an X, tap it to turn WiFi back on.

Some tablets also have a physical switch on the side or edge of the device that disables WiFi. Check the sides and edges of your tablet for any switches, and make sure none are in the off position. If your tablet has been in a case or bag, the switch may have been flipped without you noticing.

Update Your Tablet's Software

Outdated software sometimes contains bugs that break WiFi. Go to your tablet's settings, look for "System" or "About," and check for software updates. If an update is available, connect your tablet to WiFi using a different network if possible — a mobile hotspot from your phone, for example — and install the update. After the update finishes and your tablet restarts, try connecting to your home WiFi again.

If you cannot connect to any WiFi network at all, even a mobile hotspot, the problem is likely hardware-related rather than software-related, and updating may not help. In that case, move to the next section.

When the Problem Is Your Tablet's Hardware

If your tablet will not connect to any WiFi network, even after restarting, forgetting and reconnecting, and updating software, the WiFi radio inside your tablet may be failing. This is a hardware problem that you cannot fix yourself. The WiFi antenna or the chip that controls it may be damaged, loose, or worn out.

At this point, contact the tablet's manufacturer or visit an authorized repair center. Bring your tablet and proof of purchase if you have it. Repair costs vary widely depending on the tablet brand and age — some manufacturers cover hardware failures under warranty, while others charge a flat repair fee or a percentage of the tablet's original price. If your tablet is very old or inexpensive, repair may cost more than replacing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my tablet connect to WiFi but then disconnect after a few minutes?

This usually means your tablet is too far from the router or there is interference blocking the signal. Move closer to the router and away from microwaves and cordless phones. If the problem continues, restart both your tablet and router. If disconnections happen only at certain times of day, a neighbor's WiFi network may be interfering — try switching your router to a different WiFi channel using its settings page.

Can I fix a broken WiFi antenna myself?

No. The WiFi antenna is soldered to the main circuit board inside your tablet, and opening the device will void any remaining warranty and may cause further damage. If the antenna is broken, you need professional repair or replacement.

Why does my tablet say "Cannot Connect to This Network"?

This message usually means the password you entered is wrong, or your tablet is too far from the router. Double-check the password by looking at the router's label or logging into the router's settings page from another device. If the password is correct, move your tablet closer to the router and try again.

Does a WiFi extender help if my tablet only works near the router?

Yes. A WiFi extender or mesh router system can expand your WiFi range so your tablet stays connected throughout your home. Extenders are inexpensive — usually between $30 and $100 — and are worth considering if you have a large home or thick walls that block the signal.

Should I use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi on my tablet?

Use 5 GHz if your tablet and router both support it. It is faster and has less interference from household devices. Use 2.4 GHz only if your tablet does not support 5 GHz or if you need the longer range — 2.4 GHz reaches farther but is slower and more prone to interference.