Why does my internet work on some devices but not others?

Having internet issues on some devices while others connect without a hitch can be frustrating. This common problem often arises due to a variety of factors, ranging from device-specific settings to broader network issues.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why your internet might work on some devices but not others and provide solutions to help you troubleshoot these problems.

Common Reasons Why Internet Might Work on Some Devices but Not Others

There are several reasons why some devices may have trouble connecting to the internet, while others work fine. Below are the main causes:

Issue	Description
Wi-Fi Signal Strength	Devices far from the router may have weaker signals and difficulty connecting.
Device-Specific Settings	Some devices may have incompatible network settings or need manual adjustments.
IP Conflicts	Multiple devices might attempt to use the same IP address, causing connectivity issues.
MAC Address Filtering	Routers with MAC filtering may block certain devices from connecting.
Outdated Network Drivers	Older devices may have outdated drivers that prevent them from connecting.
Router Limitations	Some routers have a limit on the number of devices they can connect simultaneously.
Network Frequency Bands	Devices may only support certain frequency bands (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
Firmware or Software Issues	Devices running older firmware or operating systems might encounter compatibility problems.

1. Wi-Fi Signal Strength

One of the most common reasons why some devices struggle to connect to the internet is poor Wi-Fi signal strength. If the device is far from the router or in a location with physical obstructions like walls, the signal can weaken, resulting in poor or no connectivity.

Solution:

• Move the device closer to the router.
• Remove physical barriers (e.g., walls, metal objects) between the device and the router.
• Consider using a Wi-Fi extender to boost signal strength in areas with weak reception.

2. Device-Specific Network Settings

Some devices may require specific network configurations, such as static IP addresses, custom DNS settings, or proxy server configurations. If these settings are incorrectly configured, the device may fail to connect to the internet.

Solution:

• Ensure that the device’s network settings are set to “Automatic” (DHCP) for IP and DNS.
• If necessary, reset network settings on the device to restore default configurations.

3. IP Address Conflicts

An IP address conflict occurs when two devices on the same network are assigned the same IP address. This can happen if the router’s DHCP service malfunctions or if static IP addresses are manually assigned.

Solution:

• Reboot your router to refresh the DHCP assignments.
• Manually assign unique static IP addresses to the affected devices.

Step	Instructions
Restart Router	Turn off the router for 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
Release/Renew IP on Windows	Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /release, then ipconfig /renew.
Release/Renew IP on Mac	Open Terminal and type sudo ifconfig en0 down, then sudo ifconfig en0 up.

4. MAC Address Filtering

Some routers employ MAC address filtering as a security measure to restrict which devices can access the network. If your router’s MAC filtering is enabled and the device’s MAC address is not on the allowed list, it will be blocked from connecting to the internet.

Solution:

• Access the router’s settings and disable MAC filtering, or add the MAC address of the device to the whitelist.

Step	Instructions
Access Router Settings	Open a browser and enter the router’s IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
Disable MAC Filtering	Navigate to the “Security” or “Advanced” tab and turn off MAC filtering.
Add Device MAC Address	Find your device’s MAC address and add it to the allowed list.

5. Outdated Network Drivers

Older devices may struggle to connect to modern Wi-Fi networks if they have outdated network drivers. Device drivers are essential for communication between the hardware and the router.

Solution:

• Update the network drivers on your device through the manufacturer’s website or use the automatic driver update feature.

6. Router Limitations

Some routers have a limit on the number of devices they can connect to the network simultaneously. Once the limit is reached, additional devices will be unable to connect.

Solution:

• Upgrade to a router with higher capacity, especially if you have multiple devices like smartphones, smart TVs, and IoT devices.

7. Network Frequency Bands (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz)

Wi-Fi networks typically broadcast on two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Some older devices only support the 2.4 GHz band, while newer devices may prefer the 5 GHz band for faster speeds.

Solution:

• Check if the device supports 5 GHz Wi-Fi. If not, ensure that the router is broadcasting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
• Log into the router settings and verify the frequency settings, adjusting them if necessary.

8. Firmware or Software Issues

Firmware or software bugs on either the router or device can prevent a device from connecting properly. This is especially common in older devices that haven’t been updated for a while.

Solution:

• Update the router’s firmware from the manufacturer’s website.
• Ensure the device’s operating system and software are up to date.

Troubleshooting Steps for Common Issues

Here is a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting internet issues on specific devices:

Step	Instructions
Check Wi-Fi Signal	Ensure the device is within range of the router. Move closer if needed.
Restart Router	Turn off the router, wait for 10-15 seconds, and turn it back on.
Restart the Device	Reboot the device to refresh network settings.
Update Device Drivers	Ensure that the latest network drivers are installed on your device.
Reset Network Settings	For mobile devices, go to Settings > Network > Reset Network Settings.
Check Router Settings	Log into the router’s settings and disable MAC filtering or IP restrictions.
Test Wired Connection	If available, connect the device via Ethernet to see if the issue is with Wi-Fi.

Links for Further Assistance

If you’re still encountering issues, you can refer to the following resources for more in-depth troubleshooting:

1. How to Troubleshoot Wi-Fi Connection Issues (Windows)
2. Mac Wi-Fi Problems: How to Fix (Apple Support)
3. Updating Router Firmware (Netgear, Linksys, etc.)
4. IP Conflict Troubleshooting
5. Resetting Network Settings on Android
6. Resetting Network Settings on iOS

Conclusion

When the internet works on some devices but not others, the problem can stem from several issues—ranging from weak Wi-Fi signals, outdated drivers, IP conflicts, and router settings to device-specific compatibility problems.

By systematically troubleshooting and making small adjustments, you can often resolve these issues and enjoy seamless connectivity across all devices.

By following the solutions outlined above and exploring the provided links, you should be able to diagnose and fix the issue, ensuring that your entire device lineup is back online quickly.