How to Fix Network Connection Problems on a Chromebook

Chromebooks are generally known for their simplicity and ease of use, but occasionally, users may encounter connectivity issues. These problems can range from difficulties connecting to Wi-Fi networks to Bluetooth connectivity problems or an inability to connect to other devices. Fortunately, there are several effective solutions for resolving these issues without the need for professional assistance or hardware repairs.

Solving network connection problems on ChromeOS

When it comes to network connectivity issues on ChromeOS, there are several avenues to explore. The following subsections detail some of the most common solutions for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and phone connectivity issues.

1. How to fix Wi-Fi issues on your Chromebook

Wi-Fi connectivity is essential for most Chromebook users. If you’re having connectivity issues, try the following solutions:

Restart your Chromebook

The first solution to try is a simple restart of your Chromebook. Press and hold the power button until the device shuts down. Then, press the power button again to turn it back on. Try connecting to your Wi-Fi network again to see if the issue is resolved.

Remove entries from “Preferred networks”

If your Chromebook is still failing to connect to your Wi-Fi network, try removing entries from the “Preferred networks” section. To do this, go to the “Settings” app, choose “Network” from the left column, click on “Wi-Fi,” and select “Known networks.” From there, you can remove any entries that may be causing issues.

Check for a physical Wi-Fi toggle

Some Chromebooks have a physical switch for turning Wi-Fi on and off. Check the sides of your device to see if this toggle has been disabled.

Perform a hardware reset

Press the “Power” and “Refresh” keys at the same time to perform a hardware reset of your Chromebook. This will refresh your device’s hardware components and may help resolve connectivity issues.

Reboot your router

If your desired Wi-Fi connection is not appearing on your Chromebook, try rebooting your home router. Keep rebooting your router until the relevant SSID appears on your Chromebook.

Try a wired connection

If all else fails, try using a wired connection. Some Chromebooks have an Ethernet port that can accommodate a wired connection. Alternatively, you can use a USB-C hub to enhance your Chromebook’s I/O capacity.

2. How to resolve Bluetooth problems

If you’re having issues with your Chromebook’s Bluetooth functionality, try the following solutions:

Toggle Bluetooth off and on again

Select the Bluetooth button on the Status Tray menu to turn the function off and on again repeatedly at least 4-5 times. Then, try connecting to your device to see if the issue has been resolved.

Inspect your Bluetooth device

Make sure your Bluetooth device is on and giving off the Bluetooth signal properly. Check to see if the device has been powered off due to battery insufficiency. You can also try connecting your Bluetooth device to another device to see if a connection is formed there.

Unpair and re-pair the device

If the Bluetooth device is already paired to ChromeOS, try unpairing it and pairing it back again. Go to the “Bluetooth” section in the “Settings” app, find the device that you’ve connected to, and click “Unpair.” Then, re-pair the device using the on-screen instructions.

3. How to properly connect to your phone on ChromeOS

Connecting your phone to your Chromebook can be a great way to access files and other data. Follow these steps to properly connect your phone:

Enable USB debugging on your phone

First, enable USB debugging on your phone. Go to “Settings,” “About phone,” and tap on “Build number” seven times. Then, go back to “Settings” and select “Developer options.” Turn on USB debugging.

Connect your phone to your Chromebook

Connect your phone to your Chromebook using a USB cable. Then, go to “Settings” and select “Connected devices.” From there, you can access your phone’s files and other data.

By following these solutions, you should be able to resolve most connectivity issues on your Chromebook.

What should you do if nothing works for your Chromebook?

If you have tried all the previous steps and your Chromebook still cannot connect to the internet, there are a few more options that you can try.

Let the Diagnostics tool run a scan on your Chromebook

If you are still unable to connect to the internet, you can use the Diagnostics app on ChromeOS to help you diagnose the issue. You can access the Diagnostics app by opening the launcher and typing in “Diagnostics.” Once you are in the app, click on the relevant section on the side column to the left and let it run by itself. Soon enough, you’ll be shown the results of the scan, and whether there’s a hardware problem associated with your device in specific. You can also perform the “System” check while you’re in there to determine whether there are other problems associated with your Chromebook that will impede your usability down the road.

Powerwash the Chromebook

If the Diagnostics tool is unable to diagnose the issue, you can try performing a Powerwash, which is the equivalent of performing a factory reset on your Chromebook. This process erases everything present on your device locally, so it’s important to exhaust other options prior to this one. To perform a Powerwash, head to the “Reset settings” area in the main “Settings” app and click the “Reset” button under “Powerwash.” Please note that once you confirm to reset your device, there is no going back. Make sure to back up anything important to you before performing this step.

Get in touch with the manufacturer

If the previous steps did not work, your next step is to contact the manufacturer of your Chromebook. The manufacturer is the one that can shed more light on the matter, and this support page by Google contains links to all the mainstream Chromebook makers. It’s best to refer to them for a better insight into the solution. If you are still under warranty, you may be able to get the problem resolved for free. However, if you are not under warranty, you may need to pay for repairs or part replacements.

Performing these steps should help you resolve most connectivity issues with your Chromebook. If you are still having issues after trying all the steps, it may be time to consider purchasing a new Chromebook or seeking professional help.

Conclusion

Chromebooks are known for their low-maintenance and hassle-free operation. However, if you encounter any connectivity issues, there are a few simple methods to try before resorting to a Powerwash. Here are some tips to keep your Chromebook in top condition:

• Disable and then re-enable Wi-Fi to refresh the connection.
• Perform a hardware reset by holding down the Refresh and Power buttons.
• If all else fails, perform a Powerwash to restore your Chromebook to its default settings.