If Ethernet works but Wi-Fi does not, your internet service is probably fine. The problem is narrowed to the router wireless radio, its settings, firmware, or hardware.
Does this affect you?
Use this when a wired computer gets online but phones, laptops, or tablets cannot see or join the Wi-Fi network.
Check that Wi-Fi is turned on
A physical wireless button is easy to bump.
- Look on the router sides and back for a Wi-Fi, Wireless, or Wi-Fi-symbol button or switch.
- If it is a switch, set it to on. If it is a button, press it briefly. Do not hold it long enough to trigger reset on models where buttons share functions.
- Check the front Wi-Fi light. If power and internet lights are on but Wi-Fi is off, the wireless radio is disabled.
- If there is no physical control, log into 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 and check Wireless or Wi-Fi settings for enable toggles on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
Power cycle the router
A stuck wireless radio often clears with a full restart.
- Unplug the router from power. Leave the modem alone if wired internet already works.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Plug the router back in.
- Wait about two minutes for it to boot.
- Check the Wi-Fi list from a phone or laptop and look for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz names if your router uses separate bands.
Check hidden names, bands, and channels
The Wi-Fi may be running but invisible to your device.
- In router settings, turn off Hide SSID or enable Broadcast Network Name.
- Confirm the main network is enabled, not only the guest network.
- Check whether the SSID was renamed and you are searching for the old name.
- Confirm your device supports the band being broadcast. Older devices may not see 5 GHz-only networks.
- Check wireless channels and avoid channels outside the normal range for your region.
More control
Update firmware
Buggy firmware can leave Wi-Fi broken while wired ports still work. Install available router updates under Administration, Advanced, or Firmware Update.
The wireless radio may have failed
If Wi-Fi never returns after settings, restart, and firmware updates, test another router on the same modem. If the replacement broadcasts normally, the old router radio is likely bad.
Factory reset is the last step
A reset can recover corrupted settings, but it erases Wi-Fi name, password, admin password, and custom rules. Use it before replacing the router, not as the first move.
Sources
- FCC Consumer Guide – Wireless Network Troubleshooting (2024)
- Netgear Support – Wi-Fi not broadcasting or not visible (2025)
- TP-Link Support – Wireless network not showing up (2025)