Before you start
- Access to your router (for the last steps)
Method 1 Quick fixes
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Step 1: Restart everything
Turn off the router (and modem) for 30 seconds, then on again. Restart your device.
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Step 2: Forget and rejoin
On your device, forget the Wi-Fi network and join it again with the password.
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Step 3: Try another device
If every device fails, the problem is the router. If only one fails, it’s that device.
Method 2 Windows: renew and reset
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Step 1: Open Terminal (Admin)
Right-click Start > Terminal (Admin).
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Step 2: Renew the IP
Run ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew.
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Step 3: Reset the network stack
If it still fails, run the reset commands below and restart the PC.
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Step 4: Check adapter settings
In Settings > Network & internet > [Wi-Fi/Ethernet] > Hardware properties, make sure IP assignment is Automatic (DHCP).
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /flushdnsMethod 3 Android and iPhone
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Step 1: Forget the network
Android: Settings > Network & internet > Internet, tap the gear next to the network > Forget. iPhone: Settings > Wi-Fi > (i) > Forget This Network.
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Step 2: Check private MAC address
If your router uses MAC filtering or reservations, set the network’s privacy option to Use device MAC (Android) or turn off Private Wi-Fi Address (iPhone) for that network.
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Step 3: Make sure IP is automatic
In the network’s advanced settings, IP settings should be DHCP, not Static, unless you set it deliberately.
Method 4 Check the router
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Step 1: DHCP server on
In the router admin page, check DHCP Server is enabled under LAN settings.
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Step 2: Enough addresses
If you have many devices, increase the DHCP range (e.g. 192.168.1.100–192.168.1.250).
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Step 3: Blocked devices
Check the router’s block list and MAC filter aren’t blocking your device.
Troubleshooting
The IP starts with 169.254
That’s an automatic “no DHCP” address: the device didn’t hear back from the router. Check cables, Wi-Fi signal and the router’s DHCP server.
Ethernet only fails on one port
Try another cable and router port. Update the Ethernet driver.
Frequently asked questions
What is DHCP?
The router service that hands out IP addresses to devices automatically.
Should I set a static IP?
Only for specific devices like printers or servers, and preferably as a DHCP reservation on the router.
Summary
Restart the router and device, renew with ipconfig /release and /renew, reset Winsock/TCP-IP if needed, and check the router’s DHCP server and block lists.
