What to do when WiFi network is secured but won't connect?

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Answer

When your WiFi network shows as "Connected, secured" but won't provide internet access, the issue typically lies in the communication chain between your device, router, and internet service provider (ISP). This scenario occurs when your device successfully authenticates with the WiFi network (hence the "secured" status) but cannot reach external servers or websites. The most common causes include router configuration problems, IP address conflicts, DNS server issues, or ISP outages that don't affect all devices uniformly. Solutions range from simple router restarts to advanced network command executions, with most cases resolving through systematic troubleshooting of either the device or network hardware.

Key immediate actions to try:

  • Restart your router and modem by unplugging both for 30 seconds, then reconnecting them [4][5][7]
  • Run Windows Network Troubleshooter through Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot [2][10]
  • Forget and reconnect to the WiFi network to refresh authentication credentials [2]
  • Check other devices to determine if the problem is isolated to one machine or network-wide [3][9]

Systematic Solutions for Secured WiFi Without Internet

Device-Level Fixes for Windows Machines

When only one device experiences the "secured but no internet" issue while others connect normally, the problem likely stems from local network configurations. Windows systems offer built-in tools to diagnose and resolve these connectivity breaks without requiring technical expertise. The most effective approaches combine automated troubleshooters with manual configuration checks.

Start with Windows' native diagnostic tools before attempting manual fixes. The Network Troubleshooter automatically detects common issues like incorrect IP settings or disabled network adapters:

  • Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters
  • Select Internet Connections and run the troubleshooter [2]
  • Follow any recommended fixes, particularly those related to DNS servers or network adapters

For persistent issues, manual command-line interventions often restore connectivity:

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator and execute these commands sequentially:
netsh winsock reset

netsh int ip reset ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns

These commands reset the network stack, release/renew IP addresses, and clear corrupted DNS cache [6][10]

  • Restart the computer after running these commands for changes to take effect

Driver conflicts represent another common culprit, particularly after Windows updates:

  • Open Device Manager (Win+X > Device Manager)
  • Expand Network adapters, right-click your WiFi adapter, and select Update driver
  • If updates don't resolve the issue, try rolling back the driver to a previous version [3][9]
  • As a last resort, completely uninstall the driver (Windows will reinstall it automatically upon reboot)

Router and Network Infrastructure Checks

When multiple devices experience the "secured but no internet" problem simultaneously, the issue typically originates from the router, modem, or ISP connection. These components require systematic verification to isolate the failure point. Begin with physical inspections before diving into configuration settings.

Hardware verification steps:

  • Check all cable connections between the modem, router, and power source
  • Ensure the modem shows proper synchronization lights (typically a solid green "Internet" or "Online" LED) [1][5]
  • Verify the router's WAN port light is active (usually labeled "Internet" or "WAN")
  • If using separate modem/router units, test connecting a device directly to the modem via Ethernet to bypass the router

Router configuration checks:

  • Access the router's admin panel (usually via 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a browser)
  • Verify DHCP is enabled to automatically assign IP addresses to devices [4]
  • Check for IP address conflicts in the connected devices list
  • Ensure the router's WAN connection type matches your ISP requirements (DHCP, PPPoE, etc.)
  • Test with different DNS servers (try Google's 8.8.8.8 or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1) [9]

ISP-related troubleshooting:

  • Contact your ISP to verify there are no outages in your area [5][7]
  • Ask the ISP to refresh your connection from their end (often called "provisioning")
  • If using PPPoE, verify your username/password hasn't changed
  • Request a line test if you suspect physical connection issues

For advanced users, packet loss tests can identify where the connection fails:

  • Open Command Prompt and run:
ping 8.8.8.8
  • If this works but pinging google.com fails, you have a DNS issue
  • If both fail, the problem lies with your internet connection [2]
  • Trace the route to identify where packets stop:
tracert 8.8.8.8
Last updated 3 days ago

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