Why does my wifi work on some devices but not others
Jul 11, 2025 am 12:13 AMDevice connection Wi-Fi issues are usually caused by settings or compatibility, non-network failures. 1. First confirm whether it is a device problem, try to restart the device, forget the network and reconnect; 2. Test multiple types of devices to determine whether only one type cannot be connected; 3. Check the Wi-Fi frequency band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), some old devices do not support 5 GHz, so you can try to separate the SSID; 4. Update the router firmware, check the security protocol and MAC address filtering settings; 5. Consider signal strength and interference, the 5 GHz wall-through ability is weak, avoid obstacles or use the Mesh system to cover larger areas.
Your Wi-Fi working on some devices but not others usually come down to a few common reasons — and most of the time, it's something you can fix without calling your ISP.

Check if It's a Device-Specific Issue
First off, make sure the problem is really with the Wi-Fi and not just the device itself. Try turning the device off and on again, or forgetting the network and reconnecting. Sometimes devices just get stuck in a weird state.

Also, test different types of devices — like a phone, laptop, and smart TV — to see if only one category (like just laptops) has issues. If only one device doesn't work anywhere, it might be hardware-related. But if it works on other networks and not yours, then it's probably your router or settings.
- Restart both the device and the router
- Forget the network and reconnect
- Test across multiple devices
Look at the Wi-Fi Band: 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz
Many modern routers broadcast two Wi-Fi bands — 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Some older devices don't support 5 GHz at all, so they'll either not see it or won't connect properly. On the flip side, newer phones or laptops may default to the faster 5 GHz band and avoid the slower 2.4 GHz unless signal strength drops.

If your router uses the same network name (SSID) for both bands, some devices might struggle to pick the right one. That can lead to spotty connections or no connection at all.
- Older devices often only support 2.4 GHz
- Some devices may fail to switch bands automatically
- Try separating your SSIDs for each band to troubleshoot
Router Settings or Compatibility Issues
Sometimes, the issue is more technical — like outdated firmware on your router or incompatible security settings. For example, if you recently updated your router's settings to use WPA3 encryption, some older devices might not support that yet and will keep failing to connect.
Also, check for MAC address filtering — a setting that lets you block specific devices from connecting. You might have turned this on by accident or added a rule that's now blocking something unintentionally.
- Make sure your router firmware is up to date
- Check if security protocols match what your device supports
- Double-check MAC filtering rules
Signal Strength and Interference
Even if your devices are compatible, physical factors matter too. Thick walls, metal objects, and even microwaves can interfere with Wi-Fi signals — especially on the 5 GHz band, which has shorter range and worse wall penetration.
Try moving the device closer to the router or changing the router's location slightly. Also, avoid placing it near large appliances or mirrors. If you're covering a big area, consider a mesh system instead of a single router.
- Distance and obstacles affect signal quality
- 5 GHz has less range than 2.4 GHz
- Mesh systems help cover larger areas reliable
Basically that's it. Most of the time it is a problem with setting or compatibility, not the network itself is broken. Trying the above methods should solve most of the situations.
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