There are a wide variety of factors that can lead to a complete loss of connectivity over Wi-Fi, and in this article we will go over some of the more common solutions, as well as how to contact us in the event the issue is not resolved.
If this is an intermittent problem, please follow the steps in our Intermittent Wi-Fi article.
This guide is primarily aimed at laptop and desktop devices. Mobile devices should follow the steps outlined here.
Before starting, you should try double-checking you have the same problem in a different browser, if you have one installed.
First, you can reinstall the software that handles your device’s Wi-Fi connection:
Press and hold the Windows key ( or
) and press the letter "R" > In the box, type "ncpa.cpl" and press Enter > In this new window, right click the Wi-Fi network connection and select Properties > Select Configure, then go to the Driver tab > Click Update Driver > Select Browse my computer for driver software > Select Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer > There will be compatible drivers shown here. There may be a few. If there are any with Microsoft in the name, try to avoid them. If they have dates on them, select the latest, otherwise select any > Click Next > Once it’s installed, restart the computer.
Click the Apple icon and select System Preferences > Select Network > Select Wi-Fi, then click the '-' minus symbol. This will immediately remove the Wi-Fi option from the list > Click the '+' plus button, and select Wi-Fi from the Interface drop-down menu. The Service Name will be default > Click Create, then Apply in the bottom right > If connected to a network, the adapter should then pick up an IP address.
If it does not, go back to System Preferences > Select Network > On the left, Select Wi-Fi, then on the right click Advanced > Go to the TCP/IP tab > Click 'Renew DHCP Lease', then retest your connection.
Next, you can check that your device is configured to take an IP address from our network, and isn’t still using the one from your home network:
Press and hold the Windows key ( or
) and press the letter "R" > In the box, type "ncpa.cpl" and press Enter > In this new window, right click the Wi-Fi network connection and select Properties > Click and highlight 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' from the list > Click Properties > Ensure the only filled circles in this window are 'Obtain an IP address automatically' and 'Obtain DNS server address automatically'.
Click the Apple icon and select System Preferences > Select Network > Select Wi-Fi on the left, then click Advanced on the right > Go to the TCP/IP tab > Next to Configure IPv4, make sure it is set to 'Using DHCP' from the drop-down menu.
You can also try clearing your browser's cache. How to do this differs between browsers, but generally you'll find it in the Browsing History section of the settings.
Certain Antivirus programs are incompatible with our network, as they block our ability to assign your device an IP address. We have found AVG and Avast to be best suited. You should run a full Anti-virus scan on your device, and if possible make sure the software is fully up to date.
Similarly, sometimes your device's firewalls may be blocking our network from assigning an IP address. Try temporarily disabling them and retesting the connection.
Press and hold the Windows key ( or
) and press the letter "R" > In the box, type "Control Panel" and press Enter > In this new window, click System and Security > Click Windows Firewall > On the left, click Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
You may find a message telling you that these settings are being controlled by a vendor application. This means your Anti-virus includes its own Firewall, and you will need to turn it off through the software's settings.
Click on the Apple icon > Select System Preferences > Select Security and Privacy > Select the Firewall tab at the top > Click Turn Off Firewall.
If disabling the firewalls does help, please remember to re-enable them before you use any other public network.
If the issue persists, we will need to speak with you in order to work out the best way to improve the connection. You can either call us on 0333 123 0115, or alternatively you can email us some information, and we’ll contact you.
First, we need to you capture some data from your device.
The below instructions will create a report that will tell us about your device, and will help us identify any configuration issues and trace your issue on the network. Please try and connect to then then follow these instructions:
The following steps are for Windows 8 devices onwards. If you have an older device, you can skip this section.
You should end up with something like this:
The below instructions will create a Wi-Fi report that will tell us about the Wi-Fi signal in the area, and identify any interference or configuration issues:
You can check you have the right page by looking at the top line, which should say "Software Versions".
Next, consider the following questions:
Please send these screenshots as attachments, along with the answers to the above questions in an email to us, and we will endeavour to get in touch as soon as we can. Alternatively, you can contact us using the form below, and send the attachments when prompted later on. You must include either your Username or Account ID in the email.