Connect Your Chromebook to Wi-Fi

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Wi-Fi Network: Credentials

In order to connect to a wireless network, you must have the required credentials. These are:

• Wireless Network Name (SSID)
• Wireless Network Key (Password)

Finding Network Credentials

Most wireless routers/gateways have a label with the default credentials. If the credentials aren't there, look in the devices documentation.

If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) installed the wireless router or gateway, they might have left you a setup sheet which may have the credentials.

2. Chromebook: Connect to Wi-Fi

1. Select the User menu by clicking your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
   

1. Select the triangle > next to the network option.
   

1. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on at the top of the menu. Then, select your Wi-Fi network, it will usually be at or near the top.
   

1. Enter your Wi-Fi password. You may also want to place a check mark next to Share this network with other users, so other people who use this Chromebook can connect to this Wi-Fi network as well. Then, select Connect.
   

1. When you are connected, the Wi-Fi icon will show as filled in in the bottom right-hand corner.
   

3. Check Other Devices

To help troubleshoot the problem we should check if other devices can connect to the wireless network.

4. Check Environment

If other wireless devices are connected to the network and functioning properly, chances are the router is OK. It's possible there is an environmental issue. Do you have a portable wireless device (Smart Phone, Tablet, Laptop, etc.) that you can put in the same area to test and see if that device's wireless connection still functions as intended in that location?

5. Chromebook: Restart

There are 2 main ways to restart your Chromebook. The first method is preferred.

Shut Down From Menus

1. Select the User menu by clicking your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
   

1. Select the Power symbol. Your Chromebook will turn off.
   

1. Wait 10 seconds.
2. Push the Power Button on your Chromebook to turn it back on.

Shut Down With Hardware

1. Push and hold the Power Button on your keyboard for 10 seconds.
2. Wait 10 seconds.
3. Push the Power Button on your Chromebook to turn it back on.

6. What's next?

7. Networking: Range Check

The device needs to be within a reasonable range of the router in order to connect and have the best connection speeds.

• In general, in most homes, you can be up to 30 feet from your router for a decent connection.
• From 30' to 50' away, the speeds will be slower, and may drop occasionally, but it should be usable.
• Greater than 50' away, and the signal will most likely be too weak to overcome interference. The speeds will be slow, and the connection may be sporadic.

The above numbers are approximates only. Optimal range may vary based on router make and model.

8. Contact ISP or Router OEM for Network Support

9. Networking: Relocate Router Check

Your router may need to be relocated to a more centralized location in order to provide better coverage for all your devices.

Good Placement

Bad Placement

10. Router Relocation

Since this appears to be a range issue that can be resolved by putting the router in closer proximity to the device's intended use area, we recommend moving the router to a more centralized location.

11. Range Extender

If wireless signal is not reaching your device, and relocating your router or the device itself to be in closer proximity is not possible or doesn't resolve the issue, a great way to boost wireless signal without replacing existing equipment is to acquire and install a range extender. Range extenders work with your existing wireless router as a type of wireless repeater used to expand the reach of wireless signal in your home.

12. What's next?