Chromebooks are generally considered significantly cheaper than the average laptop, and they are also built to be capable of faster processing speeds. But what can you possibly do with all that speed if you can’t connect the Chromebook to the internet anymore? Furthermore, what could be more frustrating in life than seeing that your device is connected to WiFi but still doesn’t get internet connectivity?
First of all, we need to understand the reasons behind such a pesky error. To put it in just a few words, you need to keep in mind that the error usually has to do with network signal strength, firewall or security software, DNS issues, proxy settings, network configuration issues, or router or modem issues.
The good news is that there are certainly ways to fix the problem of your Chromebook not getting a proper internet connection, although it appears to be connected to a WiFi network. Since destroying the Chromebook with a sledgehammer and buying a new one is no rational choice, let’s see what can be done to get rid of the error:
Forget and reconnect to WiFi
Head over to the settings menu, then go to WiFi, find the network you’re connected to, and select “Forget.”Then, the next step is to reconnect to the WiFi network by entering your password.
DNS configuration
Another possible solution is to change the DNS settings of your Chromebook. It’s a good idea to use public DNS servers such as Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). You need to head over to Settings > Network > WiFi > WiFi name > Network > IP settings > Custom name servers.
Check if there’s any network interference
Another reason why your Chromebook can’t connect to the internet despite being apparently connected to WiFi is that other electronic devices or neighboring networks could cause interference. In other words, it’s best to move your Chromebook closer to the WiFi router, as in that way, you will improve the signal strength. Having good ssignal strength is crucial if you want to go online.
Disable VPN and Proxy
A VPN or proxy might actually act to your disadvantage sometimes. Therefore, you need to disable them and check if the problem has gone away or not. Sometimes, such tools can interfere with your connectivity and cause internet connection issues.
Check the network settings
It’s time to open the Settings menu, then hit WiFi and see if everything’s ok with the network settings. Make sure that the IP address, as well as other network details, are configured in the right way. Another good idea is to set the IP configuration to “Automatic.”
Check for system updates
Not having the latest system update up and running on your Chromebook could cause plenty of technical trouble, similar to pretty much any other device that can go online. Therefore, you need to make sure that the latest Chrome OS version is running on your Chromebook. To do so, head over to Settings, About Chrome OS, and ultimately select Check for Updates.
Factory reset
If none of the methods work, you can also perform a factory reset as a last resort. As you probably already know, this is a harsh measure that will erase all data from your laptop, which means that it’s mandatory to back up all important files first. You need to head over to Settings, then access Advanced, Reset Settings, and ultimately hit the Powerwash option.
If none of the above methods work, perhaps the solution to your problem is a lot easier than you might think. Simple measures such as checking your WiFi connection or restarting your Chromebook and router could bring you the solution to your problem.
Tim M. Hill helped bring Digital-Overload from a weekly newsletter to a full-fledged news site by creating a new website and branding. He continues to assist in keeping the site responsive and well organized for the readers. As a writer to Digital-Overload, Tim mainly covers mobile news and gadgets.
