Most people use their Wi-Fi to connect numerous devices over the same network. Though the process is easy, sometimes errors or configuration mistakes can create some problems in your settings.
One common internet connection issue is the “Wi-Fi stuck on identifying” error, which is similar to the “unable to identify network” error but more annoying.
They may both result in no internet access for anyone in your home. But what exactly can cause your Wi-Fi to be stuck on “identifying your network”?
Why is your Wi-Fi stuck on connecting?
Sometimes, your computer, tablet, or smartphone can get stuck on identifying your network even if you didn’t do anything. If this problem persists despite you restarting the router/modem several times, here are some possible causes.
1. Your device and/or the Wi-Fi Adapter is broke
Your PC, smartphone, or Wi-Fi adapter may be damaged. Try connecting with a cable and see if the issue persists. Also, check the light-emitting diodes on your router. If they aren’t green or blue, your router isn’t working.
If you want to learn more about what the light-emitting diodes in your router mean, the problems they point out, and how you can solve them, read more on this here.
2. Your router/modem is too far away
You may be too far away from your router/modem, which creates a network identifying loop. Sometimes, this problem is caused by the area you are in your home, rather than the distance. See if the problem persists if you move closer to your router/modem.
3. Your network drivers are not up to date
Software that is not up to date can mess up your internet connection, leaving you with no viable internet connection. Check your update status, and see if there are any remaining updates to be completed.
4. Your phone is on airplane mode
If your phone is stuck on Wi-Fi connecting, make sure it isn’t on airplane mode. This might also be the case on your laptop. Check your settings.
5. Someone changed your network settings
It’s easy for a family member or friend to mess with your network settings, be it intentionally or unintentionally. However, try to leave this option as the last thing to check, after you tried everything else.
6. Faulty updates
Sometimes updates can mess up your network settings, but fortunately, it is rare. This may occur when you try to update your Windows version, or if you have an unofficial version of the operating system.
With that being said, there are various reasons why your Wi-Fi is stuck on identifying your network system. Luckily, every problem has a solution, and you might not even need to call your internet service provider to solve it for you!
How to fix Wi-Fi stuck on identifying?
If any of the possible reasons mentioned above caused any of your devices to be stuck on an identifying network loop, here is how to fix it right now!
1. Restart or reset your Wi-Fi
As frustrating as it can be to have your Wi-Fi stuck on identifying your network, sometimes the simplest solution is the best. To restart your router do this:
- Unplug the device from its power source and wait for 30 seconds
- Plug back your device
- Wait for two minutes so that the network gets back online
- Try to connect
You can also reset your router and see if the problem persists. Here is how to reset a router:
- Keep the router plugged in
- Find the router’s reset button (it is usually on the back or bottom of the device)
- Hold the reset button for 30 seconds
- Release the reset button
- Wait two minutes for your router to get back online
- Try to connect
2. Move closer to your router/modem
When you are too far away from your router/modem, your device may have no internet access, and be unable to identify the network. The average device range of a Wi-Fi signal is usually about 100 meters, but it depends on your router and location.
Some areas of your home may have thicker plaster walls with metal wiring that can block the signal. Try to move closer to your router or switch rooms and check if the problem persists.
3. Update your networks drivers
One of the most common issues that leave your network stuck on identifying is outdated network drivers. Outdated, missing, or incompatible drivers can create such problems.
To check if your network drivers are up to date, go to Device Manager. Under the Network adapters, see if you can spot a yellow mark. If it is there, then you have a problem.
On Windows 10, you can check your driver’s update status. Right-click on the network device that has the yellow mark and select Driver Update Software. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
Follow the steps presented and close it. You may need to install Driver Easy on your PC to update your network drivers. Don’t worry. You can do this for free!
4. Restore your old network settings
Network settings are easily modified even by unaware users, leaving you unable to identify your home network. Luckily, you can restore your old network settings and get rid of your internet stuck on identifying.
All you have to do is click on Start Menu>Settings>Network & Internet>Reset – confirm the process and restart your device. This will restore all your old network settings on Windows 10.
5. Check your DHCP settings
A Wi-Fi stuck on identifying your network can be caused by router DHCP settings. This is where the IP addresses are stocked and assigned to your connected devices.
If these settings are disabled on your PC, they won’t assign an IP address, creating a connection loop. To fix this, log in to your router’s admin panel and enable the DHCP settings.
6. Verify your smartphone
Sometimes, your smartphone may have some issues that create the identifying Wi-Fi loop. Check to see if your smartphone is on airplane mode. Disable it if this is the case.
If the problem still persists, go to Settings>Network & Internet>Wi-Fi. Toggle on the Wi-Fi, select the network you want to connect to, and select Advanced Options.
Tap the drop-down button in the IP settings and select Static. After this, input the Static IP address you have assigned to your device on your router and press the Connect Button.
7. Forget Network
Another easy solution that may resolve your computer identifying network loop is the Forget Network option. This may be caused by some saved preferences or cache on your device that needs to be fixed.
These things may also slow down your internet, so it’s good to clear them up from time to time. Click on the Forget Network Option and re-attempt to connect with your Wi-Fi network.
Now with the “unable to identify network error” gone, you also cleared your cache and possibly made your internet connection even faster!
8. Confirm your network credentials
Another simple solution to the annoying “Network Identifying” message is to simply disconnect your device from the Wi-Fi network. After this, re-enter your network credentials.
9. Contact your Internet Service Provider
If all the solutions presented above still leave you with a computer stuck on identifying the network or worse, you don’t have any internet access, it’s time to pull in the big guns.
Call your internet service provider and ask for instructions on how to solve your problems.
Remember that you have to present your issues clearly, and all the steps that you took so that your internet provider knows where to begin from.
This is important as it may help you resolve your internet issues from home, rather than waiting for your internet provider to come to your house, who knows when.
Time for a little bonus! If you use 5GHz Wi-Fi, and can’t connect to it, here are five ways to fix it.
F. A. Q.
Why can’t I detect my Wi-Fi?
If you can’t detect your Wi-Fi network, you may be too far away from your router/modem.
If moving closer doesn’t solve the issue, go to Advanced>Wireless>Wireless Settings, and verify your wireless settings. Check your Wireless Network Name and SSID, and make sure they are not hidden.
Why is my Wi-Fi popping up but not working?
Your Wi-Fi might not work due to internet connectivity issues or configurations. Restart your router/modem, and check if your network is hidden.
If the problem persists, you need to restore your old network settings. Go to Start Menu>Settings>Network & Internet>Reset – confirm the process and restart the device. This will restore all your old network settings on Windows 10.
Why is my Internet stuck on identifying?
If you are too far away from your router/modem, it can create an internet identifying loop. The same thing can happen if your drivers aren’t up to date, your network settings were compromised, the airplane mode is active on your devices, or your Wi-Fi adapter is broken.
