Learn how to fix a Chromebook that is connected to WiFi but shows the network as not available. Follow these troubleshooting tips to resolve the issue effectively.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix the “Network Unavailable” issue when setting up a Chromebook. This offering from the Silicon Valley giant runs on Linux-based Chrome OS and can easily tick most of the prerequisites.
Chromebooks are handy devices that run on Google’s cloud-based operating system. They’re known for their portability. But what happens when a new Chromebook refuses to connect to a network? Many Chromebook owners are having trouble with the “Network Unavailable” message on their Chromebooks . It usually appears during the setup steps where you need to sign in to a Google account.
How To Fix Chromebook Connected to WiFi But Network Not Available
Below are some easy-to-follow methods to fix the “Network Not Available” error on your Chromebook. Before you know it, your Chromebook will be able to connect to your network and you will be able to use it as intended. Let’s get into it.
Force an update
Google frequently releases updates for ChromeOS that fix a wide variety of bugs. To fix the problem, we can force your Chromebook to check for a system update. To do so, we’ll need to log in to Guest mode, which means skipping the setup steps for now. Use a command prompt to force an update:
- Log in in guest mode.
- Open Google Chrome.
- Press CTRL + ALT + T to open a command terminal.
- Next, type “autest” and press Enter. The command will force your device to check for an update.
Confirm changes
To confirm, open Settings and select About ChromeOS. It should show that an update is available. Download the update, then click the “Restart to update” button when it’s complete. You can also force a restart by holding the Refresh key and powering on (only do this after the update is complete).
When your Chromebook restarts, it should be running the latest version of ChromeOS and the “network unavailable” issue should be resolved. Of course, this will only work if your Chromebook is still able to receive updates .
Recover operating system from USB flash drive
Another way to fix the annoying “Network not available” issue on Chromebook is to reset and recover the operating system using a USB flash drive. To do so, you will need a separate computer to download the files and move them to a USB flash drive that has at least 8GB of storage.
Create ChromeOS installation media
To recover ChromeOS , install Chrome Recovery Utility, a Google Chrome extension. Then, insert the USB flash drive into your computer. In the Chromebook Recovery Toolkit, type your Chromebook model or select it from the list.
When prompted, select your USB drive. The wizard will download the installation media to your USB drive. Once the installation media is created, it’s time to prepare your Chromebook for a fresh installation .
Boot into recovery mode
Press ESC + Refresh and the power button to enter recovery mode on your Chromebook . It should display a screen asking to insert a USB recovery drive. Insert the USB flash drive from earlier. The installation will begin automatically.
Once complete, you’ll see the “Welcome to ChromeOS” splash page. Recovering ChromeOS is a good way to remove any bugs and improve the performance of your Chromebook. It should remove the “Network Unavailable” error.
Setting up your router to change
Some Wi-Fi settings may be interfering with your Chromebook and blocking the connection.
Switch from 5GHz to 2.4GHz
Not all Chromebooks can connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, which may be the reason you’re getting a network error. Most modern routers only broadcast on the 5GHz band. To do that, go into your router’s settings and change the Wi-Fi network to broadcast on both 5GHz and 2.4GHz. Ideally, there should be two networks, one for each band. Your Chromebook should be able to connect to the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.
Disable advanced Wi-Fi security
Most routers are now equipped with advanced password encryption protocols. It’s best to set the authentication mode to WPA2 . WPA3 may be more secure, but it’s not supported by older devices. On the topic of passwords, it’s a good idea to reset your Wi-Fi password to something simpler. Some older devices won’t connect to networks if the password contains special characters.
Restart your router
Restarting your router often fixes network issues . You can restart a router from the router settings, but it’s easier to just unplug it. Unplug the power cord, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. The router will need a couple of minutes to establish an internet connection. Hopefully, your Chromebook will be able to see the network now.
Alternative methods
Power Clean and Reset Your Chromebook
Power wiping a Chromebook will erase all data on the hard drive and reset everything to factory defaults. Before you do this, make sure to back up your important files. To power wipe a Chromebook, open Settings and scroll down until you find Reset Settings.
Click the Reset button and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your Chromebook. If you’re on the login screen, press CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + R and click Restart. When your Chromebook restarts, select Powerwash and Continue. The process will only take a few minutes and will remove errors and improve the performance of your Chromebook .
Connect to the network in guest mode and restart the Chromebook
Most people who encounter this error report that their Chromebook can connect to your network in guest mode. On the Chromebook settings page , there should be a button in the bottom left corner to sign in as a guest.
If it’s there, start your Chromebook in guest mode, connect to your network, then restart your Chromebook. When your Chromebook restarts, it should automatically connect to the saved network and you’ll be able to sign in with your primary Google account.
Replace or reinstall the Wi-Fi module
This method is a bit more advanced. We only recommend doing this if your Chromebook’s warranty has expired and you can accept the risk. Since every Chromebook is assembled differently, there is no one tutorial that works for this.
However, the main idea is to take apart your Chromebook , locate the Wi-Fi module, and remove it. In some cases, simply removing the module and plugging it back in can force it to work again. On the other hand, the Wi-Fi module could be broken, in which case you’ll need to look for a replacement part for your specific Chromebook. ChromeBookParts has a wide range of replacement Wi-Fi modules for Chromebooks.
Other solutions
If none of the above methods can get your Chromebook to connect to a network , here are some solutions.
Connect a USB Wi-Fi adapter
The best solution for a Chromebook that refuses to connect to a network is to use a USB Wi-Fi adapter. Keep in mind that not all Wi-Fi adapters work with Chromebooks, so check compatibility before purchasing one. Purchasing a separate USB Wi-Fi adapter can not only get rid of the “Network not available” error, but also improve your device’s Internet quality. There are plenty of small-form-factor USB Wi-Fi adapters that you can use with your Chromebook .
Use an Ethernet cable
Most Chromebooks don’t have an Ethernet port . However, you can purchase an inexpensive USB to Ethernet adapter that should work. This method works best if you use your Chromebook at a desk. The advantage of this solution is that an Ethernet connection should be much faster than Wi-Fi.
Use guest mode
Most people who encounter the “Network Unavailable” error on their Chromebooks report that using Guest Mode fixes the problem. Of course, none of your data will be saved in Guest Mode. For example, your passwords, history, and bookmarks won’t be saved. However, if you need basic Internet functionality, Guest Mode might be your only option.
Conclusion
The “Network Not Available” error has been plaguing Chromebook users for a long time. Hopefully, the fixes outlined in this article will resolve the issue for you. When all else fails, you can always return your Chromebook and purchase a different model. It seems that this error is more common on Lenovo Chromebooks. If you can’t return your Chromebook, the only alternative is to use a USB Wi-Fi adapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Chromebook say the network is not available?
It’s either a software bug or a problem with your Wi-Fi module. Updating your Chromebook should fix the problem .
How do I fix Chromebook network issues?
To troubleshoot Chromebook network issues, update your Chromebook , recover ChromeOS from a USB flash drive, or power wash your Chromebook.
Why won’t my Chromebook connect to Wi-Fi?
It could be because your router is broadcasting a 5GHz network and your Chromebook only supports the 2.4GHz band.
How do I forget a Wi-Fi network on a Chromebook?
Open Settings and navigate to the Network tab. Click on the current Wi-Fi network and then click Known networks. Under All networks, you’ll see a list of previous Wi-Fi networks . Click the three dots and select Forget to remove that network.
Why can’t my Chromebook find my home Wi-Fi network?
It could be because your home Wi-Fi broadcasts at 5GHz and your Chromebook doesn’t support that band.