After a new router, devices will not reconnect: how to fix it

Internet providers often swap in a new router or modem. Phones and computers that worked yesterday suddenly cannot join Wi-Fi, and printers, TVs and smart plugs go offline. Your devices are almost always fine. They are looking for the old network name or password, or the old router is still broadcasting. Work through these steps in order.

Steps

1. Write down the Wi-Fi name and password on the sticker on the new router. Capital letters and numbers matter. If your provider gave you a card or app with the password, use that.
2. Turn off the old router completely, or unplug it. If the old box is only a modem now, leave it plugged in but turn its Wi-Fi off in its settings so it stops broadcasting the old network name. Devices will keep joining the old network if it is still on.
3. Confirm the new router has internet. Connect one phone or computer to the new Wi-Fi name, open a web page, and make sure it loads. If nothing can get online, call your internet provider before you reconnect every device.
4. Best shortcut: set the new router to the same Wi-Fi name and password as the old one. Open the router app or type the admin address from the sticker into a browser, find Wi-Fi settings, and match the old name and password exactly. Most phones, computers and smart devices then reconnect on their own within a few minutes.
5. If the network name or password is different, reconnect each phone and computer by hand. On an iPhone open Settings, then Wi-Fi, tap the i next to the old network, tap Forget This Network, then join the new name and type the new password. On Android open Settings, then Network and internet or Connections, then Wi-Fi, forget the old network, and join the new one. On Windows open Settings, Network and internet, Wi-Fi, Manage known networks, forget the old one, then connect again. On a Mac open System Settings, Wi-Fi, click Details next to the old network, choose Forget This Network, then join the new one.
6. Restart devices that still will not join. Turn a phone or tablet fully off and on. Restart a computer. Unplug a smart TV, streaming stick, printer or smart plug for 60 seconds, then plug it back in and try again.
7. Put printers and older smart plugs on the 2.4 GHz band if your router shows two names, one ending in 2.4 or 5. Many printers and plugs cannot join a 5 GHz only network. If the router combines both into one name, use the router app to split them for setup, then connect the printer to the 2.4 name.
8. For a printer that still will not join, run its own Wi-Fi setup again from the printer screen or with the brand app, such as HP Smart, Epson Smart Panel, Canon PRINT or Brother Mobile Connect, while standing near the new router. See also the printer Wi-Fi guide on this site if you get stuck.
9. Smart home devices that stay offline often need a reset in their own app. Open the app, look for network or Wi-Fi settings, and reconnect to the new network. If that fails, use the device reset button from its manual, then set it up as new on the new Wi-Fi.
10. Never call a phone number from a popup, text or search ad that says your router is blocked or your Wi-Fi license expired. Your provider does not collect payment that way, and those calls are often scams that ask for remote access or gift cards.

Common questions

Why did everything stop working after the new router?

Every device remembered the old Wi-Fi name and password. A new router usually has a new name or password, so nothing joins until you match the old settings or reconnect each device.

Do I have to reconnect every smart bulb and plug by hand?

Not if you set the new router to the exact same Wi-Fi name and password as the old one, and you turn the old router Wi-Fi off. Most devices come back on their own. A few still need a restart or an app reconnect.

My phone connects but my printer does not. Why?

Many printers only use the 2.4 GHz band. Connect the printer to the 2.4 network name, or temporarily split the bands in the router app during setup.

The new router has no internet for anyone. What now?

That is a provider or modem problem, not a device problem. Check the cable from the wall to the modem or gateway, restart modem then router, then call your provider if it stays down.

Can Ellis help me with this?

Yes. Ellis can talk you through each step by phone while you stand at the router, and will never ask for your passwords or bank details. Ellis is an AI assistant, and it will tell you so.

Ellis is an AI tech support assistant from 5 Star Consultants, a division of Adore LLC. Privacy Terms