Fix connection problems

If you have trouble connecting your Chromebook to the internet, try the steps below. Test your Chromebook after each step to check if the problem is fixed.

Check your Wi-Fi connection

  1. Make sure your Chromebook is connected to the Internet. Learn how to connect your Chromebook to Wi-Fi.
  2. Use the network diagnostic tool. Learn how to use Diagnostics to troubleshoot your issue.
  3. Restart your Chromebook.

Fix Wi-Fi Connectivity issues on your Chromebook

Check your wired network connection

  1. Connect your Chromebook to a router with a workable Ethernet cable or USB adapter.
  2. At the bottom right, select the time.
    • If your Chromebook connects, you'll find Connected to Ethernet .
  3. Try to connect the router with a different computer.
    • If it connects, replace the cable or USB Ethernet adapter for your Chromebook.
Connect to mobile networks (US)
  1. Make sure your Chromebook can connect to mobile networks, and that your connection is on.
  2. Restart your Chromebook.
  3. Make sure the T-Mobile or Verizon Wireless network is turned on. Call your mobile carrier if you have problems connecting.

You can also try switching mobile carriers:

  1. Sign in to your Chromebook as a guest.
  2. Press Ctrl + Alt + t to open a terminal window.
  3. Type this command: modem_set_carrier Generic UMTS
  4. Press Enter.
  5. Type exit and press Enter again.
  6. Turn off the Chromebook.
  7. Insert a SIM card from a different mobile carrier.
  8. Turn on the Chromebook.

To switch back to Verizon, open a terminal window and type this command:

modem_set_carrier Verizon Wireless

To switch back to T-Mobile, open a terminal window and type this command:

modem_set_carrier T-Mobile

Connect to mobile networks outside the US
  1. Make sure your Chromebook can connect to mobile networks and that your mobile data is enabled.
  2. Restart your Chromebook.
  3. Check that your SIM is activated. If you're still having problems, contact your carrier.
  4. You might need a PIN to unlock the SIM card. If you don't know the PIN, call your carrier or use mobile data roaming.
Connect to captive portal networks that require sign-in
To use the internet, these networks require you to sign in and accept an agreement. This agreement is known as a captive portal sign-in page.
  1. To find the network sign-in page, browse websites that start with "http://."
    • Enter URLs that begin with "http://" instead of "https://."
    • Use a private window (Ctrl + Shift + n) if allowed by your administrator.
  2. If you can't find the network sign-in page, turn off any Chrome extensions. Learn how to uninstall apps or extensions.
  • If you’re able to complete the sign-in but still can’t get online:
    • Disconnect and reconnect to the network.
    • Use your phone or another device to check if you can connect to the network.If you can’t sign in from another device, there could be an issue with the network.
    • Ask the owner of the network if the network offers internet access.

Other devices are connected except for Chrome devices

If you’ve tried all the options and your Chrome devices still aren’t connected to the network, make sure you’ve allowlisted the hostnames. Learn how to set up a hostname allowlist.

If you still have trouble after you try these steps, contact your Chromebook manufacturer.

If you still encounter issues, find options to contact support. On another device that has Internet access, go to Chromebook Community Forum.

Related resources

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