It's frustrating for any user when a smartphone connects to the home network without a problem, but a laptop or tablet stubbornly refuses to see the access point or obtain an IP address. Often, the problem isn't a hardware failure, but rather specific router settings that limit the number of simultaneous connections or hide the network from prying eyes. DHCP protocol, distributing addresses, may have exhausted its pool, and MAC filter — block access to new gadgets.
In this article, we'll detail all the possible scenarios that can cause this router behavior. You'll learn how to check for address table overflow, whether you need to change your frequency range, and why older devices can interfere with newer ones. We'll cover settings both through the web interface and through provider mobile apps.
Before moving on to complex manipulations, it is worth performing a basic reboot of the equipment. Sometimes DNS cache A temporary glitch in the wireless module is blocking new connections. Unplug the router's power cord, wait 10-15 seconds, and then plug it back in. If the problem persists after a full boot (usually 2-3 minutes), proceed to the next sections.
DHCP address pool depletion and connection limits
The most common technical reason why new devices cannot connect while one is already working is the limited capacity of the address pool. DHCP serversThe router assigns each client a unique IP address from a specified range for a specified period of time (a lease). If the range is too narrow, there are simply no free addresses left.
For example, if the settings specify that the pool starts with an address of .100 and ends with .101, then only two devices can be connected to the network at a time. A third device attempting to connect will not receive a response from the server and will remain stuck in the "Obtaining IP Address" status. This range must be expanded in the router settings.
It's also worth paying attention to the "Lease Time" parameter. If it's set to several days and you frequently have guests with their gadgets, the address table quickly fills up with "dead souls." Reducing the lease time allows you to free up addresses more quickly for new connections.
To check and change settings, you'll need access to the control panel. This is typically 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. Look for the section in the menu. LAN or DHCP ServerMake sure the start and end IP addresses cover a sufficient number of values (at least 50-100 addresses are recommended).
Hidden SSID and manual network addition
Sometimes it appears that only one device is connected because the others simply "don't see" it in the list of available networks. This happens if the "Shared Wi-Fi" feature is enabled. hiding SSID (Broadcast SSID: Disabled). In this case, the network exists, but does not broadcast its name.
A previously connected device (for example, your primary smartphone) remembers the network name and password, so it connects automatically and seamlessly. New devices, however, without knowing the exact network name, cannot initiate a connection because they don't see the access point when scanning.
- 📱 Go to Wi-Fi settings on the device that is already connected.
- 🔍 Tap the network name or select "Add network manually" on the new device.
- ✍️ Enter the exact network name (SSID), taking into account the case of letters, and select the security type (usually WPA2/WPA3).
- 🔑 Enter your password and try to connect.
⚠️ Attention: Hiding your SSID isn't a reliable security method. Specialized scanners can easily detect hidden networks based on their service packets. It's better to use a strong password and WPA3 encryption.
If you don't want to keep the network hidden, find the option in your router settings Wireless Settings or Wi-Fi SettingsThere should be a check mark there. Enable SSID Broadcast (Enable Broadcasting). Make sure it's enabled. This will allow all devices within range to see your network.
IP address conflict and static settings
Another cause of unstable operation is an IP address conflict. This occurs when two different devices on the network are assigned the same digital identifier. This most often occurs when one of the devices has been manually assigned an IP address. static IP, which falls within the router's dynamic distribution range.
When a second device attempts to obtain the same address automatically, a conflict occurs. The router may terminate the connection with both clients or allow only the one that connected first (or the one whose MAC address has priority in the ARP table) to operate. This creates the impression that the network is only working for one client.
To avoid this, it is recommended to set all home devices to obtain addresses automatically. In operating systems, this setting Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) -> Obtain an IP address automatically.
If you critically need a static address for a specific device (for example, a printer or NAS), use the function Address Reservation (Address Reservation) in the router settings. Bind the device's MAC address to the desired IP address within the router interface, but leave the device's settings set to DHCP.
MAC filtering and blacklisting restrictions
MAC address filtering allows the network owner to strictly control who can connect to the Wi-Fi network. When enabled in "Allow List" mode, access is permitted only to devices whose physical addresses are included in the table.
Even if you know the correct password, a new device won't be able to connect until its MAC address is added to the allowed list. This often comes as a surprise to users who have changed their router or updated their firmware, where security settings may have been reset or reactivated by default.
Check the section Wireless MAC Filtering or Access ControlMake sure the filtering rule is disabled or the operating mode is changed to "Blacklist" if you do not plan to manually add each new device.
| Filtering mode | Description of action | Result for a new device |
|---|---|---|
| Disabled | The filter is not working | Access is allowed with knowledge of the password |
| Allow (Whitelist) | Only those from the list are allowed | Access denied until added to the list |
| Deny (Blacklist) | Only those from the list are prohibited | Access is allowed if not on the deny list |
How to find out the MAC address of a device?
On Android: Settings -> About phone -> Status. On Windows: cmd -> ipconfig /all. On iOS: Settings -> General -> About.
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands
Modern routers often operate in two ranges: 2.4 GHz And 5 GHzOlder devices may only support the 2.4 GHz frequency. If your router settings allow separate networks (different names for 2.4 and 5 GHz) or, conversely, combine them into one (Smart Connect), priority conflicts may occur.
Sometimes it happens that one powerful device “captures” a channel or the entire 5 GHz range, creating interference or occupying all available streams MIMOAs a result, other devices cannot establish a stable connection. This is especially true for budget routers with a single antenna.
Try temporarily separating the networks by giving them different names (for example, HomeWiFi and HomeWiFi_5G). Connect the problematic device to the 2.4 GHz network. If it connects, the issue was related to compatibility or congestion in that specific band.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces from different manufacturers (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, Xiaomi) may vary. Look for the "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," or "Wireless Network" sections.
Software glitches and the need for a reset
Don't discount router software errors. Running the router for extended periods without rebooting leads to memory fragmentation and the accumulation of errors in routing tables. In such cases, the router may "forget" how to process new connection requests, even though it maintains existing connections.
Outdated firmware may also be the cause. Manufacturers regularly release updates that fix security bugs and DHCP server errors. Check the software version in the section System Tools or Administration.
☑️ Router diagnostics
If none of the methods help, perform a full reset. To do this, press the button Reset on the router body (usually recessed) for 10-15 seconds until the indicators blink. After this, the router will return to factory settings, and you'll need to configure it again.
Why does my phone connect, but my laptop says "Failed to connect"?
Most likely, an old network profile with a changed password or encryption type is saved on your laptop. Delete the network in your laptop's Wi-Fi settings ("Forget network") and try connecting again using the current password.
Can antivirus software block Wi-Fi connections?
Yes, some "Network Protection" or "Traffic Control" features in third-party antivirus programs may block DHCP requests or consider a new network as public and deny the connection. Try temporarily disabling your firewall.
How many devices can connect to a typical home router?
Theoretically, up to 254 (subnet limit). In practice, budget models can handle 10-15 devices. Powerful gaming routers can handle 50-100 simultaneous connections.
What should I do if my router is distributing Wi-Fi but says "No Internet Access"?
This means the device has successfully connected to the router, but the router is unable to connect to the ISP. Check your ISP's cable, account balance, and PPPoE/L2TP settings in the WAN section.