How to tell your WI-FI is working on your router

To determine if Wi-Fi is active on your router, you can follow these steps:

1. Check the Wi-Fi Indicator Light:

• Most routers have a dedicated LED light that indicates the status of the Wi-Fi. Look for a label like “Wi-Fi,” “WLAN,” or a symbol resembling radio waves. If this light is on or blinking, the Wi-Fi is likely active.

1. Search for Wi-Fi Networks:

• Use a device with Wi-Fi capabilities (such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop) to search for available Wi-Fi networks. If your router’s Wi-Fi is active, you should see its network name (SSID) in the list of available networks. Ensure you are within a reasonable range of the router.

1. Connect to the Wi-Fi Network:

• Try connecting a device to the Wi-Fi network. If you can connect and access the internet, the Wi-Fi is active. If you cannot connect, there might be an issue with the router’s Wi-Fi settings.

1. Access the Router’s Admin Page:

• Open a web browser and enter the router’s IP address (usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar.
• Log in using the router’s admin credentials.
• Navigate to the wireless settings section. Here you can see if the Wi-Fi is enabled and check other settings such as SSID, security type, and channel.

1. Use a Network Management App:

• If your router has a companion mobile app (provided by the manufacturer), you can use it to check the status of the Wi-Fi. These apps often show the status of the router, including whether the Wi-Fi is active.

1. Ping the Router Wirelessly:

• If you have another device connected to the same network via Ethernet, you can use it to ping a device connected over Wi-Fi. This will help confirm that the Wi-Fi component of the router is functioning.

1. Check for Physical Signs:

• Some advanced routers have screens or additional indicators that provide detailed information about the network status, including Wi-Fi.

If you follow these steps and still cannot determine if the Wi-Fi is active, it might be useful to restart the router, check for firmware updates, or reset the router to its factory settings as a last resort. If problems persist, consult the router’s user manual or contact the manufacturer’s support for further assistance.