How To Fix Can’t Set Up Chromebook “Network Not Available”

When it comes to Chromebooks, many people perceive them as just another laptop brand competing with the likes of Windows and Linux. However, Chromebooks are unique in their own right. They run on ChromeOS, a lightweight operating system developed by Google. Despite their differences, Chromebooks are just as capable as traditional laptops when it comes to handling various tasks using the Chrome browser. Like any other device, Chromebooks are not immune to glitches and bugs. In fact, some users have reported encountering a frustrating error when trying to set up their Chromebooks – the “Network Not Available” error. In this guide, we will explore several methods to help you resolve this issue and get your Chromebook up and running smoothly.

Verify Your Password

One possible reason for the “Network Not Available” error on your Chromebook could be an incorrect password. To check if this is the case, you should log in to your router’s admin panel using another device, such as a laptop or mobile phone. Once logged in, verify the password you have set for connecting other devices. If the password is incorrect, update it and try connecting your Chromebook again.

Enable Network Sharing

Enabling network sharing on your Chromebook can help resolve the “Network Not Available” error. By allowing other users to use your connection, you can potentially bypass any connectivity issues. To enable network sharing, follow these steps:

1. Click on the network icon in the bottom right corner of your Chromebook’s screen.
2. Select “Network settings.”
3. Scroll down and click on “Manage known networks.”
4. Choose the network you want to connect to.
5. Toggle the switch for “Allow other users to use this connection” to the ON position.

Enabling network sharing may help establish a stable connection and eliminate the “Network Not Available” error.

Restart Your Chromebook

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix minor bugs and glitches that may be causing the “Network Not Available” error. To restart your Chromebook, follow these steps:

1. Click on the system tray in the bottom right corner of your screen.
2. Click on the power icon.
3. Select “Restart.”

Once your Chromebook restarts, check if the network connection is now available.

Power Cycle Your Router

If your internet connection is not working properly, it may be the cause of the “Network Not Available” error on your Chromebook. To address this, try power cycling your router by following these steps:

1. Unplug your router from the power source.
2. Wait for approximately 30 seconds.
3. Plug the router back in.
4. Wait for the router to fully restart.

After power cycling your router, check if the network connection is now available on your Chromebook.

Use a USB Ethernet Adapter

If your Wi-Fi router is providing slower speeds than usual, using a USB Ethernet adapter may help resolve the “Network Not Available” error. This adapter allows you to connect your Chromebook directly to the router using an Ethernet cable, bypassing any Wi-Fi-related issues. Here’s how you can use a USB Ethernet adapter:

1. Purchase a USB Ethernet adapter compatible with your Chromebook.
2. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the adapter and the other end to your router.
3. Plug the USB Ethernet adapter into your Chromebook’s USB port.
4. Wait for your Chromebook to recognize the adapter and establish a wired connection.

Using a USB Ethernet adapter can provide a more stable and reliable network connection, potentially resolving the “Network Not Available” error.

Try a Different Connection

If none of the previous methods have resolved the issue, try connecting your Chromebook to a different Wi-Fi network or using a mobile hotspot. This will help determine if the “Network Not Available” error is specific to your network or a broader issue. If you can successfully connect to a different network, it may indicate that the problem lies with your original network setup.

Use Guest Mode

If all else fails, logging in as a guest on your Chromebook may help bypass the “Network Not Available” error. Guest mode allows you to use the Chromebook temporarily without accessing your personal settings and data. To use guest mode, follow these steps:

1. Click on the profile picture in the bottom right corner of your Chromebook’s screen.
2. Click on “Browse as Guest.”

By using guest mode, you can determine if the error is specific to your user profile or a more widespread issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the “Network Not Available” error on your Chromebook can be frustrating, but it is not insurmountable. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve this issue. Remember to double-check your password, enable network sharing, restart your Chromebook, power cycle your router, use a USB Ethernet adapter if necessary, try a different connection, and utilize guest mode. If none of these methods work, it may be time to seek assistance from a service center. We hope this guide has been helpful, and we invite you to share your success story or any additional tips in the comments section below. Happy browsing!