Devices keep losing their IP address and dropping off the network
Your router is running out of IP addresses to give to devices. The DHCP pool is too small or the lease time is too short. Log into your router and increase the DHCP pool size to give out more IP addresses.
Every device on your network needs an IP address like a house needs an address. Your router has a limited number of addresses it can give out. If too many devices connect or they all stay connected, it runs out. Increasing the DHCP pool gives the router more addresses to hand out.
- ✓Count all devices on your network right now — phones, tablets, smart home devices, and computers
- ✓Watch which devices drop off the next time it happens. Write down if it is the same ones or different ones each time
- ✓Have access to your router's admin panel (or the IP address and login credentials) to check DHCP settings
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Increasing the DHCP pool but not restarting the router. The change doesn't take effect without a restart
- Setting the pool end address too high (over 254). The router can't use addresses above 254
- Thinking the internet is down when it's really just DHCP. Your router lost its IP address, not the connection itself
- Not realizing how many devices are actually on the network. Count printers, smart home devices, phones, tablets, and computers
Signs you need professional help
- If you've increased the DHCP pool and devices are still dropping off, give us a call — we'll check whether the router's DHCP server needs a deeper fix or replacement.
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