Troubleshooting: WiFi network name not showing up in list of networks

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If your network name (SSID) doesn't appear in the list of available WiFi networks, try these quick solutions.

Did you know: If your computer or device cannot detect any wireless networks check to confirm that your computer has its wireless capabilities turned on. If your computer is a laptop, you may have a switch on the front or side which can enable or disable this feature.

Restart the modem

Many WiFi issues can be corrected simply by power cycling your modem.

Unplug the power cable from the back of the WiFi modem.
Wait 30 seconds.
Reconnect the power cable to the modem.
When your WiFi network appears in the list of available networks on your device, try connecting to it to see if it works.

If you have a wireless router (common brands include: D-Link, Netgear, Linksys and Belkin) connected to your modem, read How to power cycle a modem and router.

Factory reset the modem

It might help to restore your modem to its factory settings. This will also reset your default password and network name to those found on the sticker on the back of your modem.

Locate the small pin-hole reset button on the back of your Shaw modem.
Push and hold the button with a paperclip or pin and hold for 15 seconds.
Watch the modem lights flash and, after a few moments, remain lit.
When your WiFi network appears in the list of available networks on your device, try connecting to it to see if it works.

Change the modem's wireless channel

If you suspect that other devices are interfering with your modem’s signal, then changing the wireless channel is an effective way of reducing that interference.

For instructions specific to your modem, read How to change the wireless channel on your modem.

View or change the network name

You can log in to your wireless modem settings to verify the current name of your network and change it if necessary.

For instructions, read How to change the wireless network name (SSID).

Update your computer's wireless adapter

If you have the Rogers Xfinity Gateway (Gen 2) modem (XB7) or newer, you may be able to see your WiFi network on your phone, but not on your Windows laptop or computer, even when your WiFi is enabled and you’re within signal range.

If this occurs, try updating the wireless adapter for your Windows device to the latest drivers and software so that it can detect and connect to the WiFi network.

Download the Intel Driver & Support Assistant on your Windows device.

You'll need to connect directly to your modem using an Ethernet cable or connect to an alternative WiFi network (i.e., a friend’s network, cellular hotspot, or free WiFi) to do this.

Follow the prompts to automatically detect and download the latest drivers for your Intel wireless adapter.

Note: You will need administrative access to your computer to install the update. If this is a corporate PC, you may need to reach out to your work for assistance with this.

Check the wireless mode capacity

Every wireless device has a wireless mode that broadcasts or receives a wireless signal, at a certain frequency range, and supports a specified maximum bandwidth (download and upload speeds).

If your device's wireless mode is incompatible with the current wireless mode of your modem, your device may not be able to detect or connect to your wireless network. Refer to the manufacturer's documentation of your device to check which wireless mode your device operates in. To view or change the wireless mode, read How to change the wireless mode of your modem.