Your Chromebook may sometimes throw up a strange “Error configuring network” message indicating it failed to connect to Wi-Fi. This issue is even more pressing if it occurs shortly before an online exam. Don’t panic; there are a few troubleshooting solutions that you can use to get rid of this error, and we’ll list them below.
How Do I Fix “Error Configuring Network” on Chromebook?
Check Your Password
Make sure you’re entering the correct password for the Wi-Fi network you’re trying to connect to. A bad password may also trigger this network error. Enter your Wi-Fi password in a text editor to make sure there are no typos.
Enable Network Sharing
Many ChromeOS users confirmed they managed to get rid of this error after enabling network sharing. When you add the network, tick the option that says, “Allow other users to use this connection.”
Do that and check if your Chromebook lets you save the network and connect to the Internet. If necessary, remove the problematic connection and add it again.
Restart Your Laptop and Unplug Your Router
If the problem persists, restart your Chromebook and unplug your router. Leave the router unplugged for two minutes to get rid of flea power. If this is a temporary network problem, restarting your network devices should fix it.
By the way, try changing the Wi-Fi channel. Maybe the current channel is not stable enough to enable the connection. Additionally, disconnect all the devices that are using the connection. Disable your VPN and check if you notice any improvements.
Use a USB Ethernet Adapter
Most Chromebook models don’t sport an Ethernet port. To bypass this limitation, get a USB Ethernet adapter and connect to the Internet via a cable connection. Cable connections are not usually affected by the same problems affecting wireless networks.
Use a Different Connection
If the problem persists, try using a different connection. For example, you can set up a mobile hotspot using your Android or iOS phone. B the way, you can set up a mobile hotspot on a Windows 10 computer as well. If your wireless connection is the culprit, you should not experience any issues when using a different network.
Use Guest Mode
Log in as a guest user and try to connect to your wireless network again. In other words, instead of logging in with your user profile, click on the Browse as Guest option located at the bottom of the screen. Several users confirmed this quick workaround did the trick for them.
If the issue persists and your Chromebook is managed by an organization, contact your IT admin for further help.
Conclusion
If your Chromebook says it encountered an error while configuring the network connection, ensure you’re entering the correct Wi-Fi password. Additionally, enable network sharing, restart your laptop, and unplug your router.
If the issue persists, use a USB Ethernet adapter and connect to the Internet via a cable connection. You can also switch to a different network and use guest mode. Did you manage to fix the problem? Let us know in the comments below.
Jeff Eyser says
It seems whatever transmitter that is trying to look for networks isn’t working in my Chromebook. Other Chromebooks that use the same network don’t have the same problem. I think it’s a factory problem. Maybe a 1/5 of every Chromebook that is made has a problem with its internet transmitter.
Lizzie says
My family unplugs the router all the time. we all have the same problem. luckily, we fix it temporarily by doing that!
Nene says
No. It’s repetitive with a new chromebook. Never had such a terrible issye! Wi do is fine on phone..improve chromebook! It goes out for nearly 48 hours at a time and none of restarts worked. Makes no sense.
Ted Tench says
Exactly the same experience with a brand new 14a total rubbish Did not resolve error.
Unable to configure HP Chromebook after a Powerwash. Successfully connect to all networks but receive error:
“Network not available”
“Your Chromebook is unable to connect to the Internet using (network name). Please choose another network
You may also try to browse as guest to fix this network error”
I am clearly connected to my network and when I browse as a guest, I am clearly connected to the internet. But I am unable to navigate past this error to complete the initial set up of this Chromebook
bulldob says
Did not resolve error.
Unable to configure HP Chrombook after a Powerwash. Successfully connect to all networks but receive error:
“Network not available”
“Your Chromebook is unable to connect to the Internet using (network name). Please choose another network
You may also try to browse as guest to fix this network error”
I am clearly connected to my network and when I browse as a guest, I am clearly connected to the internet. But I am unable to navigate past this error to complete the initial set up of this Chromebook