My Wi-Fi drops every 30 seconds during video calls.

Troubleshooting Frequent Wi-Fi Disconnections During Video Calls on Your Laptop

In an increasingly remote-working world, a stable internet connection is essential for smooth video conferencing. However, many users encounter frustrating disruptions, such as frequent call drops that interrupt communication and hamper productivity. If you’re experiencing your Wi-Fi disconnecting approximately every 30 seconds during video calls, you’re not alone, and effective solutions are available.

Understanding the Issue

A common symptom is a brief disconnection or lag during live video sessions, which can significantly diminish the quality of communication. In this scenario, the user reports that on their Lenovo Ideapad 3i, the Wi-Fi connection drops intermittently about every half-minute, despite having updated device drivers. These recurring disruptions can stem from various underlying causes, including software issues, hardware conflicts, or network instability.

Potential Causes for Frequent Wi-Fi Disconnections

Outdated or incompatible network drivers
Wi-Fi driver conflicts or corruption
Router or modem issues
Wi-Fi signal interference
Power management settings affecting WLAN adapters
Firewall or security software restrictions
Network congestion or ISP-related problems

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Strategies

Verify Internet Connection Stability
Test your Wi-Fi’s stability by running a continuous ping command or streaming a video without using the laptop. If the connection drops across multiple devices, the issue may originate from your network hardware or ISP.
Optimize Power Management Settings
Power-saving modes can disable or limit Wi-Fi adapter performance. To modify these settings:
Navigate to Device Manager > Network Adapters
Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select Properties
Go to the Power Management tab
Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
Update or Reinstall Wi-Fi Drivers
While the user has attempted updating drivers, ensure that you are installing the latest, official drivers:
Visit the Lenovo support website to download the newest drivers for your specific model
Alternatively, visit the network adapter manufacturer’s site (e.g., Intel, Realtek) for updated drivers
If issues persist, consider uninstalling the driver via Device Manager, then reinstall it afresh
Adjust Router Settings
Restart your router and modem to reset the network connection
Update your router’s firmware to the latest version