How to configure the WAN on a Chromebook?

When your Chromebook has trouble connecting to the internet, the issue often comes down to WAN (Wide Area Network) settings. WAN controls how your device communicates with your router and your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Depending on your network, you may need to adjust these settings to use DHCP, set up a Static IP, or enter PPPoE details. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step how to configure WAN on a Chromebook.

What is meant by WAN Settings on a Chromebook?

WAN, or Wide Area Network, is the connection between your router and your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This is different from LAN, or Local Area Network, which covers the connections between devices inside your home or office, such as your Chromebook, printer, or smart devices. 

WAN settings matter because they determine how your Chromebook gets online. In most cases, your router uses DHCP, which automatically receives an IP address from your ISP without any manual input. However, some providers require a Static IP, where you enter a fixed address, subnet, and gateway, or PPPoE, which uses a username and password to connect, often in DSL setups.

How to Configure WAN Directly on a Chromebook (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)?

Click the status area (where the time shows) in the bottom-right corner of your Chromebook screen. Then open the Internet connection dropdown and select your active network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

Go to the Network tab to view details such as:

• Current IP address
• Default gateway
• DNS server settings

Adjust your DNS configuration:

• Leave it on automatic (via DHCP), or
• Switch to manual DNS (e.g., Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).

Note: To change the overall WAN type (DHCP, Static IP, PPPoE), you’ll need to update it through your router’s admin interface or the Google Home app if you’re using Google Wifi or Nest Wifi.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting WAN on Chromebook

Even after configuring WAN, you may run into issues that prevent your Chromebook from connecting properly. Most of these problems are related to incorrect settings or ISP requirements. Here are some common issues and quick fixes:

• If your Chromebook refuses to connect after you’ve changed WAN settings, try resetting the connection back to DHCP, since it usually works as the default option.
• When using PPPoE, your connection may fail if the credentials are wrong, so always double-check the username and password with your ISP because even a small typo will block access.
• If a Static IP setup isn’t working, it usually means one of the details such as the IP address, subnet mask, or gateway is entered incorrectly, so verify them carefully against the information provided by your ISP.
• In cases where browsing feels slow or you encounter DNS errors, switching to a trusted DNS provider like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) often improves speed and stability.
• If your Chromebook’s connection drops frequently, restart both the Chromebook and your router, and make sure your router or Google Wifi/Nest Wifi firmware is updated to the latest version.

Best Practices When Configuring WAN on Chromebook

To make sure your Chromebook stays connected reliably, it’s important to follow some best practices when configuring WAN:

• Always keep a backup of your ISP details such as static IP, gateway, subnet, or PPPoE credentials, so you can re-enter them quickly if something goes wrong.
• Use DHCP as your first choice unless your ISP specifically requires static IP or PPPoE, because DHCP is easier to configure and less prone to errors.
• When using manual DNS settings, choose trusted servers like Google DNS or Cloudflare, since they are faster, more secure, and usually more reliable than default ISP DNS servers.
• Make a habit of restarting your Chromebook and router after major network changes, as this refreshes the connection and applies the new settings properly.
• For those using Google Wifi or Nest Wifi, always keep the Google Home app and router firmware updated to avoid compatibility or connection issues.
• If you’re in a school or business environment, let your IT admin configure WAN settings centrally through the Admin Console to avoid conflicts and ensure security.

FAQs

How to configure WAN on Chromebook without password?

If your network does not require a password (for example, an open public Wi-Fi), you can simply select the network from your Chromebook’s Wi-Fi menu, and it will connect automatically. However, if WAN settings like PPPoE are required, you will still need the credentials from your ISP since those cannot be bypassed.

How to configure WAN on Chromebook Windows 10?

Chromebooks run on ChromeOS, not Windows 10. If you mean configuring WAN on a Windows 10 device, you’ll need to open the Network & Internet settings, choose your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and adjust the IP and DNS settings manually under “Advanced network settings.” On a Chromebook, the process is done through the network settings panel in the bottom-right corner of the desktop.

How to configure WAN on Chromebook Dell?

WAN configuration on a Dell Chromebook is the same as on any other Chromebook because all Chromebooks run ChromeOS regardless of brand. You can access the WAN settings by clicking the time in the bottom-right, selecting your network, and then adjusting the connection type (DHCP, Static IP, or PPPoE) as needed.

How to reset network settings in Chrome?

To reset network settings on your Chromebook, click on the time in the bottom-right, go to Settings > Network, select your Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and then choose Forget network. After this, you can reconnect by re-entering the password or adjusting WAN settings. If you want a deeper reset, you can also perform a ChromeOS Powerwash, which resets all settings including network configurations.