Why does a device get 169.254.x.x?

That is a self-assigned link-local IPv4 address, usually meaning DHCP did not provide a lease. Check association, DHCP scope, VLAN and duplicate servers.

What to check

DHCP discover/offer; scope; VLAN; client isolation.

When to get help from a person

Network engineering if multiple clients affected.

Show the technical detail
On a managed Wi-Fi plan

Check client event/lease telemetry and gateway DHCP service.

On another provider's router

Use ISP hub device/DHCP diagnostics.

What to be careful of

Do not configure random static addresses.

Where this comes from: Official · see the original source ↗ · Draft—technical review · checked 17 August 2026

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