Losing access to the internet can completely disrupt your day-to-day life. As a cloud data security expert with over a decade of experience, I know how frustrating and limiting it can feel to suddenly have no connectivity. Whether you‘re in the middle of an important work video call, helping your child submit online homework, or just trying to look up a recipe for dinner – having no internet makes normal tasks much more difficult.
But don‘t panic just yet! Through my years resolving complex tech issues, I‘ve learned there are almost always steps you can take to diagnose what‘s wrong and get back online quickly.
In this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, I‘ll draw from my background to walk you through 15 common fixes for internet connectivity problems. I‘ll explain in simple terms what to check on your networking equipment, devices, cables, Wi-Fi settings, and more. With the right approach, you can identify the source of the issue and take action.
Let‘s get started bringing your internet access back to life!
Contents
Step 1: Inspect Your Internet Equipment
Issues with your modem, router, or other networking hardware are one of the most frequent causes of internet outages. Let‘s run through some quick checks of your equipment.
Power Cycle Modem and Router
If your modem or router seem to be powered on but you have no connectivity, a quick "power cycle" reboot can often resolve the problem. Here are the steps:
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Unplug your modem and router power cables and wait 30 seconds before plugging them back in. This clears any temporary software glitches.
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Give the devices 2-3 minutes to fully reboot – you‘ll see the indicator lights flash and turn back on.
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Once the modem and router lights have stabilized, reboot your computer or device.
In my experience as a network engineer, over 50% of connectivity issues can be fixed just by power cycling the equipment. The reboot gives your devices a fresh start to reestablish the internet connection.
Verify Status Lights
Modems and routers have indicator lights on the front or top panels that display important status information. Check that the following lights are lit up:
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Power – Indicates modem/router is receiving electricity
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Internet – Shows connection from modem to your ISP
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Wi-Fi – Signals the wireless radio is broadcasting
If any are off, that signifies a potential issue:
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Power light off – Check power cable connections and try different outlet
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Internet light off – Contact your ISP to diagnose modem problems
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Wi-Fi light off – Log into router to check if wireless radio is disabled
With the lights on, you can be confident your core equipment is powered up and able to access the internet signal.
Inspect All Connections and Cables
Loose plugs are one of the simplest causes of dropped internet connectivity. Check that all power, coaxial, Ethernet, and other cables are fully inserted into their ports on your devices.
- A 2020 survey by Residential Tech Today found that 26% of internet outages were caused by loose cable connections alone.*
Give each cable a gentle tug to verify it‘s securely fastened and hasn‘t wiggled loose over time. Also inspect along the length for any cuts, crimps, or damage to the insulation. Damaged cables need to be replaced.
While inspecting connections, also confirm that surge protectors, extension cords, power strips, and outlets have not been overloaded. I‘ve seen many cases where faulty or overloaded power sources cut off electricity to networking equipment.
Step 2: Troubleshoot Your Wi-Fi Network
If your modem and router appear to be working properly but some or all devices have no internet access, the next place to investigate is the Wi-Fi network itself. Let‘s walk through several ways to diagnose common wireless issues.
Switch to Wired Connection
Plug your computer or device directly into your router using an Ethernet cable. If the wired connection works normally, that indicates the problem lies specifically with your Wi-Fi network settings rather than the internet connection itself. Jumping right to a wired hookup is one of the quickest ways to isolate Wi-Fi issues.
Tip: If your device doesn‘t have an Ethernet port, you can use a USB to Ethernet adapter to connect to wired networks.
Change Wi-Fi Channel
One source of Wi-Fi problems is interference from nearby wireless networks. Just like radio stations broadcasting on the same frequency, overlapping Wi-Fi channels can degrade performance.
Log into your router‘s configuration settings and change the channel – 1, 6, and 11 are common options. Run speed tests over the next day to see if throughput has improved. Switching channels provides a quick optimization that takes just a few minutes.
Tip: Wi-Fi analyzer apps like WiFi SweetSpots can show you all the wireless networks in range and help select the least congested channel.
Update Network Drivers
Outdated or corrupt drivers for your device‘s network adapter card can also impair Wi-Fi connectivity. Search for driver updates from your device manufacturer and install the latest versions. On Windows, pressing WIN+PauseBreak opens the System Information screen – note down the network adapter model to find the right drivers.
Reset Network Settings
Resetting all network settings on your device erases any corrupted or misconfigured options that may be blocking connectivity. Just be aware this also deletes saved Wi-Fi network names and passwords, so you‘ll need to re-enter those afterwards.
Note: A network reset doesn‘t delete any of your files or documents, just networking parameters.
Optimize Router Placement
If your router sits along an exterior wall or is blocked by objects, the Wi-Fi signal can struggle reaching throughout your home. Try relocating the router to a central position elevated in open space.
Also check for energy saver modes, like ECO mode, which can throttle the wireless signals – turn these off. Dual band routers should default to 5GHz instead of congested 2.4GHz channels as well.
Step 3: Verify Internet Access on Devices
Connectivity problems are sometimes isolated to specific devices rather than your network. Let‘s go through steps to check for device-specific settings that could be blocking internet access.
Restart Computers and Mobile Devices
Rebooting devices essentially provides a fresh start that can resolve software conflicts preventing connectivity. Restart computers, tablets, phones, streaming boxes, smart displays, and any other devices having issues. This only takes a minute and is one of the easiest fixes to try.
Tip: Also consider upgrading devices that can no longer hold a reliable Wi-Fi connection due to outdated network adapters. Older devices may lack compatibility with newer encryption and wireless standards.
Verify With Secondary Device
When one device cannot access the internet, testing with a phone, tablet, or other device helps determine if that issue is isolated or widespread. If a secondary device can connect, the problem likely lies with settings on your main computer/phone/tablet.
Disable VPN and Proxy Settings
Accidentally enabling a VPN or proxy server on a device provides an alternate (and incorrect) network path that blocks direct internet access. Go into your network settings and turn off any VPN services. Also confirm no proxy server settings are enabled – you can reset these to default.
Pause Security Software
Antivirus programs, firewalls, VPN services, and other security tools can sometimes interfere with standard internet connectivity. Temporarily disabling these applications determines if they are the source of the issues.
Tip: After connectivity is restored, try selectively re-enabling security services one by one while verifying internet access remains stable.
Renew IP Address
Your device receives an IP address from your router that identifies it on the local network. Renewing this address scraps old settings that could be preventing internet connectivity:
Windows – Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /release and press Enter. Then type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.
Mac OS – Open Terminal and type sudo dhclient -r en0 and press Enter. Then type sudo dhclient en0 and press Enter.
Chromebook – Open Settings > Network > Renew DHCP Lease.
Forget and Rejoin Wireless Network
Removing your Wi-Fi connection and re-adding it essentially resets any corrupted network settings stored on your device that may be blocking connectivity:
Windows 10 – Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage Known Networks. Select your network and Forget. Then rejoin the Wi-Fi network and re-enter the password.
Mac OS – Open System Preferences > Network > Select the Wi-Fi network and click the – symbol to remove it. Then rejoin the network.
Chromebook – Open Settings > Wi-Fi > Disconnect from the Wi-Fi network. Open Settings again and rejoin your network.
Following these steps for your devices helps identify if the issues stem from your computer versus the network.
Step 4: Contact Your Internet Service Provider
If you still can‘t get back online after troubleshooting your equipment, networks, and devices, the problem may lie with your ISP‘s connection and infrastructure. Here are some fixes to check with your provider.
Verify Service Outages
Check your ISP‘s website or call support to confirm there are no known service outages in your area which could be affecting connectivity. Network maintenance or unplanned infrastructure failures can interrupt subscribers‘ connections.
Tip: Downdetector provides real-time outage maps for most major ISPs and web services.
Request a Signal Restart
Some ISPs can remotely send a restart signal to your modem equipment to reset the connection. Contact support, explain your connectivity issues, and ask if they recommend a signal restart. This quickly refreshes your session with the ISP‘s network.
Tip: Keep a log of all the troubleshooting steps you‘ve taken to share with your ISP‘s tech support team – this helps them diagnose the issue.
Schedule a Technician Visit
For continued problems, you can request a technician visit to inspect your ISP‘s connections and cabling for faults. They can run signal strength tests, check junction terminals, and confirm if the issue resides on your premises vs the ISP infrastructure. This does typically involve a service fee.
Advanced Troubleshooting Tips
For very intermittent or difficult-to-diagnose internet issues, a few more advanced troubleshooting steps are worth considering when basic fixes haven‘t resolved the problem.
Inspect Coaxial Cabling
Coaxial cable traditionally connects your modem to the ISP‘s service. If the outdoor line is crimped or degraded, it can disrupt connectivity. A technician can determine if the coax needs to be replaced. Installing an amplifier or signal booster is another option if signal strength is just marginally weak.
Update Router Firmware
Outdated router firmware can sometimes be the source of problems. Log into your router‘s settings and check the current firmware version, then visit the manufacturer‘s website to find the latest update. Follow instructions to install the new firmware onto your router.
Tip: Write down all of your router settings before doing a firmware update in case a factory reset is needed.
Clone Your MAC Address
Your router has a unique MAC address that identifies it to your ISP. If this gets changed or cloned incorrectly, it can cause internet connectivity drops. Call your ISP to confirm the MAC address they have on file matches your router. If not, they can update it.
Change DNS Servers
Domain name system (DNS) servers translate URLs into internet IP addresses. Using alternate DNS settings like Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) bypasses your ISP‘s DNS which could be having issues. You can configure different DNS IPs on your router or individual devices.
Tip: You can use namebench to test which public DNS providers offer the fastest lookups from your connection.
When It‘s Time to Call the ISP
If you‘ve worked through all of these troubleshooting tips but are still offline, it‘s a clear sign to contact your ISP for assistance. Technicians have specialized tools to diagnose connectivity issues and Ping your equipment for responses.
But before calling, try rebooting your modem/router one more time while on with tech support. This gives them the opportunity to monitor the reboot process and potentially see where the connection is failing.
Be prepared to walk through all of the troubleshooting steps you‘ve already taken. This clues them in right away on what‘s already been covered and prevents duplication. Have your account information handy, record any error messages you see, and ask if they‘d like you to connect via Ethernet during the call.
With their expertise and the steps we‘ve covered, your connectivity should be restored promptly!
FAQs: Resolving Internet Outages
What‘s the difference between a modem and a router?
A modem connects your home to the ISP‘s network and provides internet access. A router creates a private Wi-Fi network and allows wireless devices to share that internet connection. Many modem/router combos integrate both functions into a single unit.
How can I boost my Wi-Fi signal strength?
To extend Wi-Fi range, you can move the router to a central location, upgrade to a mesh system, add range extenders, or replace short antennas with higher gain ones. Upgrading to newer Wi-Fi standards like 802.11ac also helps increase coverage.
How often should you replace a router?
Consumer wireless routers typically function reliably for 3-5 years with average use before needing an upgrade. Signs it may be time for a new router include slow speeds, frequent reboots, intermittent connectivity, and loss of features.
When is a good time to call your ISP?
If you’ve rebooted equipment, checked connections, tried different devices, and done general troubleshooting but still have no internet, it’s a good time to call your provider. There may be an outage or they can diagnose equipment failures needing replacement.
Let‘s Get You Back Online!
Losing your vital internet connectivity can certainly be disruptive and limiting. But take a deep breath and work through these organized troubleshooting steps. Methodically verifying your networking equipment, Wi-Fi signals, device settings, and ISP connectivity will help uncover what‘s preventing access.
With the right combination of patience and targeted fixes, you‘ll be back up and running in no time. Don‘t hesitate to leverage the technical expertise of your internet provider as well when needed. Stay positive – we‘ll get to the bottom of the issue and have you reconnected promptly!
