No internet connection: how to fix it

When you suddenly have no internet connection, it can be frustrating. Fortunately, most connection problems are easy to fix.

Step 1: Check the basics

Check all devices

Test your internet connection on at least two different devices. If only one device has no connection, the problem lies with that specific device.

Look at the indicator lights

  • Power light: Should be lit steadily
  • Internet/WAN light: If this is off or red, there is no connection
  • WiFi light: Shows whether the wireless function is active

Check the cables

  • Is the power cable plugged in properly?
  • Is the internet cable firmly connected?
  • Is there any visible damage?

Step 2: Restart your equipment

  1. Turn off your modem
  2. Turn off your router as well
  3. Wait at least 30 seconds
  4. Plug the modem back in first
  5. Then plug in the router
  6. Wait 2 to 5 minutes

Step 3: Check your WiFi settings

Airplane mode

Check whether airplane mode has been turned on by accident.

Turning WiFi off and on

  • Windows: Click the network icon and turn WiFi off and back on
  • Mac: Click the WiFi symbol in the menu bar
  • iPhone/Android: Go to Settings

Forget and reconnect

  1. Go to your WiFi settings
  2. Select your network
  3. Choose Forget
  4. Connect again

Step 4: Reset network settings

Windows network reset

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to Network & internet
  3. Click Network reset

Clearing the DNS cache

Windows: Open Command Prompt and type: ipconfig /flushdns

Mac: Open Terminal and type: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

Step 5: Check for outages

Visit your provider's outage page:

Step 6: Advanced solutions

Change your DNS servers

  • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
  • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

Factory reset your router

  1. Find the reset button on your router
  2. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip
  3. Wait until the router has restarted

FAQ

Why do I have a WiFi signal but no internet?

This means you are connected to your router, but the router itself has no internet connection.

How do I know whether my router is broken?

Signs: constantly blinking lights, no lights despite having power, extreme heat.

Can the weather affect my internet connection?

Yes, especially with cable internet and DSL, extreme weather conditions can cause problems.

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