internet connection problem solving

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How to Fix Your Internet Connection: Troubleshoot Common Issues

Methods for improving and repairing your connection

Last Updated: June 12, 2024 Fact Checked

Slow or Inconsistent Wi-Fi Connections

Simple fixes for connection issues, advanced fixes for connection issues.

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Smith . Kyle Smith is a wikiHow Technology Writer, learning and sharing information about the latest technology. He has presented his research at multiple engineering conferences and is the writer and editor of hundreds of online electronics repair guides. Kyle received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 823,473 times. Learn more...

While some network issues can only be addressed from your Internet Service Provider's (ISP's) side, there are plenty of simple steps that you can take to resolve minor to moderate network issues at home! From repositioning your router to resetting the network, there are a few things you can try to get things working. This wikiHow will show you how to fix your internet connection, from handling slow Wi-Fi networks to troubleshooting problems on your PC or Mac.

Things You Should Know

• For slow internet, move your router so there are as few obstacles as possible between it and your device.
• Restart your router and modem to resolve common internet connection issues.
• If your problem persists, try updating your router firmware by navigating to its router login page.

• If you’re having connection issues on a different floor of your home, try different antenna angles for better coverage.

• The best way to ensure a consistent Internet connection is by minimizing the number of obstacles between your Internet device and the router.

• Make sure to check what speed your router is rated for. This is typically labeled AC####, where the four numbers represent the speed in megabits per second (mbps). Get a router that matches or exceeds your internet plan’s mbps.

• If your computer is able to connect to the Internet while connected directly to the router, your computer's wireless reception is most likely the problem.
• If your computer is able to connect to the Internet while connected directly to the modem, then the issue is likely cause by your router.
• If you cannot connect to the internet while connected directly to your modem, there is something wrong with the modem or with your internet service in general. You'll need to get in touch with your internet service provider's technical support line to fix modem-related issues.

• To stay relatively up-to-date, consider clearing your browser's cache once per month.

• Internet Explorer

• Restarting your computer will often also turn back on your Internet adapter if it was off.

• You may have to hold the Fn button in order to be able to press the Wi-Fi button.
• The Wi-Fi button usually looks like three curved lines increasing in size.
• Skip this step on a desktop computer.

• Many modems can also be soft-reset in this manner.
• In some cases, you can soft-reset your network by opening your router's page and clicking a Reset button in the "Advanced" or "Power" options.

• In most cases, the "reset" button is a recessed button on the back of the modem and router, meaning that you'll need to use a pen or a paperclip (or similar tool) to press the button.

• Clearing the DNS cache will resolve issues such as websites failing to load, especially if you can view the website in one browser but not another.
• To clear the DNS cache on a mobile item such as a smartphone or a tablet, simply restart the item.

• Windows - Press ⊞ Win + R > type in ncpa.cpl > click OK > right-click your network adapter > click Diagnose > follow any on-screen prompts.

• Add a second router to extend the range .
• Increase your computer's Wi-Fi reception .
• Make your own directional "cantenna" for your wireless adapter .

• Remember to be as calm and polite as possible, and do not take out your frustration on the company.

Community Q&A

• Most ISPs will perform network diagnoses and fixes for free if you're renting a modem/router from them. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

• Resetting your network should be a last-ditch attempt to fix the network. While it will fix most of your potential network problems, it's very inconvenient to have to set back up all of your Internet-connected items. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 5

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• ↑ http://osxdaily.com/2016/09/22/fix-wi-fi-problems-macos-sierra/

About This Article

1. Restart your computer. 2. Make sure your wireless adapter is enabled. 3. Restart your modem and router. 4. Try a hard network reset. 5. Move closer to the router. 6. Try using Ethernet. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Tech troubles got you down? We've got the tips you need

The Ultimate Guide to Troubleshooting Home WiFi and Router Issues

• Tyler Cooper

Ninety-nine percent of home Wi-Fi issues can be fixed by unplugging the router, waiting five seconds, then plugging it back in. This resets the device and frequently improves the speed. But if that doesn’t fix your problem, this guide will provide you a to-the-point reference for dealing with some of the most common home Wi-Fi issues, such as the Wi-Fi not working, slowing down, disappearing, or not connecting with devices.

Keep reading to find out what to do if your connection is running slower than usual, as well as how to troubleshoot a network that won’t connect at all. We’ll also take a look at several tools you can use to help troubleshoot your connection no matter what problems crop up.

Table of Contents

Home wi-fi quick fix, understanding your router’s icons, how to troubleshoot wi-fi, tools for wi-fi troubleshooting, ways to boost your speeds or wi-fi reach, why does my computer keep disconnecting from wi-fi.

• Tips for Fixing Your Smartphone Connection
• If All Else Fails, Contact Your Service Provider

If your wireless connection suddenly stops working, restart your router before trying anything else. Here’s the process:

• Unplug or power off your router.
• Wait two to five minutes before plugging it back in.
• Wait five more minutes and retry the connection.

In most cases, this should fix your issue and allow you to get back online. If you go through these steps and something still isn’t working, you may need to contact your internet service provider for assistance.

Most routers have a series of icons that illuminate to convey different status messages at a glance. Though these can vary from brand to brand, most manufacturer’s include at least three primary status indicators:

Interpreting the Colors of Your Router’s Lights

Important note : In order to be clear on what your specific device is communicating to you, refer to the user manual for a more detailed explanation.

Pro tip: You can usually find a digital copy of your router’s manual by typing your device model number followed by “user manual” into Google.

If you’ve tried the quick fix above to no success, there are still several other ways you may be able to troubleshoot your Wi-Fi connection. In order to identify the technique most likely to actually help you, let’s break down some common issues:

1. “I’m experiencing slower-than-normal network speeds.”

Try this: Plug an ethernet cable directly into your router and test your internet speeds using our speed test tool . Next, test your speeds on the Wi-Fi connection. If they’re both slow, the issue is likely with your service provider and not your equipment. Give them a call.

If the hardwired connection is much faster than the wireless one, however, there may be more you can do to optimize your network. Wired connections will usually always be faster than wireless in some capacity, but the difference shouldn’t be so vast that your Wi-Fi is unusable. First, try moving your router to a more central location in your home. If that’s not an option, it may be worth exploring how to extend your Wi-Fi connection to all areas of your home.

Also, you might be encountering interference from networks adjacent to yours. If you think this may be the case, you can try changing the channel your router is broadcasting on. For starters, you’ll want to use the 5 GHz band whenever possible, if your router supports it. These tend to be less congested and therefore better performing than their 2.4 GHz counterparts.

2. “I have no internet connection at all.”

Try this: Plug an ethernet cable into your router and see if you’re able to get a signal on a desktop or laptop. If you can’t, your access has been cut and you should contact your ISP.

If you’re able to load web pages through a hardwired connection, there’s definitely something wrong with your Wi-Fi network. If restarting the router didn’t fix the issue, you may need to set it up again completely. Most routers have a small “reset” button that needs to be held down with a paperclip or other small object. Doing this will restore the device to factory settings and you’ll be able to go through the first-time setup once again.

If you’ve been through this process and still can’t get connected, you’ll likely need to contact your ISP for help. You could have an unpaid balance that has caused the company to suspend your account, or there might simply be an outage in your area.

3. “My Wi-Fi network disappeared completely.”

Try this: Check to see where your router is positioned. If it’s somewhere cramped, such as behind a couch or crammed into a storage closet, it might’ve overheated and shut down automatically to prevent any damage.

If you’re able to move your router to a place with more airflow, you should be able to solve the overheating issue. If you feel that your router is positioned in a good location and that overheating isn’t the problem, there are a few other things that could be happening.

For one, your network may have reset itself due to an update. Take a look at the default network name (usually printed somewhere on the router itself) and see if you recognize that network when looking for a connection.

4. “My phone/laptop/tablet won’t connect even though my other devices are fine.”

Try this: Turn off the offending device and turn it back on. You can also try turning the Wi-Fi off and on again in the settings of your device, just to be thorough.

If this doesn’t help, you may need to delete your network from the device entirely. On an iOS or Android device, you can simply click on the network name and hit “Forget This Network.” This means you’ll have to find the network again and put the password in like you did the first time you set it up, but it should solve any remaining connection issues in the process.

Our speed test tool allows you to see how your current network is performing in terms of both upload and download speeds. You can use this at any time to test the quality of your connection, and if you’re having any issues, you can use it to gauge your progress on getting them resolved. You can also use Speed Test periodically to see if you’re really getting the speeds that you’re paying for (look at your bill for payment info). Just remember that using Wi-Fi will always slow things down a little bit.

You can also run speed tests on different devices and from different locations. If the speed is sluggish on one device or in one location but not the others, that indicates an issue specific to the device or location.

Wireless Diagnostics (Mac)

The network diagnostics tool is a robust program that allows you to get a clear picture of your network health, as well as troubleshoot any issues you may be experiencing. You can find this program by hitting “command” plus “spacebar” and typing “Wireless Diagnostics” into the search bar.

When you first open the program, it will scan your immediate area for any available Wi-Fi networks. Once this is done, you’ll be presented with two options: monitor my Wi-Fi connection and continue to summary. Choose neither of these. Instead, at the top of your screen, select “Scan” from the Window drop-down menu. You will see a list of networks. Select “Scan Now.”

The service will then show you a full list of connections around you, including what channel they are operating on. The program will also show you the best channels for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands based on network congestion. In order to actually change the channels your router is operating on, you’ll need to Google search the brand of the device followed by “IP address.” You will then type this in just like you would any regular website.

NirSoft (Windows)

NirSoft functions very similarly to the wireless diagnostics tools for Mac, scanning your Wi-Fi environment and displaying all available networks, as well as a number of useful statistics for each. You’ll still need to log into your router’s control panel to actually change its configuration.

NetSpot (Mac & Windows)

NetSpot is a fantastic alternative to both options above and even features some additional tools that intermediate users may find valuable. Above and beyond being able to view detailed information about your network, NetSpot also allows you to visualize its footprint in your home, showing you any dead zones and weak points that need to be patched up. Available as a free download, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more feature-complete troubleshooting program.

A little more speed or reach makes a big difference. To inject more oomph into your internet, try boosting your Wi-Fi signal and speeds with the following methods:

• Move your router to an open, central spot in the home.
• Check how many devices are connected to your Wi-Fi, and offload any devices you don’t need (or reallocate devices from one band to the other).
• Try Wi-Fi extenders midway between the router and dead zone.
• Upgrade your router.
• Use a mesh router.
• Agree on internet usage with members of your household.
• Try a Wi-Fi adapter if you live in a dorm.
• Change your router’s channel setting.
• Choose a different internet plan.

Once you’ve resolved the issue by following one of the above steps, make sure to secure your wireless home network to prevent hackers or neighbors from accessing your Wi-Fi.

If you find that you are consistently getting booted from your Wi-Fi network, there are a few things that could be happening. We recommend looking for any patterns in the service disruptions. Do they only happen at a certain time of the evening? Maybe it even drops when you pop something into the microwave? Believe it or not, there are many signals from Bluetooth devices, baby monitors, and smart lights constantly flowing through your home that can disrupt your internet connection.

If you’ve ruled out network interference using the tools listed above, you may need to try updating your router’s firmware. This is essentially the device’s “operating system,” and like any other piece of software, it needs to be updated from time to time to keep functioning properly.

If you’ve updated your firmware and are still getting disconnects, you may need to consider replacing the router outright, especially if it’s more than a few years old. Routers are computers, and computers unfortunately do tend to fail after a few years. If you’ve been renting a modem and router from your ISP, it might be better to invest in your own equipment since ISPs tend to rent out old hardware.

>> Related: The Best Wi-Fi Routers, Tested and Reviewed

Firmware Updates by Brand

How to log into your router’s control panel.

Click on your router’s brand below to see in-depth instructions on how to log in to its configuration area, where you can adjust network passwords and names, as well as change the channels they are operating on.

• NETGEAR login tutorial
• Linksys login tutorial
• Asus login tutorial
• TP-Link login tutorial

Tips for Fixing Your Smartphone Wi-Fi Connection

If your phone won’t connect to the Wi-Fi, won’t download files, or load webpages, here are a few troubleshooting suggestions:

• Restart the phone. This step could be enough by itself to resolve connection issues.
• Move the phone closer to your router to see if the Wi-Fi connection improves.
• Verify that the phone is not in airplane mode.
• Check for differences between Wi-Fi and mobile data just to make sure Wi-Fi really is the issue. For instance, if you turn Wi-Fi off on the phone and the internet functions normally using cell data, the problem is likely Wi-Fi.
• Restart the Wi-Fi router (wait at least 30 seconds to plug it back in after unplugging).

We also recommend checking for smartphone updates and trying again after these changes are made. If the above steps do not work, you may need to contact your ISP or the group/organization running the Wi-Fi network. Here are a few more tips to try:

• Ensure you’re trying to connect to the right network. Your neighbors may have similar network names.
• “Forget” the network. Then find it again and try connecting to it.
• Change your Wi-Fi network password if the problem is password-related and persists despite you constantly typing the right password in your smartphone.
• Reset the network settings in your phone settings. If that fails, try resetting all settings, which will erase your ringtone and custom settings. Your content is safe, though, unless you choose to erase it, too. A factory data reset may work too, returning your phone to a state as if you had never used it, but erases everything.
• Check the MAC address filtering. Allow your phone to be connected, or switch MAC address filtering off.
• Change your router’s channel setting (more common if you experience frequent smartphone Wi-Fi disconnects or out of range or weak Wi-Fi signals).
• Choose “Add network” or “Add Wi-Fi network” in the list of Wi-Fi networks if the one you want to hop on is hidden. It won’t show up in the list of available networks. Each piece of information you enter for the hidden network, such as the password and SSID, must match exactly as it’s case-sensitive.

If All Else Fails, Contact Your Service Provider.

Though technical support from many companies can be a hit or miss experience, if you’ve tried everything above and nothing seems to be working, it might be best to simply reach out to request a tech to come to your home and sort the issue out directly. This may entail a service fee of some kind, but if it gets you back online, it’ll be worthwhile in the end.

• The Ultimate Guide to Troubleshooting Home Wi-Fi and Router Issues

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Why is My Wi-Fi Not Working? How to Fix Your Internet

What to do when you have a Wi-Fi signal but no internet access.

These days, the little Wi-Fi symbol in the corner of your phone or laptop screen is so synonymous with internet connectivity that it’s easy to forget that Wi-Fi and internet aren’t the same thing. And it is possible to have one without the other. This guide will help you figure out why your Wi-Fi isn’t connected to the internet and what you can do to fix it.

The difference between Wi-Fi and internet signals

Wi-Fi is a radio broadcast signal transmitted by a router that allows devices like phones and laptops to connect to a network wirelessly. Internet signals are a connection to the world wide web. When both work properly, your Wi-Fi network is a wireless bridge that feeds your devices access to the internet.

Essentially, that little Wi-Fi icon on your device screen tells you that you’re connected to a router, not necessarily the internet. The wireless router needs to be connected to the internet for you to access the web via Wi-Fi. You can tell if you’re actually connected to the internet in your device’s Wi-Fi settings. 

Reasons you’re connected to Wi-Fi but not internet

You’re on the wrong wi-fi network.

Go into your device’s Wi-Fi settings and make sure you’re connected to the right Wi-Fi network.

Since the Wi-Fi icons on devices don’t usually display a network name, you usually assume you’re on the right network. But there are a ton of Wi-Fi signals sharing the same space. You might be connected to a neighbor’s Wi-Fi, a Wi-Fi extender, or a hotspot.

Your modem or router needs a restart

Your networking equipment may not be connected to the internet, but it can still broadcast Wi-Fi signals. Oftentimes simply restarting your modem, router, or gateway (modem/router combo) clears up the issue.

Whether you have a separate modem and router or a gateway, the restart process is the same:

Step 1: Disconnect the power cable from the back of the equipment.

Step 2: Wait 60 seconds.

Step 3: Reconnect the power cable to the back of the equipment.

Step 4: Wait while the equipment reboots. This can take up to 20 minutes.

Restart your computer or device too

This is especially helpful with computers. A system restart is an easy cure-all that’s so effective it’s always worth a shot.

Give your internet connection a health check

Download our speed test app to see if your internet connection is running as it should.

Use our speed test to see if your internet connection is running as it should.

Try your PC’s Network troubleshooter (Windows only)

Windows PCs have a built-in network troubleshooter capable of repairing many internet issues on your computer. It’s really easy to run the Windows Network troubleshooter:

Step 1: Right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the lower-right corner of the screen.

Step 2: Click “Troubleshoot problems.”

Step 3: Select “All network adapters” and click Next.

Step 4: Wait while the troubleshooter searches for the problem.

Your ISP is down

Your internet service provider (ISP) may be experiencing an outage. Unfortunately, if that’s the case, there’s not much you can do about it besides waiting it out. It’s times like these when a mobile hotspot or smartphone tethering come in handy.

Most ISPs have mobile apps you can use to find out if there’s an outage in your area—some even give you an estimate of when service will be restored. You can also explore signing up for text alerts from your ISP to get notified of outages due to weather, construction, etc.

The website or service your attempting to use is down

Individual websites and services have outages too, and they can make it seem like your internet isn’t working. Try to access a different website or service on your device. If it works, you know your internet is fine, and the site’s down.

The sites downformeoreveryone.com and downdetector.com are useful for checking when your favorite sites and services are down.

Ready for a new internet provider?

Enter your zip code to see what internet providers are available in your area.

Your antivirus is blocking your internet connection

Antivirus software is designed to protect you against threats on the internet, but sometimes it can get in the way of your normal web activities. Try briefly disabling your antivirus software to see if doing so restores your internet access.

We don’t recommend using the internet without your security software turned on, so don’t spend any additional time on the web without it. But if your antivirus is blocking your connection, try updating it. Because web threats evolve so quickly, web security software requires frequent updates. It’s a good idea to switch on the auto-update feature of your software due to the frequency of essential updates.

You can also try adding an exception to your security software’s firewall for the program or service you’re attempting to use.

If your antivirus software is causing too much frustration, consider switching to a new one.

Third-party software is causing internet connectivity issues

You probably have a bunch of programs running in the background of your computer. Sometimes, one of these programs interferes with your internet connection. An easy way to rule out background program problems is to boot your computer in safe mode, which disables most third-party background software.

If you have a healthy internet connection after booting in safe mode, one of your programs is likely causing the issue.

Reboot in Safe Mode on Windows 10:

Step 1: Click the Start button, then the cog wheel icon to open the settings menu.

Step 2: Type “recovery options” into the settings search box at the top of the menu and press enter.

Step 3: Under the Advanced startup sections, click “Restart now.”

Step 4: Your PC will reboot and display an options menu. From the options menu, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

Step 5: Your PC will reboot again, and you’ll see a list of options. To reboot with networking, press 5.

Step 6: Your PC will reboot into safe mode with networking. From here, test your internet connection. If it works, a background program may have been causing trouble with your internet connection.

Restart MacOS computers (with Apple processors) in Safe Mode:

Step 1: Shut down your computer.

Step 2: Hold down the power button until “Loading startup options” appears on the screen.

Step 3: Choose a volume.

Step 4: While holding the shift key, select “Continue in Safe Mode.”

Restart MacOS computers (with Intel processors) in Safe Mode:

Step 1: Restart your Mac and hold down the shift key as it boots up.

Step 2: Log in (you might have to log in twice).

Step 3: You should see a Safe Boot indicator in the menu bar.

Your networking cables are loose or damaged

The cables connecting your equipment to the internet can become loose over time, or they can be damaged after repeated stress. Look for tears, harsh twisting, kinking, pressure from furniture, and chew marks from pets.

First, check the line that connects to your modem or gateway (modem/router combo) from the wall outlet. For cable internet customers, look for a coaxial cable (the same kind used for cable TV). Other internet types use coaxial or Ethernet cables. Coaxial cable connections should be twisted hand tight to the back of the modem and the wall outlet. Ethernet cables should make an audible click when inserted in the socket on your equipment.

If you have a separate modem and router, check the Ethernet cable connecting them as well.

Still stumped?

If you’re still having trouble establishing an internet connection, try our other resources to get your internet running smoothly.

• No Internet Connection Troubleshooting Guide
• Why Does My Internet Keep Disconnecting?
• Improve Your Wi-Fi Speed in 10 Simple Steps
• Why is My Internet So Slow?

Author - Austin Aguirre

Austin worked as a broadband technician installing and troubleshooting countless home internet networks for some of the largest ISPs in the U.S. He became a freelance writer in 2020 specializing in software guides. After graduating with a BS in technical communication from Arizona State University, he joined the team at HighSpeedInternet.com where he focuses on home network improvement and troubleshooting.

Editor - Rebecca Lee Armstrong

Rebecca Lee Armstrong has more than six years of experience writing about tech and the internet, with a specialty in hands-on testing. She started writing tech product and service reviews while finishing her BFA in creative writing at the University of Evansville and has found her niche writing about home networking, routers, and internet access at HighSpeedInternet.com. Her work has also been featured on Top Ten Reviews, MacSources, Windows Central, Android Central, Best Company, TechnoFAQ, and iMore.

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8 Easy-to-Do Ways to Troubleshoot Network Connection

You'll be up and running in no time

A faulty Wi-Fi connection doesn’t have to ruin your day. There are plenty of ways you can restore a lost internet connection. Follow these network troubleshooting tips and you’ll be up and running in no time.

1. Check Your Settings

First, check your Wi-Fi settings. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi . Switch Wi-Fi to the On position.

Phones and tablets also have settings that turn Wi-Fi on and off. Make sure that it is turned on so you can connect to the network.

You also want to check if Airplane Mode is turned on.

2. Check Your Access Points

Check your WAN (wide area network) and LAN (local area network) connections. In layman’s terms, these are the Ethernet cables that go to and from your router.

If you suspect that the cables are the culprit, try swapping them out with new ones.

3. Go Around Obstacles

Walls, furniture, and other obstructions can be the reason why you’re unable to go online. Moving closer to the router can re-establish the connection. If moving closer to the router does not solve the issue, then at least we can remove it from the list of suspects.

4. Restart the Router

Sometimes restarting the router can help fix connectivity issues. This is even truer in cases where the router has not been turned off in a while. A quick restart can jolt the router back into working like it used to.

If that doesn’t work, you might also consider resetting the router. But only do so if you’re okay with it being restored to its factory settings. You will have to reconfigure everything including the SSID and password.

5. Check the Wi-Fi Name and Password

Check the network name (otherwise known as SSID) and password of the network connection. If you’re used to connecting automatically when in range of a router but are no longer able to, changes may have been made to the network while you’re away.

It could be as simple as administrators updating the password or the SSID could have been changed to a different one.

6. Check DHCP Settings

Routers are usually set up as DHCP servers. This setting lets computers join a network automatically. With DHCP turned on, users will no longer have to mess with IP Address and DNS Server settings manually.

To edit your DHCP settings, go to Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi . Under Wi-Fi , click Manage Known Networks . Select a network and click Properties .

Under IP Settings , click Edit . From the drop-down menu, select Automatic (DHCP) .

Note: Selecting Manual will let you set your DNS Server Address and IP Address settings manually.

7. Update Windows

Your network problems could be caused by your system. If that is the case, Windows could have possibly released a fix. Try updating your Windows machine to the latest release.

Go to Windows Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update . Click Check for Updates . If there are updates available, Windows will download and install them.

8. Open Windows Network Diagnostics

Windows has a tool called Windows Network Diagnostics that lets users troubleshoot connection issues.

Go to Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Status . Under Change Your Network Settings , click Network Troubleshooter .

Windows Network Diagnostics will run a couple of tests to see what’s possibly causing your Wi-Fi issues.

Windows will let you know if it does not find any issue. Otherwise, you will be given a list of possible actions to take to resolve the problem.

This tool, or a version of it, should be available in Windows 7 to Windows 10.

Christopher Jan Benitez is a freelance writer for hire who provides actionable and useful web content to small businesses and startups. In his spare time, he religiously watches professional wrestling and finds solace in listening to '80s speed metal. Read Christopher's Full Bio

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Fix network connection issues in Windows

Try these things to troubleshoot network connection issues in Windows 11.

Make sure Wi-Fi is on. Select Start  >  Settings  > Network & internet , then turn on  Wi-Fi . Next, select More options  ( > ) next to Wi-Fi, then select  Show available networks . If a network you expect to see appears in the list, select it, then select  Connect .  Open Wi-Fi settings

See if you can use the Wi-Fi network to get to websites from a different device. If you can’t, restart your modem, router, and device, and re-connect to the Wi-Fi.

Try turning Wi-Fi on and off. This can solve issues by restarting your connection.

If your Surface still isn't connecting, try the steps on Surface can't find my wireless network .

Get more help fixing network connection issues

Try these things to troubleshoot network connection issues in Windows 10.

Use the Network troubleshooter. Select Start  >  Settings  > Network & Internet > Status . Under Change your network settings , select Network troubleshooter .  Open Status settings

Make sure Wi-Fi is on. Select Start  >  Settings  > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi . Next, select Show available networks , and if a network you expect to see appears in the list, select it, then select  Connect .  Open Wi-Fi settings

See if you can use the Wi-Fi to get to websites from a different device. If you can’t, restart your modem, router, and device, and re-connect to the Wi-Fi.

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Wi-Fi not working? How to fix the most common problems

Wi-Fi problems can strike anyone at any time, no matter how much networking experience you may have. But if you’ve not come across a particular Wi-Fi issue before, there’s no need to worry if you don’t know how to fix it. All you need are the right tools and a few tips, and you’ll be able to solve your Wi-Fi problem in no time.

Basic Wi-Fi troubleshooting checklist

Quick fixes for common problems, slow or no wi-fi or internet access in certain rooms, slow internet everywhere, one device can’t connect to the wi-fi, nothing can connect to wi-fi, connections drop at random times, wi-fi network disappears entirely, unknown devices on my wi-fi network, a recent update broke wi-fi, the satellite routers on my mesh network aren’t connecting, my smart device isn’t connecting to wi-fi, my console can’t connect to wi-fi, can’t connect to wireless printer, can’t connect to a guest wi-fi network that i set up, wi-fi 6 or 6e isn’t working, even with a wi-fi 6 router, can’t find a router with wi-fi 7.

Whether you’re experiencing problems with slow internet, Wi-Fi signal dropping, or you just can’t connect to Wi-Fi at all, here are some of the quickest and easiest fixes you can try. We’ll also cover some advanced advice on more troubling issues that would definitely result in your Wi-Fi not working at all, or at slower speeds.

If you have a non-specific problem with your Wi-Fi or don’t consider the problem serious enough to investigate more in-depth problems, consider the items on this list as a great way to start fixing your problem.

• Make sure your device’s Wi-Fi is on — Most laptops have a shortcut key that will turn off their Wi-Fi and it can be easy to press accidentally. Similarly, there is a quick toggle on most phones that will turn off the phone’s Wi-Fi capabilities.
• Restart your router —  A quick restart of your router (achieved by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds to 1 minute, and plugging it back in again) can fix many Wi-Fi difficulties.
• Check for an outage — Most ISP’s will have an outage map available on their website. Try using your phone’s data to check and see if an outage is reported in your area.

Forgot the Wi-Fi password

If you really can’t remember your Wi-Fi password, and there are no notes or cards with it written down somewhere, you’ll have to reset your router . Use a paperclip to press the hidden switch in the pinhole on the back of your router for 30 seconds. It should then default to factory settings.

Use our guide to setting up a wireless router  to get everything properly configured.

Wi-Fi connection lost when logging back into the computer

This problem can crop up on Windows 10 due to an issue with Fast Startup. Fast Startup keeps certain processes running so you can log back in very quickly. However, this can sometimes cause a bug with the wireless driver that prevents it from reconnecting to Wi-Fi properly. In the short term, you can turn off Fast Startup to prevent this problem . Search for Power Option s in your Windows 10 or Windows 11 search bar and go to this section of the Control Panel. Select Choose What the Power Button Does on the left-side menu, and then look at the new section Shutdown Settings . Find the option to Turn On Fast Startup and make sure it is deselected.

In the long term, you may need to update the driver for your wireless network adapter to fix any bugs causing this issue. You can follow our guide on how to update Windows 10 drivers for more information.

The network connects, but there’s no internet access

It might sound like a tired tip, but try resetting your modem by unplugging it and plugging it back in. If that’s no good, you can connect a laptop or desktop to your router with an Ethernet cable ( these are the best ones ) to see if it’s the router or your Wi-Fi that’s not working. If this works, then your best bet to get Wi-Fi working again is to reset your router . If there’s still no internet, though, you may have an outage. Contact your ISP.

Router crashes regularly and only restarting it helps

If your router needs to be restarted regularly, you should give your router a full reset . On most routers, you’ll find a Reset button that you can hold down with a paperclip. Do so for 30 seconds, and the router should default from factory settings. Use our guide to setting up a wireless router  to get everything properly configured.

If that doesn’t work, your router may be on its way out. Your only real option is to return it if it is within its warranty period or to buy a new one.

Wi-Fi is made up of radio waves, meaning your Wi-Fi router broadcasts in all directions from a central location. If your router is in a far corner of your house, then you’re covering a great deal of the outside world unnecessarily. If you can, move your router to a more centralized location. The closer you can put your router to the center of your coverage area, the better reception will be throughout your home.

If you have external antennas, you can try adjusting those, too. Alternating between fully vertical and fully horizontal positions can help it reach in multiple directions.

If you live in an apartment building, other routers might be interfering with yours. Free software, like NetSpot on Mac, Windows, and Android, or Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android, can show you every wireless network nearby and what channel they’re using. If your router overlaps with nearby networks in particular rooms, consider switching to a less congested channel. If you need help switching, here’s our guide on how to change your Wi-Fi channel .

If none of that helps, your home might be too much for one router to handle. Consider purchasing a wireless repeater or setting up an old router to serve as one  to extend the range of your main router. Upgrading to a whole-home mesh wireless system can also help with dead spots in certain areas of your home. Either way, it might be time to go and buy a new router .

If your Wi-Fi speed is slow no matter where you are, try plugging a laptop into your router directly and test your internet speed using one of the best internet speed tests . If speeds are still down, the problem is likely with your internet connection, not your router. Try some of these ways to improve your internet speed and contact your ISP.

If that’s not the issue, it could be that your current wireless channel is overcrowded by your devices or by those of other nearby networks. Consider changing the channel on your router in your router settings, by accessing the admin settings .

If that doesn’t help, performing a factory reset on your router and setting it up again may help. On most routers, there’s a Reset button that you can hold down with a paperclip. Do so for 30 seconds, and the router should default to factory settings. Use our guide to setting up a wireless router  to get everything properly configured, and see if that helps.

If none of that works and your internet is fine on a wired connection, your router might be dying. Consider buying a new one: Here are the best routers we’ve reviewed and why they’re great picks. If the router seems fine, then it might instead be your modem, which could suffer connectivity issues if it’s on its way out, too. If you’re looking to upgrade your modem as a fix, we also have a guide on some of the top modem-router combos . Upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E router can also help ease issues with congestion and support faster speeds, provided that your broadband plan is capable of these boosted speeds.

Sometimes you run into a Wi-Fi issue with one particular device. It’s probably just a momentary network issue, which is an easy fix. Try turning off the Wi-Fi on your device, then re-enabling it — or unplugging and replugging your Wi-Fi dongle. If that doesn’t work, restart the device and try again. Then try restarting the router itself.

If that doesn’t help, or if the problem reoccurs, consider deleting your current network from the list of saved networks on your device, then reconnect again.

If you’re running Windows 10 or 11, search for “wifi troubleshooting” and open the result, which should be Identify and Repair Network Issues . That will go through a series of diagnostics that may restore connectivity. On MacOS, you can run Wireless Diagnostics . Hold the Options key and click the AirPort (Wi-Fi) icon on the menu bar. Find Open Wireless Diagnostics , and then follow the on-screen instructions.

If you can’t connect to your Wi-Fi at all, plug your laptop into the router directly using an Ethernet cable, and see if you can connect that way. The particular type of Ethernet cable doesn’t matter, but there are some Ethernet cables that are better than others . If that works, your Wi-Fi is the problem and you should try some of the other fixes listed here. If it doesn’t work, then your internet may be down altogether. Check your ISP’s webpage and social accounts, or give them a call to see if they are reporting problems. Sometimes providers can be a little slow to note issues, so you can also check with a monitoring site like Downdetector  and see if other users in your region are reporting problems.

Resetting your router can fix a myriad of issues, too, and an inability to connect is one of them. Press the Reset  button on the back of the router with a paperclip for 30 seconds, and the router should default to factory settings. Use our guide to setting up a wireless router  to get everything properly configured.

If that’s no use, you may need to consider buying a new router.

Is there some sort of pattern? Do connections drop whenever you use the microwave? Have you just installed a fish tank? It may sound weird, but some routers have trouble with these and other home hardware. The 2.5GHz band is readily interfered with by other devices, and 5GHz and 6GHz are notorious for being interrupted by physical objects. It could also be that you’re experiencing interference from other networks or devices. If your neighbors are heavy Wi-Fi users at a particular time each day, this could be slowing you down.

Changing your router’s channel might help. You can use NetSpot on Mac and Windows and Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android to show you every wireless network nearby. If yours overlaps with nearby networks, switching to a less congested channel in your router settings can help. We have a guide that will walk you through changing the channel on your router .

You can also try moving your router to a more accessible location so that there’s less distance (and interfering devices) between you and the router.

If that doesn’t work, try performing a factory reset on your router by pressing a paperclip into the miniature hole on it and following the reset steps as outlined in your manual.

If you lose track of your Wi-Fi network on any device, it’s possible that your router reset itself. Do you see an unprotected network named after your brand of router? That might be yours. Connect a laptop or desktop to it via an Ethernet cable, then use our guide to setting up a wireless router  to get everything properly configured again.

If you don’t see such a network, plug your laptop into the router with an Ethernet cable, and see if you get a connection. Use our guide to finding your router’s IP address and login information for more help. Also, if you don’t have a cable, check out our guide on how to choose the right Ethernet cable .

Log into your Wi-Fi app or administrator settings (which you can find by searching your IP address on your browser ). Look for a list of currently connected devices and pinpoint the ones you don’t recognize.

First, make sure these don’t represent connections you didn’t realize you had — each smart device will have its own connection, for example, and they can have some strange titles if you didn’t name them. Game consoles and TVs may also be connected, and if you’ve had friends and family over recently they may have connected with unfamiliar devices.

If you’ve ruled out all familiar devices and there’s still a connection or two you don’t recognize, it’s possible someone else is hijacking your Wi-Fi network. In this case, look in your settings for an option to block these devices on your Wi-Fi and ban their MAC addresses, if possible. Then change your Wi-Fi password, and reboot your router. This may not stop especially determined hackers, but it’s usually enough to kick unwanted guests off your network.

If you want to take more drastic action, here are some steps for how to deal with someone stealing your Wi-Fi .

This can happen with some operating system updates. Windows 10 updates in mid-2020 had bugs that stopped some users from connecting to their Wi-Fi networks or even seeing a Wi-Fi connection at all. Similar updates to iOS, Android, and other platforms also have created bugs in the past that disrupt Wi-Fi connections.

When something like this happens, it’s best to wait for a patch that fixes the problem. In the meantime, remove the update and roll back your system to an earlier version to help get your online connectivity back.

While routers can last for years without needing a replacement, keep in mind that some problems can develop with age — a router may start lacking support for new device updates and similar issues that prevent it from working properly (as seen when Apple discontinued the AirPort Extreme, for example). That’s a sign that it’s time to look for a new router.

Make sure that your satellite devices are powered up and turned on. If they are, try unplugging and replugging the problematic device and see if it will connect to your network then. If your router app allows you to restart a Wi-Fi point (Google’s Home app, for example, allows this), then reboot that point and see if this helps, too.

Google also allows you to run a test to make sure the network is set up properly. You can find Wifi points on the Home app, under Test mesh . If the test comes back with a weak or failed connection, you should try repositioning your satellite routers to be closer to your primary router. This also is a good tactic for any mesh system that keeps dropping its satellite points — they could be too far away from the primary point.

You can also double-check to make sure that your satellite router devices have a different SSID than your primary router. If they were accidentally all assigned the same SSID, then the mesh network may not be able to coordinate properly.

If your router still seems unable to connect, then make sure that nothing significant has changed for your network settings. For example, if your ISP WAN (wide-area network) type changed for some reason, you may have to go back into the settings for the router and make sure that the right WAN setting is chosen.

There are additional special cases where certain Wi-Fi technology can interfere with mesh networks, so it’s also a good idea to contact router support directly and explain your situation if nothing is working.

First, make sure that your smart device and your router are both updated. Then try resetting your router  and rebooting your smart device. You can either unplug and plug in the smart device or check its app for a reboot option — the Google Home app, for example, has a Reboot tool under each device section that you can use.

If the device still isn’t connecting properly, try moving it next to the router and seeing if it connects then — distance and interference can make a difference, especially for smaller smart devices. You should also double-check to make sure that your smart device doesn’t need a Zigbee hub to operate , which is more common among older smart devices but a problem that still occasionally crops up.

If your smart device keeps dropping a Wi-Fi signal, especially during busy times of the day, check to see if your router supports automatic band switching for devices. If it does, try turning this feature off. Sometimes a router will try to switch a smart device to a different band, but the device isn’t ready for that, causing it to lose a connection. There may also be issues with connecting to a mesh router, and you may have to be very specific about your network connection to make smart devices work.

It’s also a good idea to check if your particular device is suffering from temporary bugs that make connecting to Wi-Fi difficult or impossible. Nest minis and HomePod minis have both encountered such errors in the past. In these cases, a fix is usually patched in before too long, so keep making sure that your device is updated. Sometimes operating system updates, like a new iOS patch , also can affect smart device performance.

There are a number of other router settings that may block smart devices, but they are manufacturer dependent. If you can’t find what’s wrong, contact your router manufacturer’s support and explain that you think your router is having trouble connecting.

Check social media and Downdetector to make sure nothing is wrong with your gaming platform — sometimes your Xbox or PlayStation can get online just fine, but Xbox Live or Playstation Network is down for any number of reasons, but they’re typically back up again after a short period.

If everything looks all right there, reboot both your router and your game console and see if they can successfully connect. This is also a good time to test your internet connection. Major systems like Xbox and PlayStation have an option in their Settings menu to test your internet connection. On PlayStation, head to Settings , then Network , then select Test Internet Connection . On Xbox, go to Profile & System , select Settings , and in the General section, select Network Settings , where you will find an option to Test Network Speed & Statistics . This can provide more information about what’s going wrong and even tips on what you may need to change.

If your console and router seem to be acting properly but Wi-Fi keeps dropping, you may want to try moving the two devices closer to each other to see if the Wi-Fi signal improves. Try to remove any material or objects between the console and router: Placing both in a high, clear location often brings the best results. You can also try reducing the number of other devices on the network, especially if they’re streaming.

First, make sure you are trying to connect to your Wi-Fi and not via Wi-Fi Direct — they are two different technologies. We also highly suggest the traditional routine of turning everything off and back on again, especially if your printer has connected to Wi-Fi successfully in the past. If your printer is far away from your router and keeps running into Wi-Fi errors, try moving it to a closer position.

If it looks like your printer is connected to Wi-Fi but you can’t get it to work, head into your printer settings on your computer and make sure the correct default printer is selected. Microsoft also has some troubleshooters you can run  to see if they pick up on anything obviously awry.

It’s also a good idea to check your router security, firewalls, and VPN security to see if any of them are identifying the printer as a strange device and refusing a wireless connection. You may need to disable certain firewalls or reconfigure security protocols to use your printer successfully. When all else fails, uninstall your printer drivers and reinstall the more recent versions to see if this makes a difference.

And if your printer isn’t wirelessly enabled, consider upgrading to one that is. We have some recommendations for the best printers , laser printers , and multifunction printers  that can be used wirelessly and connect to your home network.

Guest Wi-Fi networks allow you to share your Wi-Fi with others in a secure way that helps prevent security issues. You’ve probably seen it on business routers, but it can be set up on home routers, too. If someone is having trouble connecting to the guest network but otherwise the Wi-Fi seems to be working, there are a few things you can try.

First, if you just set up your guest network, wait a few minutes. It may take a little time for the network to show up. If the guest network is visible, take a minute to head into your router app and check settings. Settings like Public Wi-Fi Active and Allow Guests to Access My Local Network should always be enabled. If it’s still not working, reset your router and try again.

Keep in mind, some guest networks have a stricter limit on how many devices can use them. If you have over a dozen people already on the guest network, others may not be able to log on.

Wi-Fi 6 offers a host of improvements from older Wi-Fi standards, including improved performance, less latency, and better security. But if you don’t think you’re getting Wi-Fi 6 features from a router that supports it, something could be wrong with your setup.

Do you have any extenders on your network? If those aren’t compatible with Wi-Fi 6, you won’t be able to enjoy Wi-Fi 6 speed and features. If your device has picked up the signal from an extender, Wi-Fi 6 benefits may not be making the trip.

Additionally, most devices will need at least partial support for Wi-Fi 6 features to be able to use them. Devices that are several years old may not be compatible with any Wi-Fi 6 changes. That includes your phone and laptop, as well as smart devices that you might be using.

Even desktop computers may struggle with this. Internal Wi-Fi adapters may struggle to pick up on Wi-Fi 6 benefits when you switch to a new router, even if they are technically compatible. You should update your Wi-Fi drivers to fix any potential issues.

Wi-Fi 7 is the next generation of wireless technology, and it’s technical name is 802.11be. It’s the successor to existing Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E routers, and will offer much greater performance, with up to 36 Gbps data transfer rates — that’s more than three times faster than Wi-Fi 6 speeds. It also lets devices use multiple frequencies simultaneously to better utilize available network bandwidth.

The only downside to this is that Wi-Fi 7 routers aren’t yet available at competitive prices. There are some Wi-Fi 7 routers, like the impressive TP-Link Deco BE85 , but that’s a $1,500 mesh router system and complete overkill for just about anyone.

You can expect to see more Wi-Fi 7 routers with more approachable price tags in the coming months.

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Whether you're designing it yourself or getting a pre-built PC, it can be easy to get a computer and realize that it doesn't have a native Wi-Fi adapter. Or, maybe it does, but you're internet speeds are getting faster, game downloads are getting bigger, you've already upgraded your router and need an adapter to match your newfound power requirements. No matter the situation, an external Wi-Fi adapter that you can add to your PC setup or even laptop setup will be worth your time. Here, we investigate the best Wi-Fi adapters for PC use. Most are incredibly affordable and just snap into a free USB port and start working. The best Wi-Fi adapter for PC in 2024

Buy the for the overall best Wi-Fi adapter for most people. Buy the as a good runner-up. Buy the for a convenient USB stick adapter on the affordable side. Buy the if you're having trouble with reception. Buy the for a miniature USB Wi-Fi adapter plug on the cheap. (Great for laptops!)

If you use a desktop PC or laptop for long enough, chances are you're going to come across one of the common GPU problems that have plagued gamers and workers since the humble graphics card debuted for the first time. The question is, do you know how to fix them? If not, never fear. We're here to help.

Whether you're encountering poor performance, overheating, visual artifacts, or a dreaded black screen, we're going to help you diagnose and fix these common GPU problems.

Your computer’s motherboard is one of the most vital components in your PC’s chain of command. Think of it as the brain of your entire system, handling everything from processors and graphics cards to power distribution and local memory. If your computer’s been running slower than normal, and you’ve done everything you can to clear your cache, cookies, and other digital debris, then there’s a good chance your motherboard may be the culprit. 

Fortunately, there’s a couple of methods you can use for getting your motherboard back in working order, and we’re going to walk you through each part of the process.

10 Troubleshooting Tips If Your Internet Is Connected But Not Working

Everything to try before pulling your hair out

While many people think of the internet as “WiFi” it’s actually just a final bridge between your device and the actual internet connection you’re using, whether that’s copper-based DSL, fiber, satellite or smoke signals. This means it’s entirely possible for the connection between your computer and the WiFi router to be successful while the internet connection itself is down. 

There can be more than a few reasons why this happens and we’re going to run through some common troubleshooting tips to use if your internet is connected but not working.

Narrow Down The Culprit

There are a lot of links in the chain between you and the internet at large. If any one of them aren’t working properly then you’re likely to be cut off from the net. Which makes it pretty important to work out where exactly the issue is. That means you’ll know what to fix or whether the problem is within your power to solve at all.

Try to isolate each section of the system:

• Is it one specific website that doesn’t work?
• Is it only one device on your network that can’t use the internet?
• Does the router’s indicator light show a connection to the internet?

By answering questions like these, you can cut out a lot of troubleshooting work wasted on aspects of the connection that have nothing to do with the problems you’re experiencing. This will also help you decide which (if any) of the tips below you can skip.

Restart Your Device

This one solution if your internet is not working is quick and easy to do. Whether you’re on a computer, tablet, smartphone, smart TV. fridge or internet-connected burrito, try restarting the device. Sometimes temporary glitches develop that we can’t find or resolve manually. A fresh start can help eliminate those.

If you find your device’s internet connection issues frequently need to be resolved with a restart, you may want to look into operating system or firmware updates, since it could be a systematic issue.

Are You Connected To The Right Router?

There are no such things as dumb questions, even though this might seem like one. Just double check that you’re connected to the WiFi connection you think you are. For example, you may have accidentally connected to a mobile hotspot you forgot to turn off.

Another common issue happens with dual-band routers, which offer a 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz WiFi network under two separate names. 5Ghz WiFi isn’t great at long distance transmission, especially through walls. If your device fails to switch over to the 2.4Ghz network when the signal drops too low, you won’t have a working internet connection. So change to the 2.4Ghz network manually to resolve this.

Do You Have Good Signal Strength?

Following from the previous point, do you have enough signal strength regardless of the network frequency? If your internet connection starts working again when you move close to the router, consider using a WiFi extender or repeater of some sort.

Check, Reset Or Restart Your Router

If the internet connection issue affects all of the devices connected to the router, you should definitely pay some attention to the router itself. Before doing anything drastic, check if its WAN light is lit. If not, the router has no connection to the internet and your ISP is probably at fault.

Start by simply unplugging it, waiting a minute and then plugging it in again. Routers are really just specialized computers and they can hang, crash and misbehave just the same as PCs.

You might also need to try a hard reset of your router if all else fails. Refer to its manual on how to do this. It’s usually a recessed button you have to hold in for a few seconds. You will have to re-enter all the settings for your ISP , WiFi network password and the like however. Be warned!

Switch Between WiFi & Ethernet

If WiFi isn’t working properly, but a direct Ethernet cable connection does, that’s a sign it’s a WiFi related issue. If all devices struggle over WiFi, look for general WiFi problems and refer back to the above on resetting your router.

If it’s only one specific device that won’t work over WiFi (but works with Ethernet) you’ll have to troubleshoot its WiFi specifically.

DNS Cache Problems

One quick fix if the internet is not working is to flush your DNS cache. Every time you type in the address of a website, your computer sends a request to a Domain Name Server to have it translated into the IP (internet protocol) address of a specific server. 

Your computer’s DNS cache stores the information of sites you’ve visited before to speed up your internet experience. The problem is that if something goes wrong with the cache, you might lose access to the site.

To flush the cache:

• Open the Start Menu
• Type CMD and run the Command Prompt app
• Type ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter

That’s it, your DNS cache is now emptied and if that was the problem everything should work again.

Use Alternative DNS Servers

Sometimes internet access issues are caused by the DNS servers themselves being unreliable or down. Most internet service providers run their own DNS servers and will configure them through the router by default.

You can change which DNS servers your specific device or router uses so that you always use a faster or more reliable choice.

IP Address Conflicts

Every device on your local network has a unique IP address assigned to it by your router, assuming that your router and devices are set up to use dynamic IP assignment. This is the default, but in some circumstances a device or the router itself has been set up to use static IP addresses.

There are plenty of reasons to use static IP addresses, but if two devices on the network happen to be configured to use the same address, neither can use the network.

Resolving IP address conflicts really needs an article all to itself and, wouldn’t you know it, we happen to have just such an article. So if you think there might be an IP address conflict on your network, check out How to Fix an IP Address Conflict .

Check Your ISP For Downtime Or Reset Your Connection Remotely

You’ve reached the last troubleshooting tip and your internet is still not working. It’s not a specific device, it’s not your router, nothing in your local domain seems to be to blame. Well, that only leaves your actual internet service provider.

The good news is that many ISPs will put notices about downtime on their websites, which you can check using a mobile phone or someone else’s internet. You can also simply phone them and ask if there’s a known issue at their end.

Even if there isn’t one, sometimes you can fix issues by requesting a network reset from the ISP side of things. This may be possible to do through self-service on their site or you’ll have to request it using a support ticket. If that still doesn’t work, keep them on the line for some much-needed technical support!

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Sydney Butler is a social scientist and technology fanatic who tries to understand how people and technology coexist. He has two decades of experience as a freelance computer technician and more than a decade as a technologies researcher and instructor. Sydney has been a professional technology writer for more than five years and covers topics such as VR, Gaming, Cyber security and Transhumanism. Read Sydney's Full Bio

11 Tips to Troubleshoot Internet Connection Problems Win 10

Internet connection problems can be frustrating. This tutorial provides 11 tips with step-by-step guides to help you troubleshoot Internet connection problems on Windows 10, incl. WiFi connected but no Internet, router not connecting to Internet, Internet connected but not working, etc. MiniTool data recovery software also aids you to easily recover lost/deleted files on Windows 10 for free if you lost some data because of computer OS crash, etc.

Internet connection problems can sometimes occur, for instance, computer suddenly can’t connect to Internet, WiFi connected but no Internet Windows 10, etc. Don’t worry, the Internet connection issue is possible to fix.

Below are 11 tips to help you troubleshoot internet connection problems. Try the methods below to fix Internet connection issues like WiFi connected but no Internet connection, router not connecting to Internet, internet connected but not working, and so forth.

Learn how to download free Hola VPN for Chrome, Edge, PC, Mac, Android, iOS, etc. to use it to unblock and access worldwide content online with no limit.

Part 1. No Internet Connection – Troubleshoot Internet Connection Problems (Basic Tips)

If you can’t connect to your WiFi or Internet, you can try the 11 fixes below to troubleshoot Internet connection problems.

Fix 1. Restart Your Computer

Restarting computer can often fix many issues you are encountering. When your computer suddenly has no Internet connection, you can click Start -> Power -> Restart to reboot your computer.

Fix 2. Check Internet Connection with Another Device or Try to Access Other Websites

If you meet this site can’t be reached error when visiting a website, you can try to visit more websites to see if you can access them. You can also try another device to see if it can connect to the Internet. If the Internet connection problem only happens on one device, then you can focus on fixing no Internet connection problem on that specific machine. You can get some solutions in Part 2.

Fix 3. Restart Internet Modem and Router

Sometime restarting the Internet Modem and Router can fix many minor Internet problems. You can directly cut off the power supply of Modem and Router to turn them off, or manually unplug your modem and router from their respective power sources. After a few minutes, you can turn on your modem and router again, and check if router not connecting to Internet issue is fixed.

Download Urban VPN for Chrome, PC, Android, iOS, etc. to use this free VPN service to access any website in various locations and countries.

Fix 4. Check for Virus/Malware Infection

Malware or virus infection could make your computer work abnormally and cause Internet connection problem. You can use Windows Defender or third-party antivirus software to run a malware/virus scan for your computer.

Fix 5. Reset Your Router to Troubleshoot Internet Connection Problems

Soft reset: If you still can’t connect to Internet, you can perform a router reset. You can perform a soft reset by unplugging and plugging the Power Connector on the front or side of your router.

Hard reset: You can also perform a hard reset to restore the network to its factory settings. This would also factory reset your network name and password. You can press and hold the Reset button on the back of the modem or router for above 30 seconds to reboot the modem/router.

Normally the Reset button is recessed on the back of the modem and router. You can use a pen or some other tools to press this button.

Fix 6. Move Your Computer Closer to the Router

The distance between the device and the wireless access point will affect the performance of WiFi connection. If your device is excluded from the wireless signal range, it can’t connect to the Internet. You can move your device closer to the router and try to connect again.

Fix 7. Contact Your ISP (Internet Service Provider)

If you still can’t connect to Internet or experience slow Internet speed, you can contact your Internet Service Provider for professional help.

This post gives a VeePN review and offers guides on how to download VeePN for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, PC, Mac, Android, iOS, etc. to use this VPN service.

Part 2. How to Fix WiFi Connected But No Internet Connection (Advanced Solutions)

Since some of you may also encounter WiFi connected but no Internet connection problem, below we’ll continue to introduce some advanced solutions to help you fix this issue. You can also try some of these fixes if you can access the web on other devices but not on your PC.

Fix 8. Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software

You can try to temporarily disable or uninstall any third-party antivirus software to see if the WiFi connected but no internet problem can be fixed. Sometimes antivirus can interfere some processes on your computer.

Fix 9. Troubleshoot Your Device Internet Connection Problems

You can click Start -> Settings -> Update & Security -> Troubleshoot . Click Internet Connections and click Run the troubleshooter button. Windows will automatically search and fix detected problems with the connection to the Internet or websites.

Learn how to download free Browsec VPN for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android, iOS, etc. to use it to access restricted content/websites.

Fix 10. Update Network Adapter Drivers

• You can click Start , type device manager , and choose Device Manager to open it.
• Expand Network adapters , and right-click your network device and choose Update driver .

Then you can check if your Windows 10 PC can connect to Internet.

Fix 11. Reset DNS/TCP/IP Settings

You can press Windows + R , type cmd , and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt Windows 10 .

Then you can type the command lines below to reset DNS/TCP/IP.

• ipconfig /release
• ipconfig /all
• ipconfig /flushdns
• ipconfig /renew
• netsh int ip set dns
• netsh winsock reset

This tutorial gathers 11 fixes to help you troubleshoot Internet problems, hope your Internet connection issues like no Internet connection, WiFi connected but no Internet Windows 10, router not connecting to Internet, Internet connected but not working, etc. can be fixed now. If you have better ways to solve Internet connection problems, please do not hesitate to share with us.

About The Author

Position: Columnist

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How to Fix a Slow Internet Connection

Tips for solving slow internet connections at home

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• University of Illinois

Causes of a Slow Internet Connection

Broadband router configuration errors, wireless interference, or several other technical problems adversely affect the speed and stability of your internet connection.

Diagnose and fix the causes of your slow internet connection with these steps on your own before you reach out for potentially expensive tech support:

Stop background programs that hog bandwidth , such as software applications, like Windows Update and games.

Many games run downloaders that patch the game without additional intervention or approval by you. If your download speed suddenly seems slow, find out if your favorite game is downloading a few gigabytes of patch files.

Avoid signal interference that slows your internet speed. Reposition your router for better performance and change your Wi-Fi channel number . The closer your device is to the router, the better the Wi-Fi connection.

To confirm if wireless interference is the reason for the slow internet connection, connect a computer to Wi-Fi and measure its performance. Then, connect the same computer to the wired network and note any changes in performance.

If the cable allows for a better connection, the problem could lie in the wireless connection. Instead of moving the router, consider a mesh network setup or a signal repeater .

Large, dense objects such as fireplaces block Wi-Fi signals more than walls. A device that is close to a router, but blocked by a barrier, may not successfully connect.

Make sure your router and other network equipment are working. To troubleshoot potentially faulty equipment, temporarily rearrange and reconfigure your gear while experimenting with different configurations.

Systematically try bypassing the router, swapping cables, and testing with multiple devices to isolate the slow performance of a specific system component. Then, decide if it can be upgraded, repaired, or replaced.

Beware of worms and other malware by regularly scanning for viruses and other malware . Keep up-to-date  anti-virus software running to catch and remove worms and malware. In addition, try a malware-removal tool .

Check your router settings to speed up your connection. Ensure your router's settings remain consistent with the manufacturer's documentation and your internet service provider 's recommendations.

Record any changes you make to the router's configuration so you can undo them later if necessary.

Check whether your network speed is slow. To do this, occasionally run speed tests to check the quality of your internet connection. These tests reveal whether your local computer's outbound connection is impaired. If you get decent throughput on a speed test but your computer's connection still seems slow, the problem may reside in your computer (for example, active download sessions or you've maximized memory, disk, or CPU utilization on your device).

If your computer runs above 80 percent consistent utilization for system memory, disk input/output, or CPU cycling, the computer may struggle to maintain optimal performance. Network slowdowns follow—not because the network is problematic but because the computer is overtaxed.

To check relative resource utilization to determine whether another component is affecting network performance in Windows 10, right-click the Start button, select Task Manager , and choose Performance . On a Linux computer, use the top command . On a Mac, open the Activity Monitor .

Call your internet service provider.

Different types of internet connections offer different trade-offs. If you have a DSL connection and experience slowdowns during peak evening-and-weekend periods, it may be that many connected households are using the same access point in your neighborhood.

Several factors could affect your slow internet connection. Games and other programs that work with video require significant bandwidth . When they run, they limit the bandwidth available for other apps.

Other network activity could affect overall bandwidth. A smart TV streaming movies, a camera constantly relaying HD video, and smart speakers playing music can slow everything on the network.

Household appliances and your neighbors' wireless networks can also interfere with your computers.

In addition, when routers, modems , or cables malfunction, they don't correctly support network traffic at full speeds. Certain technical glitches in network equipment negatively affect performance even though connections can still be made.

You could also have an internet worm , a malicious software program that spreads from device to device through computer networks. If any of your computers become infected by an internet worm or other malware, they may spontaneously generate network traffic without your knowledge and cause your internet connection to appear slow.

As the centerpiece of a network, a broadband router can be responsible for slow internet connections if it is misconfigured. For example, improperly setting the router's MTU leads to performance problems if it's set too high or too low.

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• Network management and monitoring
• 9 most common network issues and how to solve them

Slow network speeds, weak Wi-Fi signals and damaged cabling are just some of the most common network connection issues that IT departments need to troubleshoot.

• David Jacobs, The Jacobs Group

Business networks are complex, and many things can go wrong that disrupt network performance. End users often complain about what appears to be poor application performance, and there can be many possible reasons for these hiccups. Here are nine of the most common network issues to troubleshoot.

1. Slow network

Users complain the network is too slow. There can be many reasons why a network that provided adequate performance in the past is now frustrating its users. For instance, a new application, such as video conferencing or online training videos , may have been added. A failing switch port or link could cause traffic to route around the failure and overload another link.

In other cases, the network could be part of a larger organizational network. As a result, a change in the larger network has resulted in more traffic through the internet connection point, slowing responses to cloud-resident applications.

Another network speed issue could emerge if employees decide to download high-definition videos while at work because downloading in the office is faster than using their home internet connection. A network monitoring tool helps solve any of these common network issues.

This article is part of

Ultimate guide to network management in the enterprise

• Which also includes:

The true cost of network downtime for your business

How to monitor network traffic in 7 steps

Download this entire guide for FREE now!

2. Weak Wi-Fi signal

Wi-Fi signal strength may be adequate almost everywhere, but it could be weak or nonexistent in other areas. Rearranging an office area can result in a weak wireless connection, where signal strength had been adequate before the move. For example, a large metal object, like a file cabinet, can block the Wi-Fi signal.

Devices such as microwave ovens, cordless phones and Bluetooth can interfere with Wi-Fi signals, too. A Wi-Fi network test tool can help identify the source of the problem.

3. Physical connectivity issues

A network connection can suddenly break because of physical connectivity issues. A common problem is when a network cable becomes damaged or knocked loose . Cables might be added or removed from a switch, and one of the other cables might accidentally get disconnected.

Or a cable was damaged when it was pulled around a sharp edge while work was done on the heating or air conditioning pipes. It should be clear from the segment of the network affected which cable was damaged. But finding the problem along a cable stretching across the ceiling may be time-consuming.

4. Excessive CPU usage

Task Manager is the first thing to use to find which application is using a high proportion of system resources, such as CPU, memory or disk space. This basic troubleshooting step may not reveal a problem since some applications may be performing complex calculations, receiving high-speed video or interacting with large databases. A virus may also consume resources, so make sure antivirus software is up to date.

If an application has been running for a long time, it may slowly leak resources. The quickest way to improve performance is to stop and restart the application, although sometimes you may need to stop and restart the entire system. Updating device drivers may also improve performance.

Task Manager also shows applications you didn't know were running in the background. One example would be Windows including games upon system startup. Editing startup files can eliminate this problem.

5. Slow DNS lookups

The DNS matches the common name used to match server or service names with the internet address that routes a network request. For commonly used names, the matchup is probably already stored in the system's DNS cache, and the lookup is quick. For less commonly used names, the matchup may be stored in a more distant cache, such as the root server of the top-level name, such as .com, .org or a national root, such as .uk.

Each DNS server along the path checks its cache before making a request to the next server along the path. The next server then checks its cache, repeating the process. If lookup is slow, there may be a slow link along the path or a slow or overloaded server. To address this issue, your local network administrator can reconfigure local routers to shift requests to a faster chain of servers.

6. Duplicate and static IP addresses

On a network, no two systems can share the same internet address. If there are duplicate internet addresses, neither system can access the network reliably. The addresses for most network devices are assigned when Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol ( DHCP ) boots up the systems on the local network. DHCP maintains a pool of addresses assigned to the local network, assigning a different address from the pool to each system.

Workstations are not assigned permanent addresses but receive one for a limited time from DHCP. Systems re-request before the time runs out and usually receive the same address. If the system shuts down without re-requesting and the time runs out, it loses this address and may receive a different one upon startup.

The DHCP administrator may assign a static IP address to some network devices, such as printers or web servers, because external systems won't be updated if an address changes. One issue is users sometimes set up a private web server to support a hobby, allocating a static address without informing the network administrator. Both share a DHCP server in either an organization or home network. So, if the static address matches one assigned by DHCP, it disrupts the network.

Often, these private web servers are set up to upload and download licensed music or video and consume excessive network bandwidth.

7. Exhausted IP addresses

Internet addresses are in limited supply. Each service provider is given a supply based on the expected number necessary. Most familiar are the IPv4 addresses , which were originally thought to be adequate so every system could be allocated one. But, with the proliferation of cellphones and other devices, it's been necessary to move to IPv6 with 128-bit addresses for some networks.

A widely used method to stretch the supply of addresses is Network Address Translation ( NAT ), a feature often built into routers. Each is assigned a single internet address allocated from the worldwide set of addresses. Its internal DHCP server allocates private addresses to systems on connected local networks -- usually, an Ethernet or wireless network.

Private addresses generally start with either 10 or 192.168 on networks using 32-bit IPv4 addresses. These address ranges can be used many times, which helps to save addresses. The NAT server maps traffic to its global address to communicate with the internet. Responses are mapped back via the private addresses.

8. Can't connect to printer

When users can't connect to a printer, the first step is to check simple things like whether the printer is plugged in, turned on and has paper. Also, make sure the printer appears on Devices and Printers on Windows. If it does, click to check whether the file is queued.

Sometimes, you need to stop and restart the print spooler , the software that stores files until the printer is ready to print them. Also, check the printer vendor's website because some brands have a downloadable app that can diagnose and fix problems.

If the OS was just upgraded, scan for other people with similar problems, or check Microsoft.com to see if the company is aware of a problem. Shut off the printer, and turn it back on. Also, shut down your system, and turn it back on.

Finally, update printer drivers and your OS. In some cases, you may need to temporarily shut down your antivirus software . For a wireless printer, make sure it's connected to the signal.

9. VLAN and VPN problems

Check for virtual LAN (VLAN) misconfiguration issues. Review the configuration on each switch, carefully comparing configurations to ensure compatibility of switch configuration.

The most common VPN problem is a failure to connect . First, check to see if you're successfully logging in to the service, and make sure your account is up to date and you're entering your correct credentials. Next, check firewall settings. You need to open some ports. Check if that is the problem by temporarily shutting down your firewall. Finally, restart your system.

Try accessing the VPN from a different network, such as switching from Wi-Fi to Ethernet to the router. If there is still a problem, refer to the firewall documentation for other solutions, or contact the VPN vendor support.

In sum, networks are complex, and problems do occur. These are just some of the most common types of network problems. When other types of network issues occur, scan the web for help, or contact network service providers or device vendor support.

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How-To Geek

Internet problems here's how to tell if it's your isp's fault.

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5 Things I Never Back Up to the Cloud

Why you should (or shouldn't) get a static ip from your isp, why two monitors are better than one ultrawide, quick links, if it's not you, it's them, ruling out user-side problems, diagnose your cable signal quality, prepare your list of findings and demand a line inspection.

No one likes internet downtime. It can make you feel completely crippled in your ability to work or communicate, control your home, or monitor your security system. But in those situations, how do you tell who's to blame?

As remote work and smart home setups become more prevalent, our tolerance for connection failure is shrinking fast.  Connection loss is a common intermittent occurrence, but what do you do when the problem becomes incessant and unmanageable? If your issues become persistent, it is possible that the root of the problem has nothing to do with your equipment or settings, but rather is due to a problem on the side of your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and may require a special line technician to intervene.

That may be easier said than done.

Home technician appointments almost never occur on the day you call in a complaint. In fact, chances are that appointments are booked as far as a month out, and getting a line technician to make an appearance is particularly tricky. Line technicians are different than the home technicians that typically answer house calls. Line techs address problems stemming from the main connection to the cable line outside your home.

In cities, these main connections, or "drops" usually terminate near high voltage power lines and transformers, not to mention the seemingly endless intersecting tangles of cables, lines, and wires. The height, danger, and complexity of line servicing mean that line techs require special licensure and are very costly. Your ISP won't be too keen on sending out the big guns for any old internet problem.

Related: How to Make Your Phone Useful When There's No Internet

Before you start down the path of pursuing a line repair, it is important you take a calculated approach to ensure that the problem is, in fact, a problem that needs addressing by your provider and not something on your end. ISP customer support agents and home technicians will try and say most anything to avoid taking on the blame if you aren't prepared with an exhaustive list of user-side troubleshooting steps you have already checked. We will start from square one.

You may have tried several, or all these already, but the checklist below will make sure you've examined your issues from all angles before tackling the task of getting a line tech to come out. Document your findings as you progress through this list.

Check Connectivity on Another Device

If you're experiencing a connection problem, try connecting and testing your connection on another device of the same kind. To get fine-tuned results, use SpeedTest.net to get a gauge of your download and upload speeds.

Try Power Cycling the Problem Device

You will be able to quickly tell if the whole network is down, but if the issue is isolated to one device, shut it down completely, unplug it from power, and remove any batteries if possible.  Wait at least 30 seconds and power the device back on. If the issue persists, move on to the next step.

Power Cycle Your Router

Unplug the router from power, wait at least 30 seconds, and power it back on. If that doesn't fix the issue, move to the next step.

If you have any local file sharing or network storage devices, you should still be able to use them normally even if there is no internet connection to the outside world. If these protocols work fine, it further points to an issue with cabling, modem, or main line connection.

Power Cycle Your Modem

Follow the same routine as power cycling the router. Unplug for 30 seconds and power back on.

If you rent your equipment from your ISP, your modem and router are likely combined into one device.

Check the Modem Lights

Your modem will likely have at least four lights on the front that flash during the powering-on process. These lights indicate the status of four important parameters: Power, Downlink, Uplink, and Internet connection. They indicate success by lighting solid. If one of these lights doesn't light solid and remains blinking, it may indicate to you the source of your incoming signal.

• Power:  Indicates that the modem is connected to power and turned on.
• Downlink: This light is typically symbolized as an arrow pointing downward and indicates that the modem has established a connection to a downstream channel . This channel(s) brings data from the internet into your home/business.
• Uplink: This light is typically an upward pointing arrow and indicates attempted/successful connection to an upstream channel . This carries data from your home/business out to the web.
• Internet: This light is typically stylized as a globe and indicates that the internet is available. This light will not go solid if there is a failure of any of the previous three light confirmation.

If the previous steps yielded no improvement, you can assess its cable connection quality via the modem's graphic user interface (GUI). This interface is accessed using a normal web browser. It is here where you can find information about signal quality and power levels.

If you have a device with an ethernet port, use that to connect directly into one of the available ports on your modem. If you don't have an ethernet-capable device, try using your WiFi connection. The following instructions are for a standalone modem. If you are using a router/modem combo rented from your ISP, you may be redirected to a web page prompting you to input your account login info.

Depending on your network configuration, accessing the modem GUI via WiFi may not be possible. Contact your ISP for more information.

Now open any web browser. Type your modem's IP address into the address bar. This address varies between manufacturers, but the most common addresses are

. Once you've entered the correct IP, you will be greeted with a web page displaying the logo of your modem's manufacturer. Use the page to navigate to the status page. Once there, you can analyze your power levels.

Ideal power levels can vary based on your router's DOCSIS specifications. However, the modem used for this example is the Arris Surfboard 8200 . It is one of the most popular modems in the world, and its firmware is used in the majority of ISP-leased modem/router combos. So, chances are that these target values apply to you

• Downstream power levels should be between -7 to +7 dBmV.
• Upstream power levels should be between 38-48 dBmV.

Interpreting Your Level Readings

Any power levels outside of the above ranges should be noted, particularly excessive upstream power values. Contrary to what instinct might tell you, high upstream power values indicate low power levels.  Once your upstream power value increases past 48 dBmV, it means that your modem is having to work harder to output adequate upstream power. Once this value reaches 53 dBmV, the modem will automatically power cycle and retry the connection. This often results in a boot loop that leaves the modem unable to connect for hours or even days.

This is the most common cause of repeated modem connection failure due to power issues.

To learn more, check out  how to read modem diagnostics.

Whether or not your power level investigation yielded any significant findings, you will still want to assess your environment to look for any last-ditch fixes. First, check for outages. Visit your ISP's Twitter and check for any posts concerning service interruptions or system maintenance.

If that turns up nothing, sites like Downdetector can provide more info. These sites are online communities where service users can report disruptions. If your issues pertain to a larger local outage, you may just need to wait it out. If there is not a larger outage, continue by checking your modem and cabling environment.

Rule Out Overheating Issues

Your modem should be stationed in a cool, dry place with access to open air. Like any electronic device, your modem can be prone to overheating if placed on carpet or in small, enclosed spaces. Ensure that your modem is not placed directly in the sun.

Environmental Signal Interference

Your modem and the cable that provides your broadband should be positioned a safe distance from any possible sources of radio interference. This includes microwaves, air conditioners, refrigerators, and other large appliances. Take note if your connection seems to be affected when using a certain appliance.

Inspect Your Cable Run

Lastly, you will want to trace and inspect the placement and physical quality of the cable line itself. This may not be possible if your cabling is hidden in your walls. However, if your cable runs along the outside of your building as mine does, trace back along its entire length as far as you safely can.

Keep a sharp eye out for things that may indicate a damaged cable. Physical deformities like cracked insulation, chew marks from animals, or sharp bends may be the source of your internet problems. In this case, you would likely need a new cable run.

Connection points should be dry and free of corrosion. Along with physical deformities, keep an eye out for any unnecessary splitters along your cable run. Splitters are small metal devices used to create two cable outputs from one input. They are commonly used to provide cable TV to multiple televisions in the home. Their usefulness is fading as the world moves toward more internet-based entertainment access.

While splitters are fine for multiplying incoming television signal, they can produce unstable broadband signal. Remove any splitters from your cable run if possible. To do this, simply unscrew the connectors just like you would on a modem or cable television. You will be left with two male coaxial connectors. To bridge them together, be prepared with a coaxial coupler .

With this checklist at the ready, you are equipped with some knowledge and terminology to force your ISP to take further action in rectifying your connectivity issues and compensating you for prior downtime. This can be a lengthy and trying effort. Be persistent, and good luck!

• Cloud & Internet

Most Common Internet Connection Problems (and How to Solve Them)

Everyone is on the internet. It’s everywhere, all the time, and there is no escaping the daily need for internet connection. Streaming television shows, sending emails, gaming tournaments with your nearest and dearest all require a strong internet connection. Unfortunately, more often than any of us would like, we suffer a disconnect and lose our access to the online world.

When the inevitable happens and your internet connection wanes or fails to connect completely, you do not have to panic. There are a few simple, tried-and-true methods for reconnecting your system and getting back to your day as quickly as possible.

Most of the time, a lag in your system is an indicator of a problem in your home’s system, and not with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The only way to make sure that it’s not an ISP issue is to tackle the troubleshooting and see if you can get your internet connection back up to speed.

Check Your Power

We have all done it. Slammed, poked at, and jabbed our computer’s keyboard and wondered why it wasn’t working, without ever checking to see if they power is on. If your internet is out, step one is definitely to make sure that your router has not gotten unplugged or is half-in, half-out.

Check the router’s LED status indicator lights. If you see no lights at all, your router is probably unplugged or not getting any power at all. The fix here is as simple as it gets: disconnect the power supply and reconnect it.

If your router still won’t turn on, it’s time to check your outlet and your power strip to see if they are getting power. If your outlet or power strip is to blame, problem solved.

Check Your Network Connection

If you are not getting an internet connection on only one device, like your phone or your laptop, but you are getting an internet connection on others, check your Wi-Fi connection. If you are connected to a network, but you still do not have internet, it is time check your computer’s Network via the System Preferences -> Network (on a Mac) or Right-click on the Network Icon -> select Trouble Shooting to run a diagnostic check (on a PC).

If you do not have Wi-Fi, but use Ethernet, check your Ethernet connection. Confirm that you are getting an internet connection. If you have one on hand, plug in your spare Ethernet cable directly you’re your computer.

Check Your Router

Physically examine your router and make sure that everything is connected where it should be. Check all of your router’s lights and look out for any problem colors like orange or red lights, and whether or not any of your lights are blinking.

If you are using an older router, you may be experiencing lag from having multiple devices fighting for a bandwidth. It may be time to upgrade to a newer router that can handle the workload of your devices.

Restart Your System

Begin with your router - unplug the power source, wait 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. Once your router is back on, check the system again and see if your internet connection has returned. If it has not, do the same unplugging and restarting task with your computer and power strip.

If All Else Fails, Call Your ISP

When you have done all of the basic troubleshooting to tried and resolve your connection issues, but nothing has worked, it may be time to contact your Internet Service Provider. Over the phone, your ISP will be able to ping your equipment and check your system on their end to see if there are any identifiable connection issues.

Should the problem persist beyond what can be handled over the phone, a service technician will come to your home and perform an inspection to ensure that all cables and equipment, both indoors and outs, are in working order.

Once the problem has been identified, your service technician should have you up and browsing the internet again in no time flat.

If you are a Bluespan Wireless customer, and you are having problems connecting to the internet, give us a call at 520-207-0549 or 888-774-2583 and speak to one of our service representatives. We aim to provide our customers with very best service and keep you all connected to the internet anytime, anywhere.

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