Why Is My Internet Not Working?

Most internet disruptions are caused by modem or router issues, planned or weather-related network outages, and incorrect device configuration. These issues can usually be resolved quickly by restarting your equipment, changing your settings, or contacting your internet service provider (ISP).

Here's a quick overview of common internet issues and some quick fixes you can try yourself at home.

If you're still struggling to identify and fix your internet issue, then read on. We'll go over the most likely causes in detail, followed by step-by-step instructions for getting your household back online.

Internet connection issues

There are many possible reasons why your internet might be moving slowly or cutting off completely, including:

1. Modem and router issues
2. System-wide outages
3. Slow download and upload speeds
4. Weather-related issues
5. Malware and hackers

Modem and router issues

If you can still connect to your Wi-Fi network but your device says there's no internet, your modem or router might be the culprit. Here's how to test your equipment's functionality.

• Check all cable connections: This includes the power cords on your modem/router, Ethernet cables, and any hardwired connections, such as coaxial cables for cable internet connections. Some of these may have come loose or been damaged (pets love to chew on Ethernet cords!).
• Look for flashing lights: Most modems and routers have flashing lights that indicate whether there is a good internet connection. If these lights are not on, then the issue may be system-wide, or you may have to get new equipment.
• Try connecting with other devices: If your internet works on some devices, but not others, then you may need to try other fixes.

Even if you don't notice any obvious issues with your modem or router, it could still benefit from a restart. Unplugging your device for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in often does the trick.

System-wide outages

If you're able to connect to your Wi-Fi network, but you still can't get an internet connection, then the problem might be deeper in the network. Weather, maintenance, and unexpected equipment issues can cause system-wide outages.

Most internet companies make it easy to see a map of current outages on their app, if you're able to use your phone's data to connect to the internet. You can also search for information on sites like DownDetector.

Slow download and upload speeds

If your internet is connected but feels sluggish, there are several possible culprits.

• Device/browser settings: You could have a firewall that's blocking certain web traffic, or an overstocked DNS cache.
• Internet data plan caps: If your internet plan has a data cap, you may have reached your monthly limit, and your ISP might be throttling your speeds. This often happens when network traffic is highest, like evenings and weekends. You can check your data consumption in your account to see how much data you've used; if that is the case, consider upgrading your plan's data allowance.
• Improper Wi-Fi setup: Wi-Fi networks have limited range, so the closer you are to the router, the faster your internet speeds will be. Try repositioning your setup or buying a Wi-Fi range extender.
• Not enough bandwidth: If you're using several devices at once to stream video, download huge files, or do other bandwidth-draining activities, then you're likely to see a slowdown. Try downloading big OS or game updates overnight, or upgrade to a faster internet plan.

Weather-related issues

As discussed above, weather can cause system-wide outages. But it can also have more subtle effects on your internet connection. Over time, rain, humidity, snow, and wind can damage internet infrastructure, leading to slow or interrupted service.

If you're using 5G home internet or a satellite-based internet service, then weather-related interruptions can be more severe. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do about these besides wait for the sky to clear.

Malware and hackers

If your hardware is chock-full of malware, it can slow down your entire system. Try running a full system scan of your computer using built-in tools, like Windows Security. You can also download a third-party anti-malware program.

While hackers are unlikely to be behind your poor internet connection, it can still happen. If you notice that your bandwidth is consistently slow when it shouldn't be, you could have bugs installed in your system that are leaching your internet for nefarious purposes, like mining cryptocurrency.

Internet troubleshooting solutions

After diagnosing the cause of your internet issue, here are potential solutions to get you back online:

1. Restart your modem/router
2. Reposition your device/network
3. Connect directly to your modem
4. Clear your DNS cache
5. Check for website/server issues
6. Turn off antivirus software
7. Check your device settings
8. Upgrade your equipment
9. Call your ISP
10. Get faster internet

Restart your modem or router

Resetting your internet equipment is the first line of defense. It clears up the operating system and forces your internet service to reconnect.

To restart your modem and/or router:

1. Look for an on/off switch on the back of your modem and/or router and turn it off.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Turn your device back on and wait for it to reconnect to your internet.

If you can't find an on/off button on your device, unplug the power supply and wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in.

Wait a few minutes after rebooting your modem or router for your internet to reconnect. If the light on your modem turns green and your Wi-Fi network is back up, you should be good to go. If you're still experiencing issues, you might need to perform a full factory reset on your equipment.

Reposition your device or your Wi-Fi

Your Wi-Fi network doesn't have unlimited range. If you're more than 20 or 30 feet from your router, you will definitely notice decreased speeds and even disconnections. This is especially true if you're on a 5 GHz band, which offers faster Wi-Fi speeds but decreased range.

If you can, reposition your device closer to the Wi-Fi router. In the long term, you might want to reposition your entire router to a more central location in your house. Or you could invest in a mesh Wi-Fi system or a Wi-Fi range extender.

Try connecting directly to your modem

If you're still experiencing spotty Wi-Fi, you can plug some devices—like laptops and gaming systems—directly into your modem.

If your device has an Ethernet port (or you have a dongle with an Ethernet port on it), you can disconnect the Ethernet cable that runs from your modem to your router and plug it directly into your device. Once connected to the modem, your device should automatically have internet even without a Wi-Fi network.

Clear your DNS cache

Your DNS cache is a digital record of all the websites you've visited. It exists to help your browser pull up frequently visited websites quickly. However, malware or a virus can be introduced to your system through a website, slowing your internet speeds. Here's how you can clean out your DNS cache and clear any suspicious malware that may have snuck in.

How to clear your DNS cache on Windows

• Open the Command Prompt program (just enter "cmd" in the search bar to find the program).
• Type "ipconfig /flushdns" and hit Enter. Just like that, your DNS cache is cleared.

How to clear your DNS cache on Mac

• Open the Terminal app. You can find it in the Utilities folder, or you can use the Spotlight search bar.
• Depending upon your version of MacOS, enter one of the commands below:
  • Yosemite and after: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
  • Yosemite 10.10–10.10.3: sudo discoveryutil mdnsflushcache
  • Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
  • Snow Leopard: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
• After entering the command, enter your administrator password.

Your computer will delete your DNS cache. Reset your computer and see if that does the trick.

Check for an issue with the website or server

If you're having trouble with a specific website, program, or app, see if others are having the same problem. You can check downdetector.com to see if there's been a spike in reports of problems or search the issue to see if there's a news article about it.

If the issue is widespread, your best solution is to wait for the company's engineers to fix it. However, if the issue seems unique to you, move on to other troubleshooting solutions.

Turn off your antivirus software

It's possible your antivirus software has set up some firewall protection that's interfering with your Wi-Fi connection or the operation of a specific program. Try disabling your antivirus software and see if that restores your internet connection.

If this works, you'll want to set up an exception for your internet connection in your antivirus software, or find another antivirus program that won't interfere with it.

Check your affected device's settings

If one of your devices is having trouble connecting to the internet while the others are working fine, there may be an issue with that device's settings. Make sure its Wi-Fi is enabled, double-check your password, and try running your operating system's "troubleshooter" tool.

If you're experiencing trouble with a desktop or laptop computer, you might need to check whether your IP address has been unintentionally deleted or changed.

How to check your IP address on your computer

Your network IP address is basically like a key that grants you access to the internet. It's possible your computer isn't producing a unique IP address. Here's how you can make sure you have a valid IP address on either a Windows or an Apple computer.

How to fix a faulty IP address on Windows:

1. Open the Internet taskbar on the bottom right corner of your screen.
2. Click your Wi-Fi network, then click the Properties button below your network name.
3. Scroll down until you see "IP settings."
4. Click Edit and make sure your IP assignment is set to Automatic (DHCP).

How to fix a faulty IP address on Mac:

1. Go to your System Settings, and then click on Network.
2. Select Ethernet if you have a wired connection or Wi-Fi for a wireless connection.
3. Click Configure IPv4.
4. Make sure your IP address is set to Using DHCP, which will automatically produce a unique IP address for your device.

Upgrade your internet equipment

If you've had the same modem and router for years, it could be that technology has advanced beyond what your equipment is capable of. If you're renting your modem and/or router from your ISP, consider contacting them to see if there are newer models they could replace yours with.

If you are using a modem or router that you own, you could upgrade to one that supports gigabit speeds. Alternatively, you can set up a whole-home mesh Wi-Fi system that includes range extenders. That way, your speeds will remain consistent throughout your home.

Call your internet service provider

If your internet continues to disconnect or remain slow after trying the above solutions, it might be time to call your ISP. Ask whether your service has been throttled or if your plan has been degraded without your knowledge. Depending on your issue and whether you suggest switching ISPs for a better experience, your provider may offer to boost your speeds as an incentive to stay.

If it seems like your ISP is regularly throttling your internet speeds when they shouldn't (for example, if you're paying for 500Mbps internet but regularly see speeds dip below 100Mbps), you can file a complaint with the FCC.

Get a faster internet plan

At the end of the day, you might just need a faster internet service. Check out this chart to understand how much speed your household needs. Just remember: If you're using multiple devices at once, the demand for speed can stack up quickly.

Some internet types—like fiber—are usually faster and more reliable, but consider what your household is set up for and whether that type is available in your area. Enter your address in our search tool to compare all of the offerings available from ISPs in your zip code. Look at the prices and offerings and see if you can find a better internet deal for your household.

Internet Plans

Optimum	Optimum 8 Gig Internet Fiber 8000/8000 Mbps Unlimited Data $90/mo with $10/month eligible Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. with $10/month eligible Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. View Plan	$90/mo with $10/month eligible Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. with $10/month eligible Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas.	View Plan
Ezee Fiber	Ezee Fiber 8 Gig Fiber 8000/8000 Mbps Unlimited Data $119/mo Available in select locations Available in select locations View Plan	$119/mo Available in select locations Available in select locations	View Plan
Brightspeed	Brightspeed 8 Gig Fiber 8000/8000 Mbps Unlimited Data $119.99/mo Limited availability/areas. Taxes and fees extra. Autopay required. Pricing Subject to change. Limited availability/areas. Taxes and fees extra. Autopay required. Pricing Subject to change. View Plan	$119.99/mo Limited availability/areas. Taxes and fees extra. Autopay required. Pricing Subject to change. Limited availability/areas. Taxes and fees extra. Autopay required. Pricing Subject to change.	View Plan
Fidium	Fidium 8G Fiber 8000/8000 Mbps Unlimited Data $125/mo With AutoPay. Available in select locations. + $199 Upfront With AutoPay. Available in select locations. View Plan	$125/mo With AutoPay. Available in select locations. + $199 Upfront With AutoPay. Available in select locations.	View Plan
GFiber	GFiber Edge 8 Gig Fiber 8000/8000 Mbps Unlimited Data $150/mo Available in select locations Available in select locations View Plan	$150/mo Available in select locations Available in select locations	View Plan

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Internet troubleshooting FAQs

Why is my internet not working even though I'm connected?

If you can connect to your Wi-Fi network but the internet is not working, the issue is likely with your modem or the wider network. You can try resetting your modem. If that doesn't work, contact your ISP to see if there's an outage in your area.

How do I know whether my internet isn't working or is just slow?

The easiest way to check the status of your internet connection is to do a speed test. This will tell you whether your internet is working at all and, if so, how fast it is. If your internet is working but running very slowly, it might be a problem with your modem, router, or device settings.

How do I reset my router?

Resetting your Wi-Fi router is simple. Here are the steps.

1. Look for an on/off switch on the back of your router and turn it off; alternatively, unplug your router entirely.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Turn your router back on or plug it back in and wait for it to reconnect.

How long does an internet outage last?

How long an internet outage lasts depends on the cause. Generally, your ISP can tell you how long the outage is expected to last via its app or website. If the outage is planned because of network maintenance, it could take several hours or even a full day to come back online. If the outage is weather-related, it could come back on as soon as an hour or two after it begins, but it could also take longer, especially if the weather caused any infrastructural damage.

Lauren Hannula

Managing Editor

Lauren is WhistleOut's Managing Editor. With over 14 years of digital writing and publishing experience, she's developed a passion for breaking down overly complex topics to offer easy, affordable solutions that help make the most of the tech you already have in your pocket. Her work has appeared in industry stalwarts such as CNET, Yahoo! News, and Forbes.

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