WiFi Connected But No Internet
It’s incredibly frustrating when your Wi-Fi network is connected but your internet isn’t working. The network shows up in your Wi-Fi menu, you’ve put within the right password, on the other hand, you open your browser, and you get nothing. Aaargh!
Why isn’t your Wi-Fi working? tons of various things might be the culprit. Sometimes the answer is simple—maybe your router is out of date or simply needs a fast reboot. But sometimes it’s a touch more complicated. So, we’ve put together a guide to assist you to troubleshoot your network and obtain your Wi-Fi flowing like gravy another time.
We cover the straightforward tips at the highest of this guide but be happy to leap farther down for advice on more complicated network troubles. Let’s start.
Easy fixes for your internet
You won’t even have to get out of your chair to try these solutions. Here’s hoping one of these approaches does the trick.
Restart your device
This might sound a touch too obvious, but the primary thing you ought to do is restart your device. It won’t work whenever, but it allows the OS to clear things up and check out again just in case it’s frozen, not recognizing the network, or simply being uncooperative.
See if there’s an internet outage
It might be that you’re not the sole one who’s the internet is down. Run a fast search on Twitter or Google to ascertain if anyone else in your area is reporting internet outages or connectivity issues from your provider. you’ll also find information about internet shutdowns on the website Down Detector, otherwise, you can call up your internet service provider (ISP) to research.
Pro tip:
If the internet is indeed down in your area but you still need internet, you can use your cell phone as a mobile hotspot to access Wi-Fi. You can also go outside in search of a public hotspot to connect to. Take a look at our Wi-Fi hotspot guide for more details.
If you’re in no rush for internet access, then open up a book or old-timey print magazine to keep yourself entertained as you wait until the network is back up.
If you have recurring problems with your internet connection, you might want to consider getting a different internet package or provider. Run a search with your zip code below to see what’s available in your area.
Visit a few different websites
If an internet site you’re visiting doesn’t load, attend another website to ascertain if that one does load. Does it load properly? meaning the first website you visited might be down for all visitors. (You can confirm this by typing within the URL at downforeveryoneorjustme.com.)
If no websites load properly, then the connection problem is presumably on your end or happening together with your provider.
Force open the network’s login page (for public Wi-Fi)
Hotels, airports, and cafes often provide free internet—usually, all you’ve got to try to do is open your browser and sign onto the general public Wi-Fi network through a login screen. But what if that login page refuses to load?
You can force open the login page by typing one among these codes into your browser’s address bar:
- 127.1.1.1
- 1.1.1.1
- 192.168.1.1
- http://localhost
Pay your internet bill
Your internet might be down just because you forgot to pay your bill—that may sound a touch too obvious, but it happens! to urge your internet copy, call your provider or go browsing to form your monthly payment. And check-in for automatic payments so you don’t need to worry next time.
Troubleshooting routers and modems
So you’ve tried the obvious stuff, and it’s still not working. That means it’s time to get up out of your chair and take a look at your equipment. Ugh.
Don’t worry—we’ll get this working again in no time.
Pro tip:
If your internet is still working but it’s just being slow, run a speed test to see if you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for. If not, you may want to contact your provider to see if there’s an issue on its end.
Test your Wi-Fi on different devices
If you’re on your laptop, pull out your phone or tablet to ascertain if you’ll get internet over an equivalent Wi-Fi connection. If it connects on one device but not the opposite, then you recognize that your internet connection is ok and it’s the disconnected device that’s having the matter.
If your Wi-Fi isn’t performing on any device, however, then it’s the router, modem, or your ISP that’s causing problems. It could even be a faulty coaxial cable, which connects your modem to your router.
We’ll offer some tips for disconnected devices farther down during this piece, but let’s start with the modem and router since those are the foremost common culprits in Wi-Fi issues like these.
Restart your modem and router
The modem and router are just like the heart and lungs of your home internet network. They’re essential to keeping your connection going and Wi-Fi pumping throughout your home. But if they’re experiencing issues, sometimes all it takes is maybe a quick reboot to urge them to work again.
Unplug the modem and router and leave them unplugged for a moment approximately. Then plug them back in and see if they’re ready to reconnect. Unplugging your modem and router allows the equipment to wash memory banks and restart tasks.
This is the tried-and-true trick of each cafe and McDonald’s manager who runs a free public Wi-Fi network. If you’re on a network that’s getting caught up by many devices and users, then an easy reboot offers an opportunity to clear the clogs and begin fresh.
You can check to ascertain if you’re getting a sign by watching the LED lights at the front of your equipment. the sunshine for an online connection is typically labelled WAN, Internet, or with a globe icon, and you’ll tell the web is on if the sunshine (usually white or green) is solid or flashing.
If the sunshine is red or not on in the least, meaning it’s still not working properly.
Try a different Ethernet cable
If you’ve got a spare coaxial cable, swap it out with the one currently plugged into your modem and router and see if it makes a difference. Cables don’t last forever, and it might be that your current coaxial cable has kicked the bucket and wishes to get replaced.
Cables also can be damaged by pets or pests, so confirm your dog isn’t chewing thereon and didn’t get hurt.
Pro tip:
If you’re experiencing repeated slowdowns and outages, you’ll have an online plan that’s too slow. Take our “How much speed do I need?” test to ascertain if you’re paying for enough internet bandwidth to deliver the products.
See who’s using your Wi-Fi
There could also be a user on your Wi-Fi network who’s hogging the bandwidth or creating other connectivity problems.
To find out who’s on your network, log in to your router’s interface (use your telephone if you can’t get Wi-Fi on your computer) and appearance for an inventory labelled with a term like “DHCP clients,” “connected devices,” or “attached devices.” Usually, the name of the devices getting used are included on the list (example: “Peter’s iPhone,” “Rebecca’s Macbook,” or “Computer 1”).
You can then find out who’s using the Wi-Fi and ask everyone in your household if they’re doing anything that’s taking over an excessive amount of internet speed.
Many routers allow you to kick devices off the Wi-Fi, so plough ahead and provides a user with the boot if you don’t know them or if they’re causing problems. you’ll also change the Wi-Fi password so that they can’t revisit on.
Upgrade your equipment
You may be experiencing connection issues if you’ve got outdated equipment that doesn’t match the newest wireless standards.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) developed a series of standards that allow a Wi-Fi device sort of a laptop to attach to the web. There are currently five standards. Here they’re so as from oldest to newest:
- 802.11b / Wi-Fi 1
- 802.11a / Wi-Fi 2
- 802.11g / Wi-Fi 3
- 802.11n / Wi-Fi 4
- 802.11ac / Wi-Fi 5
- 802.11ax / Wi-Fi 6
The wireless standard of your computer is going to be backwards compatible with previous standards, but you’ll have issues if it’s an older piece of hardware and doesn’t adhere to newer wireless standards. therein case, you’ll want to take a position during a new wireless adapter for your computer that matches your router’s capabilities.
Here’s the way to check the wireless standard of your computer:
Mac
Hold down on Option while clicking on the Apple menu within the top left of the screen, then select System Information. Scroll right down to Network, click Wi-Fi within the menu, and appear for the readout for Supported PHY Modes. this may tell you what wireless standard your computer is outfitted for.
Windows
Right-click on the beginning menu button then click the command for Device Manager. (Or type “Device Manager” into the search bar within the Start menu to urge it to return up—either way, works.) Once you’re in Device Manager, click on the menu titled Network adapters and appearance for the listing of your wireless adapter and therefore the wireless standard it’s set to.
Call your internet service provider
There can sometimes be a miscommunication between your modem and router and your ISP’s network—especially if you own your equipment rather than renting it from the web company. the simplest solution therein case is to call your internet provider and ask what the matter is.
Chances are the ISP’s tech support department will offer you a transparent answer on whether or not their service is down. If there’s a bug during which the modem isn’t properly communicating with the network, the ISP can reset the system on its end and force the network to acknowledge the modem you’ve got.
Enter your postcode to ascertain what other internet options are in your area. it’s going to be worth switching internet providers if you experience frequent technical glitches:
Reset your router to default settings
If you’ve tried everything else to no avail, it’s going to be time to reset your router to its factory settings. this is often a reasonably big step to require because it’ll restore the router to the way it had been once you first pulled it out of the box, wiping the slate clean.
Resetting the router will erase your password and issue a default one (which you’ll then want to vary for security reasons). it’ll also erase any memory of custom features or guest networks you’ve found out through the router, and it’ll begin all the devices that were signed onto the network.
Getting everything copy and running again will certainly take a piece of your time out of your day, so this is often worth trying as long as you’ve got no other options.
Anyway, here’s how you are doing it: Unplug the router then use a security pin or paperclip to push the button hidden within the tiny hole at the rear of the router. Hold it down for a couple of moments and plug the router back in. Then, you’ll find out the router again a bit like new.
Troubleshooting desktops, laptops, and mobile devices
If you’ve pinpointed your Wi-Fi device because of the source of your disconnection woes, here are a couple of belongings you can attempt to get the Wi-Fi copy and running.
Run the web troubleshooter (for Windows)
If you’re on Windows, then run the built-in troubleshooter program to ascertain if your machine can run a diagnostic and fix the difficulty for you. For Windows 10, click to start out > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot then select the troubleshooter for Internet Connections.
If you’re still having trouble or you’re on an older version of Windows, you’ll find other helpful recommendations on Microsoft’s page for fixing Wi-Fi connection issues.
Run Apple Diagnostics or Apple Hardware Test (for macOS)
Most Mac computers have a built-in utility program that will scan your computer for issues, including problems with Wi-Fi. It’s called Apple Diagnostics on models from 2013 and later and Apple Hardware Test on models from 2012 with a minimum of OS X 10.8.4.
To run Apple Diagnostics, disconnect any Ethernet cables or external DVD or hard drives, hit restart, and hold down the D key because the computer reboots. Pick a language then the diagnostic will launch automatically.
You can launch the Apple Hardware Test in slightly an equivalent way. the sole difference is that when the screen for the test appears as your computer is restarting and you’re given the prompt to settle on a language, you would like to press Return or the proper arrow button.
Clear your DNS cache
Clearing your DNS cache could solve issues together with your Wi-Fi connection.
The DNS cache may be a digital log of all the websites you’ve visited, offering your browser a shortcut to quickly load sites that you’ve visited within the past. But your cache can create technical issues if there’s a glitch within the storage banks or if pop-up ads or online malware have inserted URLs into your cache uninvited.
Here’s the way to clear your cache on different devices:
Windows
Go to the prompt by punching cmd into the search bar, finding the prompt shortcut within the Windows System folder, or typing cmd into the Run window.
Once you’re within the prompt, type in ipconfig/flushdns and hit Enter. Then make a restroom flushing sound because the cache gets flushed away.
Mac
Run the Terminal app by opening it within the Utility folder or checking out it on Spotlight.
In the Terminal app, enter the command to flush your cache. It is often slightly different counting on your Mac operating system:
Yosemite and after sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Yosemite 10.10–10.10.3: sudo discovery until mdnsflushcache
Mavericks, cougar, Lion: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Snow Leopard: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
You’ll be prompted to enter the administrator password for your account. Then your cache goes bye-bye—and hopefully no glitches with it.
Smartphones
On an iPhone or Apple device, all you’ve got to try to do is turn on then cut Airplane Mode or reboot your device to clear your DNS cache. For Android devices, type chrome://net-internals/#dns into the URL bar in Chrome, click to the DNS menu, then click Clear Host Cache.
Pro tip:
After you’ve cleared your cache, test your Wi-Fi to ascertain if it’s copied. Also, you’ll always take our speed test to ascertain if your internet speeds match those offered on your monthly internet plan.
Scan for viruses and malware
Run a scan to ascertain if malware or an epidemic is on your computer. Malicious programs can spend your bandwidth or block your internet connection entirely. McAfee, Norton, and Bitdefender all make quality antivirus software.
Switch off your antivirus software
We definitely recommend keeping antivirus software on your computer. However, misconfigured antivirus protections can sometimes interfere together with your Wi-Fi connection. Try turning off your antivirus software or firewall to ascertain if the web comes back.
Make sure you’ve got a working IP address
There’s an opportunity that your computer has trouble configuring a legitimate IP address. Your computer needs a singular IP to urge on the web, but you won’t be ready to if multiple devices are assigned an equivalent IP or something has prevented your computer from assigning one. It’s not a very common issue, but it can happen—especially if you’ve got multiple routers on an equivalent home network.
To ensure sure you’ve got a legitimate IP address, use these instructions:
Windows
Right-click on the web icon within the bottom right-hand corner of the screen and click on Open Network and Sharing Center. Click through Change adapter settings > Ethernet > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4.
Once you’ve entered Internet Protocol Version 4, select the choices for Obtain an IP address automatically and acquire DNS server address automatically. this may make sure that you get an IP address that doesn’t conflict with others or invalid digits. (These instructions are for Windows 10. Make your thanks to Microsoft’s Support page for details on previous operating systems.)
Mac
Click the Apple menu within the top left-hand corner of the screen, then click System Preferences > Network. Click on the network connection you would like (i.e., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and choose Configure IPv4.
Choose the choice for fixing an IP address. to possess the IP address generated automatically, choose Using DHCP. this is often the simplest thanks to rolling in the hay.
Another (slightly more complex) thanks to doing that on a Mac is to ask your internet service provider if it’s given you an IP address. you’ll then select the choice for doing it manually and sort within the IP address from your internet provider. you’ll also enter in other information from your provider, for the subnet mask, router, and DNS server.
Reset your network settings (aka the nuclear option)
If all else fails, then it’s time to reset your network entirely. This changes everything back to default settings. It’s not the foremost convenient option, but it might be the fix you would like to start from scratch and erase the Wi-Fi bugs once and for all.
Keep in mind that this isn’t like turning off the pc and turning it back on. within the same way that resetting your router restores it to factory settings, restoring your network totally wipes out your Wi-Fi settings, bring it back to how it had been once you were just fixing your home internet for the primary time.
Your computer will forget your Wi-Fi network’s name, passwords, VPN settings—everything. do that only as a final resort and confirm you save your passwords and other necessary info before doing the reset.
OK, then. Ready? Alright, here’s the way to do it:
How to reset your Wi-Fi network on Mac
Click Apple menu > System Preferences > Network. Click on Wi-Fi within the menu on the left of the screen and hit the minus (-) button to get rid of it. Then add it again by clicking the plus button (+) and selecting Wi-Fi within the Interface options. Hit Apply and shut out of the Network settings.
How to reset your Wi-Fi network on Windows
Click to Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Status. Hit the Network push button. Hit Reset now to verify, then hit Yes to verify once more. (This is simply for Windows 10. For previous Windows operating systems, see Microsoft’s Support page.)
Once you’ve done that, restart your computer and follow the prompts for Windows to guide you thru fixing your new home network. Good luck!
FAQ on troubleshooting internet issues
Here are answers to some common questions and a fast breakdown of the topics we’ve discussed in additional detail above.
Why isn’t my internet working?
There are tons of possible reasons why your internet isn’t working. Your router or modem could also be out of date, your DNS cache or IP address could also be experiencing a glitch, or your internet service provider might be experiencing outages in your area. the matter might be as simple as a faulty coaxial cable.
To figure out the difficulty, try rebooting your device and your modem and router, then call your ISP to ascertain if it’s experiencing problems on its end.
Why is my Wi-Fi down?
If your Wi-Fi is down, you’ll be receiving an online signal to your home but you can’t get a Wi-Fi signal. By that we mean you’ll hook up with your modem directly with a coaxial cable, but you can’t get a wireless signal.
If that’s the case, then the difficulty is together with your router. Unplug and reboot it, check to ascertain if it’s up-to-date wireless settings and a legitimate IP address, and restore it to factory settings if necessary.
Why isn’t my modem connecting to the internet?
If your modem isn’t connecting to the web, then either the web service provider’s network is down or your modem isn’t communicating properly with the network. confirm to reboot your modem to ascertain if it starts working again, then call your ISP’s tech support line to ascertain if the network is up and therefore the modem is configured properly.
How do I fix my internet?
The first thing you ought to do if you’re having internet issues is to restart your computer. It sounds too good to be true, but sometimes all it takes maybe a quick restart for your computer to filter out a frozen task or refresh its memory and begin over. you ought to also try restarting your modem and router for an equivalent reason.
If that doesn’t work, then test your Wi-Fi on a special device, search Twitter to ascertain if there are other outages reported in your area, and run a diagnostic on your computer. this may assist you to find out where the difficulty is coming from and proceed from there.
Conclusion
I hope you were ready to solve the WiFi connection but no Internet error on your Windows 10 computer, Android device, or iPhone with the ideas during this article. If you’ve got any questions, then just drop a comment below.
Mustafa Al Mahmud is the Founder of Gizmo Concept and also a professional Blogger, SEO Professional as well as Entrepreneur. He loves to travel and enjoy his free moment with family members and friends.