Why is my internet not working?

Your internet may stop working because something in the network connection chain fails — your equipment, internet provider, device, or the network settings behind it. Issues with your router, signal strength, outdated hardware, malware, or slow speeds can all play a part. Such internet connection issues tend to raise concerns about overall internet security, especially if your network behaves unpredictably.

Below are the most common reasons and how to check or fix each one.

Weak Wi-Fi signal

Physical distance, walls, floors, and interference can weaken your Wi-Fi network setup and connection, making it appear offline. A weak signal often causes websites to time out or load inconsistently.

Fixes:

• Move closer to the router.
• Reposition the router to a higher, central location.
• Reduce interference from Bluetooth and appliances.
• Consider a mesh system or Wi-Fi extender.

Router and modem problems

Router or modem issues often cause your entire network to drop or slow down. These devices can overheat, freeze, run outdated firmware, or, in some cases, be affected by router malware, which disrupts normal traffic.

Fixes:

• Restart your router and modem.
• Make sure the devices aren't overheating or covered.
• Update firmware if available.
• Check if the lights on the device look unusual.
• Run a security scan if you suspect tampering.

ISP outages

If your internet service provider (ISP) is down, no amount of local troubleshooting will fix the issue. ISP outages can be caused by infrastructure work, local line damage, or regional maintenance.

Fixes:

• Test your connection on several devices.
• Check outage maps or your provider's status page for updates.
• Use tools like "What is my IP" to check if your public IP address loads.
• Contact your ISP if the outage is not listed.

Limited bandwidth availability

A network can stop responding when too many devices compete for the same bandwidth. Streaming, gaming, cloud backups, and video calls quickly consume available capacity.

Fixes:

• Disconnect devices you're not using.
• Pause large uploads or streams.
• Change your Wi-Fi password if unknown users might be connected.
• Upgrade to a plan that supports more devices.

Outdated network devices

Old routers, modems, or network adapters can fail under modern speeds and security requirements. Aging devices often drop the connection or restart it unexpectedly.

Fixes:

• Check the age of your equipment.
• Install firmware updates.
• Test your connection using a newer device.
• Replace outdated hardware if internet connection issues continue.

Malware on your device

Malware can disrupt internet access by altering network settings, consuming system resources, or redirecting traffic. Harmful software can arrive through unsafe downloads, compromised websites, or targeted attacks by a hacker.

Fixes:

• Run a full scan with reputable antivirus tools.
• Remove suspicious apps or extensions.
• Update your operating system.
• Review network settings changed by malware.
• Learn how to avoid computer viruses and malware infections.

Device-specific glitches

Phones, laptops, and tablets can experience their own network glitches, causing internet loss even when the router works correctly. Temporary bugs, outdated software, or incorrect settings are common triggers.

Fixes:

• Restart the device.
• Reconnect to the network.
• Update your operating system.
• Disable firewalls or VPNs briefly for testing.
• Try the same network on another device.

Weather-related disruptions

Severe weather conditions can impact satellite or fixed wireless connections by weakening the signal or damaging outdoor equipment. Storms, snow, or strong winds are common causes you should consider when your internet is not working as you'd like it to.

Fixes:

• Check for extreme weather in your area.
• Inspect outdoor equipment only if it is safe.
• Wait until conditions stabilize.
• Report damage to your ISP.

Why is my internet not working on my phone?

Phone connectivity issues can come from several places: mobile data limits, Wi-Fi glitches, carrier outages, or network settings that stop responding. iPhones and Android devices also fail in slightly different ways — for example, iPhones' internet may stop working after a system update, while some Android models struggle when the phone keeps losing service. Let's explore each issue in detail.

Your mobile data is off, and airplane mode is on

If your phone suddenly loses internet, one of the simplest causes is mobile data being turned off or airplane mode being accidentally enabled. Both settings cut off your connection immediately, even if your signal bars look normal. 

Phones may also toggle these settings after updates, in low-battery mode, or due to brief network drops. A quick check helps you confirm whether the problem is coming from your device settings rather than your network or provider.

You are disconnected from Wi-Fi or mobile data

If your Wi-Fi is on but nothing loads, the network may simply stop responding on your phone while still appearing connected. Such a situation occurs when the signal is weak, the router is overloaded, or the network briefly drops and reconnects. 

Switching to mobile data helps you see if the issue is with the Wi-Fi network itself or your device. Refreshing the connection by turning Wi-Fi off and on often restores normal performance without further steps.

Your carrier is experiencing issues or limiting your data

Carrier outages, weak coverage, and data caps can all prevent your phone from getting online, even if everything looks fine on the screen. When you hit your monthly limit, many providers reduce speeds so drastically that pages stop loading altogether. 

Local tower problems or maintenance work can also interrupt service without warning. Checking your signal strength and recent usage helps you understand whether the problem comes from your provider rather than your device or Wi-Fi.

Your network settings need a reset

Outdated network settings can block your phone from having a stable connection. It often happens after system updates, installing new apps, or switching between multiple Wi-Fi networks. 

A reset clears old configurations and forces your device to reconnect as if it were new. While you'll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords afterward, this step often resolves persistent phone-only issues that don't affect your other devices.

You need to turn on your VPN

A VPN can improve stability in some cases, especially if your provider is routing traffic poorly, but incorrect VPN settings can also interrupt your phone's connection. Testing the network both with and without a VPN helps you see which configuration works better at that moment. 

If the connection improves with a VPN, switching to the best VPN may give you a more consistent route. If the connection returns only after turning it off, temporarily disable the VPN to rule out configuration conflicts.

You need to contact your mobile carrier

If nothing on the device side resolves the issue, the problem may be related to your SIM card, account, or local tower coverage. Damaged SIM cards can cause intermittent service, and account restrictions sometimes block data without clear warnings on the phone. Your carrier can confirm whether the network in your area is stable and whether your line is functioning correctly. In some cases, a quick SIM replacement solves weeks of unexplained connectivity problems.

Is the issue really with Wi-Fi or your internet connection?

To find out whether Wi-Fi or your internet connection is at fault, you need to test a few different points along the chain: your plan, your router, and the websites or services you're trying to access. These checks help you see if the problem occurs within your home network or before that, at your provider's end. Once you know where the break is, fixing it becomes much easier.

Check your internet service plan

Your internet may stop working or slow down sharply if you've hit data limits or if your plan has recently changed. Some providers reduce your speed after a certain amount of usage, which can make it feel like the internet is down even when it isn't. 

Log in to your provider's account portal or app and make sure your plan is active, paid, and not restricted. If anything looks unclear, contact support and ask for confirmation that your line is fully open.

Check the connection on other websites

A single website not loading does not mean your whole internet access is broken. Sometimes a page or service may be down on its own, while the rest of your connection works normally. Check the internet connection by opening several different websites and a few apps that use the internet to see whether the problem is widespread. If only one site fails, use a tool like "Is it down" to check whether that service is having issues for everyone or just for you.

Check router or modem lights

The lights on your router and modem show whether the devices are powered, connected to the internet, and communicating with your devices. If you see unusual colors, unexpected blinking patterns, or a missing "internet" indicator, the problem is likely on the line or with the device itself. 

Compare the current lights with the label on the device or your provider's support page to understand what each state means. If the lights signal an error, restart the equipment first, and contact your provider if the pattern doesn't change.

Try connecting via an Ethernet cable

Connecting your device with an Ethernet cable helps you see whether Wi-Fi is the problem or if the internet connection itself is failing. A stable wired connection suggests that your Wi-Fi signal, router placement, or wireless settings need attention. If the wired connection also fails, the issue most probably lies with your modem or your provider.

Test your connection on another device

Trying another device on the same network shows whether the problem is limited to one phone or computer. If your laptop goes online but your phone doesn't, your router and provider are probably fine, and you should focus on that single device. If every device in your home struggles to connect, the issue is more likely with your router, modem, or ISP.

Perform a ping test

A ping test shows whether your device can reach other servers on the internet and how stable that connection is. If ping replies come back quickly and consistently, your connection is usually working, and the issue may be with specific apps or sites. If the test fails or shows timeouts, the problem is likely in your network or with your provider. You can run a ping test on both macOS and Windows using built-in tools.

How to perform a ping test on a Mac

On a Mac, you can run a ping test from the Terminal app:

1. 1.Open “Finder,” go to “Applications” > “Utilities,” and launch “Terminal.”
   
2. 2.In the Terminal window, type ping 8.8.8.8 and press Enter.
   
3. 3.Watch the replies — a steady stream of responses with low time values means the connection is working.
4. 4.Press Control + C to stop the test.
5. 5.If you see repeated timeouts or no replies, your device is having trouble reaching the internet.

How to perform a ping test on a Windows computer

On a Windows computer, you can run a ping test through the Command Prompt app:

1. 1.Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
2. 2.In the window that appears, type ping 8.8.8.8 and press Enter.
3. 3.Check the results — successful replies with low milliseconds indicate a working connection.
4. 4.If you see messages like "Request timed out" or "Destination host unreachable," something is blocking the connection.
5. 5.In that case, restart your router, try another device, and contact your provider if the problem continues.

Scan your device for malware and viruses

Malware is another issue that can interfere with your internet connection. It can alter your network settings, use up your bandwidth, or block access to certain sites. If your device behaves unusually or slows down whenever you go online, it's worth checking for anything suspicious. A reputable antivirus tool can help you detect infections and remove harmful files. 

To reduce the risk of downloading malicious content in the future, use Threat Protection Pro™ — it won't scan your device or fix an existing infection, but it can block dangerous downloads before they reach your system.

What to do if the internet is not working

When your connection goes down, the cause is usually something simple — a service interruption, a loose cable, or a device setting that has quietly changed. Working through a few basic checks helps you see whether the issue starts with your provider, your equipment, or your own device. These steps cover the most common fixes and often restore your connection without advanced troubleshooting.

Check for outages

Service interruptions on your provider's side are one of the most common reasons your whole home loses internet at once. If multiple devices can't get online, check your ISP's service status page or community outage reports. When an outage is confirmed, your equipment is usually not at fault, and you'll need to wait for service to return.

Restart your equipment

A quick restart clears temporary errors inside your router or modem and helps restore a clean connection. Unplug the device, wait a short moment, and plug it back in. Once the lights stabilize, try loading a website again to confirm whether the restart helped.

Inspect your hardware

Routers and modems can overheat, slow down, or freeze when they've been running for a long time or lack ventilation. Check that the devices aren't hot, that they have room to breathe, and that the power supply is stable. When the equipment frequently drops the signal or restarts, it may be showing early signs of hardware fatigue.

Check your Ethernet cables

Loose or damaged cables can break the internet connection even if your equipment appears fine. Make sure power and Ethernet cables are firmly connected and free of visible wear. Replacing a questionable cable is one of the fastest ways to rule out wiring issues.

Review network settings

Your device may lose internet access if certain settings change after a system update or app installation. Confirm that Wi-Fi is on, that you're connected to the correct network, and that no VPN, proxy, or firewall rule is blocking traffic. Adjusting these settings often restores the connection right away.

Refresh your browser

Sometimes the issue sits inside the browser rather than the network. Clearing cached data, turning off extensions, or resetting the browser to default settings can fix pages that refuse to load. If other devices work fine on the same network, this is a good place to start.

Reduce device load

When too many devices use the same network, the connection can slow to a stop. Streaming, cloud backups, and large downloads consume a significant portion of your bandwidth. Disconnecting unused devices or pausing background activity can bring your connection back to normal.

Internet still not working? Try advanced troubleshooting

If you've already tried the basic fixes and your connection is still down, it's time to look deeper. The steps below focus on settings, configurations, and system-level checks that often reveal issues you may not notice at first glance.

Use your computer's built-in troubleshooting tools

Most operating systems include diagnostic tools that detect common internet issues automatically. Running them can highlight misconfigurations or fail points you may not spot manually.

How to perform troubleshooting on Windows 10 and 11

1. 1.Open “Settings” > “Network & internet.”
2. 2.Select “Status” and click “Network troubleshooter.”
3. 3.Follow the prompts as Windows checks network adapters, configurations, and connection paths.
4. 4.Apply suggested fixes if any appear.

How to perform troubleshooting on a Mac

1. 1.Open “System settings” > “Network.”
   
2. 2.Select your active connection and look for warning icons or status messages.
3. 3.Use the built-in Diagnostics tool (reachable via “Network utility” or automatic prompts).
4. 4.Follow the steps to test reachability and configuration.

Update your drivers

Outdated network drivers can cause slow speeds, drops, or a complete lack of connectivity. Updating them ensures your hardware communicates correctly with your system.

How to update Windows drivers manually

1. 1.Open “Device manager.”
2. 2.Expand “Network adapters.”
3. 3.Right-click your main network adapter and choose “Update driver.”
4. 4.Select “Search automatically” or install the version from your manufacturer's site.

Fix an incorrect subnet mask configuration

If your device uses the wrong subnet mask, the system may think parts of your network are unreachable. An incorrect subnet mask configuration often results in partial connectivity or no network connection at all.

To correct this, open your network adapter's settings, review the IPv4 configuration, and ensure the subnet mask matches the one assigned by your router (often 255.255.255.0). If anything looks off, restore automatic configuration or enter the correct values manually.

Resolve IP configuration and default gateway issues

An incorrect IP address or gateway settings prevent your device from knowing where to send traffic. Restoring the proper configuration often fixes connection failures instantly.

When resolving these issues, you may need to release and renew the IP address, reset the adapter, or manually change your IP address if your system is stuck in an invalid configuration.

Change your IP address on Windows 11

1. 1.Open “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “Advanced network settings.”
2. 2.Choose your network adapter > “Edit IP assignment.”
3. 3.Switch to “Manual” or “Automatic (DHCP)” depending on the issue.
4. 4.Save the configuration and reconnect.

Change your IP address on a Mac

1. 1.Open “System settings” > “Network.”
   
2. 2.Select your connection and click “Details.”
   
3. 3.Under “TCP/IP,” choose “Renew DHCP lease” or manually enter an IP address.
   
4. 4.Apply the changes and test the connection.

Flush DNS cache

DNS cache problems can stop websites from loading, even when your internet connection itself is fine. When old or corrupted DNS entries build up, your device may try to reach servers using outdated information. In fact, when you flush DNS, it's often enough to restore normal access. If the problem continues, you may also need to change DNS settings to switch to a more reliable DNS provider.

How to flush DNS cache on Windows 10 or 11

1. 1.Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. 2.Type: ipconfig /flushdns
3. 3.Press Enter and wait for confirmation.

How to flush DNS cache on a Mac

1. 1.Enter the DNS flush command for your OS version, for example:sudo dscacheutil -flushcache sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
2. 2.Press Enter and re-enter your password if asked.

How to flush DNS cache on smartphones

Most smartphones refresh DNS automatically when you toggle the airplane mode, restart the device, or forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network. If problems persist, resetting network settings provides a full DNS reset.

Reset your network settings

Network settings sometimes accumulate corrupted data or conflicting configurations. Resetting clears old profiles, cached information, VPN or proxy entries, and restores default behavior.

How to reset network settings on Windows 10 and 11

1. 1.Open “Settings” > “Network & internet.”
2. 2.Scroll down to “Advanced network settings” > “Network reset.”
3. 3.Confirm and restart your device.

How to reset network settings on a Mac

1. 1.Open “System settings” > “Network.”
2. 2.Remove the problematic network service using the minus icon.
3. 3.Add it again using the plus icon, or reset all network configurations via Terminal if necessary.

Factory reset your router

A factory reset wipes all custom settings — including passwords, firewall rules, DNS entries, and parental controls — and restores the router to its default state. Performing the reset is useful if a previous configuration is blocking the connection or if you've forgotten custom settings. After resetting, you'll need to set up your network again from scratch.

Secure a possibly compromised router

If your connection behaves unpredictably or settings change without your input, your router may be misconfigured or compromised. Updating firmware, changing the admin password, and reviewing connected devices help secure the network.

To protect the router long term, consider installing router VPN software or learning how to install a VPN on the router, and ensure you use strong and unique passwords for both the Wi-Fi and admin panel.

Contact your internet service provider

If you've tried everything above and your connection still fails, your ISP may need to inspect the line or your equipment. Issues like damaged cables, service outages, or authentication failures on their end cannot be fixed at home.

Contact your ISP when:

• Multiple devices can't connect.
• Your modem lights show errors.
• An outage is confirmed in your area.
• Your physical line may be damaged.
• All troubleshooting steps have failed.

Before calling, make it easier:

• Have your account information ready.
• Note the steps you've already tried.

Other solutions when you have no internet connection 

If your home connection is down and you need temporary access, you have a few alternative ways to get online. These solutions can help you stay connected while you wait for your provider to resolve the issue or until your equipment comes back online.

Connect to a public Wi-Fi

Public networks can get you online quickly, but they're rarely secure on their own. Whenever you connect to a café, library, or airport network, be careful about the information you access and avoid logging in to sensitive accounts. If you need to use a shared network, follow best practices on how to safely use public Wi-Fi to reduce the risks.

Use your cellular data

Your phone's mobile data can act as a reliable backup when your main internet connection fails. Speeds may vary depending on your coverage and plan, but it's often enough for essential tasks like messaging, navigation, or browsing. Keep an eye on your data limits to avoid unexpected charges or throttling.

Tether to a device

If you need to bring another device online, you can use your phone as a hotspot. Tethering allows laptops, tablets, and other devices to use your mobile data while your home internet is down, which can be especially helpful in work situations or when you need to send files from a larger device. You can read more about tethering to understand how it works and when it's most useful.

What to do if your Wi-Fi is connected but you can’t access the internet

A Wi-Fi connection without internet usually means the signal inside your home works, but the actual internet link is interrupted. A few quick steps can help you narrow it down:

• Restart your router and modem.
• Test another device to confirm the issues.
• Check your ISP's service status.
• Forget the network and reconnect.
• Use a wired connection to verify the signal.

You can also read more about similar cases in our guide "No internet access but connected?".

How to prevent internet connection problems

The good news is that most internet connection issues are avoidable with a bit of routine care. Keeping your equipment updated, well-placed, and uncluttered helps your network stay stable day to day. A few small habits do go a long way in keeping everything running smoothly.

Perform regular equipment maintenance

Basic upkeep helps your router and modem run reliably over time. Dust buildup, outdated firmware, and poor ventilation can all cause performance drops. To avoid internet connection issues:

• Restart the router monthly.
• Update firmware when available.
• Dust equipment and keep vents clear.
• Avoid placing the router in enclosed or hot areas.

Optimize your network

Even small placement and connection adjustments can significantly improve stability. To ensure your internet connection stays intact:

• Place the router in a central, elevated spot.
• Reduce interference from appliances and thick walls.
• Use wired connections when possible.
• Limit the number of active devices if your plan has low bandwidth.