# No Internet Connection
It’s incredibly frustrating not being able to connect to the internet. Whether you’re connected to Wi-Fi but don’t have internet access or you’re having issues with your wired Ethernet connection, we’ll show you the quickest ways to identify the problem and get back online.
When it comes to troubleshooting your internet. you can either follow a systematic troubleshooting process or simply start trying solutions until something works. While systematic troubleshooting is best for getting to the bottom of the problem once and for all, sometimes it’s necessary to get back online as soon as possible. We’ll start with top five quick fixes for internet problems or call at 1-888-721-0159 and then walk you through a more detailed troubleshooting process if you’re still having problems.
**Top 5 Quick Fixes for Internet Problems**
**1. Restart your modem and router or internet gateway (router):** Restarting your device is the golden rule of internet troubleshooting. This should always be your first step: it’s simple, easy and incredibly effective.
**2. Check Your Wires and Cables**: Loose or damaged cables can cause a variety of internet problems. Sometimes the solution is as simple as tightening the connection, other times you may need to replace the cable or seek help from a broadband technician.
**3. Move router to a better location:** If you use the Internet over Wi-Fi, the position of your router is crucial. Sometimes, moving your router a few feet or changing the angle of the antennas can make a big difference.
**4. Test a different website or online business:** The problem may be with the app, or website you’re trying to access. If only one website or service is having problems, your connection is likely fine.
**5. Check for a glitch:** If the problem is with your Internet service provider, there’s nothing you can do to fix it. Be sure to check for errors before engaging in troubleshooting efforts.
**Is the Internet Still Down?**
It’s time to dive deeper into our troubleshooting guide.
First, we’ll help you determine whether you have an Internet signal problem or a problem with your Wi-Fi network. Once you know what kind of problem you’re having, head over to our Internet Signal Troubleshooting section or our Wi-Fi Troubleshooting section. If you’re still stumped, use our advanced troubleshooting section for particularly tricky situations.
Finally, you can jump right into our full list of Internet solutions and try each one until you get back online.
If you’re experiencing frequent slowdowns and outages, your Internet plan might be too slow. Take the “How much speed do I need?” test » to see if you’re paying for enough Internet bandwidth to deliver the goods.
**Is the problem your Internet signal or your Wi-Fi?**
Internet signal problems have different solutions than Wi-Fi problems, so it’s important to know what you’re dealing with. Examples of Internet signal problems include signal problems from your Internet service provider (ISP), modem problems, and wiring problems in and around your home. Wi-Fi problems are issues with your router’s wireless signal, such as interference from obstacles, too much distance between your router and devices, or interference from other networks and electronics.
You can distinguish between an internet signal problem and a Wi-Fi problem by following some basic troubleshooting steps.
**Check the lights on your devices**
Almost all modems, routers, and internet gateways come with LED status lights. Your devices may also have just one LED, in which case the behaviour or colour of the LED is often used to indicate different statuses. Internet service providers usually provide a manual to explain the behaviour of their rental equipment. If you purchased your own equipment, check the manual.
In either case, the LED status lights on your devices are very useful for quickly diagnosing network problems.
**Check the internet signal light**
The internet connection light is located on your modem and is usually labeled WAN, Internet, or with a globe icon. You can tell that the internet is on if the light (usually white or green) is solid.
If the light is red or not lit at all, it means that you have an internet signal problem because your modem is not connecting to the internet properly. If this is your case, skip straight to the internet signal troubleshooting section.
**Check the Wi-Fi light**
The Wi-Fi light(s) are located on your router or somewhere below the Internet connection light if you have a modem/router combo unit. The labels for the Wi-Fi lights vary, but they generally say “2.4G,” “5G,” “WLAN,” or “Wireless.” These lights should be on and usually blink. If the Wi-Fi light(s) are off or red, your router isn’t broadcasting a signal. Go to the Wi-Fi troubleshooting section to start troubleshooting.
If your device’s lights don’t reveal your Internet problem, read on for the next steps.
**Try using an Ethernet cable to test your connection**
If you’re using Wi-Fi, try connecting your computer directly to your router using an Ethernet cable. This is a proven way to tell the difference between signal issues and Wi-Fi problems. Plug an Ethernet cable into the port on your computer and plug the other end into one of the LAN ports on your router (usually yellow). Connecting your computer directly to a single port on your modem bypasses the basic security measures built into your router. You should connect to a router or a modem/router combo to stay protected online.
If your internet connection comes back when you use a wired Ethernet connection, you have a Wi-Fi problem; continue checking the Wi-Fi troubleshooting section. If you’re still not connected to the internet, the problem is likely bigger than your Wi-Fi network, but it may just be your device. Try accessing the web on another device. If you still can’t connect, head to the Internet signal troubleshooting section to resolve the issue.
**Check for an internet outage**
You may not be the only one experiencing an internet outage. You can find information about internet outages on the Down Detector website, or you can contact your internet service provider (ISP) to investigate.
The site or service you’re trying to access may also be down. Try a few different sites. If they load correctly, the original website you visited may be down for all visitors. (You can confirm this by entering the URL at downforeveryoneorjustme.com)
**Connected to Wi-Fi but no internet?**
If you’re connected to Wi-Fi but still can’t access the internet, there’s likely a problem with your internet signal. The same goes for if you can’t access the internet via a wired connection. Try these solutions first.
**Restart your router and device**
Restarting your modem and router should be the first thing you do when you’re having trouble with your internet signal. Don’t skip this step! This is almost always what support will ask you to try first, as this often resolves the issue.
To reboot your device, unplug the power cable for 60 seconds, then plug it back in. It takes a few minutes to reboot your device. It’s also a good idea to reboot the device you’re using.
**Check your cables and wires**
Wires and cables often become loose or damaged from repeated stress. The cable that feeds your modem to the internet is either a coaxial cable (the same one used for cable TV), an Ethernet cable, or a telephone cable. The best way to troubleshoot cables is to replace them all, if you have too many of them.
Otherwise, make sure these cables are plugged into both your modem and your wall outlet. Ethernet and telephone cables should click when fully inserted into the outlet. Coaxial cables should be screwed in tightly.
Also, check for damage. Check if the cable looks torn or perhaps chewed by a pet. Ethernet and telephone cables are particularly susceptible to damage because the copper wires inside them are very thin.
**When should you contact your supplier?**
It’s a good idea to try some basic troubleshooting before calling your ISP. Rebooting your modem and checking your cables are probably the first things support will tell you to do anyway. But if you can’t fix the problem yourself, it’s time to call your ISP for a little help.
If your ISP isn’t experiencing an outage, they can run a diagnostic on your modem to see if it’s connecting properly to the network. They can detect a number of potential issues, including low signal strength, device registration issues, old equipment (even if you rented it from your ISP), or a system glitch. Maybe you simply forgot to pay your internet bill.
Most major ISPs also offer online/chat support options through their websites and apps, if you’d rather not be on the phone.
If you’re still having problems after trying these common solutions, skip to the advanced troubleshooting section at the bottom of the page.
**WiFi Troubleshooting**
I’ve discovered that there’s a problem with your Wi-Fi network. These are the radio waves that your router broadcasts, and a number of things can interfere with these waves. Try these common solutions first.
**Reboot your router**
This solution works so well that it’s always worth trying first. The process is similar to rebooting your modem: unplug your router or gateway, wait 60 seconds, and then plug it back in. It will take several minutes to reboot.
**Change your Wi-Fi band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)**
Your router likely transmits your Wi-Fi network on two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Try switching from the frequency band you’re using to the other band. This will allow you to avoid temporary interference while your device and router reconnect. It’s common for a 5 GHz network to have “5G” labeled after the network name (for example, “Jane’s Wi-Fi [5G]”). The 2.4 GHz band is usually labeled with your network name (for example, “Jane’s Wi-Fi”) without a frequency label.
Each frequency band has its own strengths and weaknesses. Basically, 5GHz Wi-Fi is faster but doesn’t reach as far. 2.4GHz Wi-Fi goes further but is slower than 5GHz and more susceptible to wireless interference. So, if you’re farther away from your router, try 2.4GHz, and if you need more speed and are in range, try 5GHz.
**Test your Wi-Fi on different devices**
If you’re using a laptop, use your phone or tablet to see if you can connect to the internet over the same Wi-Fi connection. If it connects to one device but not the other, then you know your Wi-Fi is working fine and the separate device is the one having the problem.
**Try a different Ethernet cable**
If you have a spare Ethernet cable, replace it with the one currently connected to your modem and router and see if that makes a difference. Cables don’t last forever, and your current Ethernet cable may be broken and need to be replaced.