WiFi connected but no internet access? 10 Popular reasons why your internet isn’t working
Have you ever had your wifi say connected but there is no internet access? Or you start your day and your internet is just not loading? Well you are not alone this is actually a very common problem many people face regularly. We will cover some of the popular reasons why your internet might not be working, how to conduct wifi troubleshooting, and how to solve your internet connectivity problems.
1. Check Your Other Devices Connected to the Same Network
First we want to determine if the issue is with one device or if all devices connected to the WiFi does not work. This will help pinpoint if the issue is device specific, with the router, or internet connection.
Go to a few different devices such as your phone, tablet, another computer, or other devices connected to the same WiFi. Check if you are able to connect to the WiFi and browse to a few different websites.
If all devices are having issues connecting to the device then this indicates it’s a problem with your router or internet connection. To try to address these issues try tips: Restart Your Wireless Router or Modem, Check Your ISP For Outages, Check the WAN Connections, Check DNS Settings on your router, Contact Your ISP.
If all the other devices connect to the internet with no issue then you know it’s a device specific issue. To try to address these issues try tips Check Your DNS Settings on your device, Renew IP Address, Update Network Drivers, Disable VPN or Proxy, Perform a Network Reset.
2. Restart Your Wireless Router or Modem
As cliché it might be but often than not simply restarting your modem and router can resolve many issues.
Simply turn off both devices, wait about 3 minutes then first turn on your modem. After your modem is turned on and the lights indicate it has connected to the internet, typically a few minutes. Then go ahead and turn on your router and give it a few minutes to connect. Then go back to your device and re connect to the WiFi router and check to see if it resolved your issue.
3. Check Your ISP For Outages
Sometimes the issue might be on your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) end. You can check their website, customer support, or social media to see if there is a ongoing outage in your area.
Our favorite way to easily check if there is a outage is to check https://downdetector.com/ this will provide outage details on popular ISPs and let you know if there are internet outages in your area.
4. Check the WAN Connections
Ensure your Wide Area Network (WAN) cable is securely plugged into your router. If the WAN LED is not lit or blinking this can indicate there is a problem with the connection to your ISP.
Try reconnecting it and make sure it clicks into place and is securely connected. Do the same thing on the other end of the wire to your modem as well, you want to make sure its securely connected on both ends.
5. Check DNS Settings
Sometime, changing the DNS server can resolve the issue. Set your DNS to a public DNS server like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
On Windows:
- Open Control Panel and navigate to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
- Right-click on your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
- Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
- For Google DNS: Primary DNS as 8.8.8.8 and Secondary DNS as 8.8.4.4.
- For Cloudflare DNS: Primary DNS as 1.1.1.1 and Secondary DNS as 1.0.0.1.
5. Click OK to save changes and close all windows.
On MacOS:
- Open System Preferences and go to Network.
- Select your active connection on the left (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click Advanced.
- Go to the DNS tab.
- Click the + button to add new DNS servers and enter:
- For Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
- For Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
5. Click OK, then Apply to save your changes.
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
- Tap on the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
- Look for an option like Modify network or Advanced options.
- Set IP settings to Static.
- Scroll down to DNS 1 and DNS 2 and enter:
- For Google DNS: DNS 1 as 8.8.8.8 and DNS 2 as 8.8.4.4.
- For Cloudflare DNS: DNS 1 as 1.1.1.1 and DNS 2 as 1.0.0.1.
6. Save your changes.
On iOS (iPhone/iPad)
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Tap the i icon next to the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.
- Tap Configure DNS > Manual.
- Remove any existing DNS entries by tapping the - button, then tap Add Server and enter:
- For Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
- For Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
5. Tap Save.
On Router (if the internet connection problem affects all devices connected to your WiFi router):
Access Your Router’s Admin Page:
- Open a web browser and enter your router's IP address into the address bar. Common IP addresses include 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1. If you're unsure, check your router’s manual or the bottom of your router for details.
- Press Enter, and you will be prompted to log in. If you haven't changed the default login details, it might be something standard like admin for both username and password, or admin for username and password for the password. Check your router’s manual if you’re unsure.
Find the DNS Settings:
- Once logged in, look for a section labeled “Internet” or “WAN” settings. This could also be under “Network Settings” or a similar name.
- Within this section, you should find the DNS settings. It might be under a subsection like DHCP settings, WAN setup, or similar.
Enter the New DNS Server Addresses:
- You’ll likely see two or more fields to enter DNS server addresses. Here, you can input the addresses of the DNS servers you want to use.
- For Google DNS, enter Primary DNS as 8.8.8.8 and Secondary DNS as 8.8.4.4.
- For Cloudflare DNS, enter Primary DNS as 1.1.1.1 and Secondary DNS as 1.0.0.1.
Save Your Changes:
- Look for a button to apply or save your changes. The router might need to reboot for the changes to take effect.
Restart Your Network:
- It's a good idea to restart your router once more after making these changes to ensure they're fully applied. Additionally, restarting your devices (like computers and smartphones) can help them pick up the new DNS settings.
Additional Tips:
- Document Original Settings: Before making any changes, note down your original DNS settings. This way, you can revert the changes if needed.
- Firmware Update: Ensure your router's firmware is up to date, as manufacturers often release updates that improve performance and security.
- Security: Always make sure to use a strong, unique password for your router's admin interface to prevent unauthorized access.
6. Renew IP Address
On your device, try releasing and renewing the IP address.
Understanding IP Address Conflicts and Their Impact on Internet Access
An IP address conflict arises when two devices within the same network are mistakenly assigned identical IP addresses. This can happen when configurations are set manually or due to errors from a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. Such conflicts confuse the network, making it difficult to correctly route data to and from the affected devices.
Impact on Internet Access
- Connectivity Problems: One or both devices may struggle to connect to the network, or lose access entirely, leading to significant disruptions in internet usage.
- Data Routing Errors: With an IP conflict, the network is unable to properly direct information, causing potential delays or failures in data transmission.
To avoid or resolve IP address conflicts, ensure that DHCP settings are properly configured and monitor any manual IP assignments regularly.
For Windows
Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew.
For MacOS
Go to System Preferences > Network, select Wi-Fi, then click on the “Advanced” button and “Renew DHCP Lease.”
7. Update Network Drivers (for Windows)
Ensure your device’s network drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause connectivity issues.
For Windows 10 and Windows 11:
Open Device Manager
- Right-click on the Start button and select "Device Manager" from the menu. Alternatively, you can press Windows + X and select "Device Manager."
Expand Network Adapters
- In the Device Manager window, find and expand the "Network adapters" section by clicking on the arrow next to it. This will display a list of all network devices on your computer.
Identify Your Network Adapter
- Look for your Wi-Fi adapter. It might be named according to the manufacturer (e.g., Intel, Realtek, Broadcom) and could include terms like "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," or "802.11."
Update the Driver
- Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select "Update driver" from the context menu.
- You will be prompted with two options: "Search automatically for updated driver software" and "Browse my computer for driver software." Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software." Windows will then search the internet and Windows Update for any available updated drivers.
Install the Driver
- If Windows finds an updated driver, it will automatically download and install it. Follow any on-screen instructions during the installation process.
- After the installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure the new driver is properly applied.
If Windows Can't Find a New Driver:
- Visit the Manufacturer's Website: If Windows doesn't find a new driver, you can visit the website of your network adapter's manufacturer. Most manufacturers provide free drivers in their support sections. Download the most recent driver for your specific model and Windows version.
- Manual Installation: After downloading the driver from the manufacturer's website, repeat the steps above but select "Browse my computer for driver software" instead of searching automatically. Navigate to where you downloaded the driver and follow the prompts to install.
Additional Tips:
- Driver Update Software: Some prefer using dedicated driver update software to automate the process. Be cautious and choose reputable software if you decide to go this route.
- System Updates: Regularly check for Windows updates, as they often include driver updates. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to check for updates.
8. Disable VPN or Proxy
If you’re using a VPN or proxy, disable it and check if the internet connection is restored. These services can sometime cause internet connectivity issues.
9. Perform a Network Reset
As a last resort, you can perform a network reset on your device. This will remove all network adapter and set network settings back to their defaults.
On Windows:
- You can find this option under Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset.
On MacOS:
Turn Off Wi-Fi
- Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen and select "Turn Wi-Fi off."
Open Finder
- In the Finder menu, select "Go" and then "Go to Folder…" or use the shortcut Shift + Command + G.
Navigate to the System Configuration Folder
- Type /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ into the prompt and click "Go."
Backup Configuration Files (Optional but Recommended)
- Before proceeding, it’s a good idea to make a backup of the existing configuration files. You can do this by copying the files to another location on your Mac.
Delete Network Configuration Files
- Within the SystemConfiguration folder, locate and delete the following files:
com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
com.apple.network.eapolclient.configuration.plist
com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist
NetworkInterfaces.plist
preferences.plist
- You may be prompted for your administrator password to delete these files.
Empty the Trash
- Right-click on the Trash can icon in your dock and select "Empty Trash" to permanently remove the files.
Restart Your Mac
- Go to the Apple menu (located on the top left corner of the screen) and select "Restart…" from the dropdown menu.
Turn Wi-Fi Back On
- After your Mac restarts, click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and select "Turn Wi-Fi on."
- Reconnect to your preferred network by selecting it from the list of available networks and entering the password if required.
Reconfigure Additional Network Settings
- If you had any custom network settings (like VPN configurations or custom DNS servers), you will need to reconfigure these after the network reset.
How Can Malware or Network Intrusions Disrupt Internet Connectivity?
Malware and unauthorized network intrusions can wreak havoc on your internet connectivity in several alarming ways. These cyber threats go beyond just being a nuisance—they can significantly degrade your online experiences.
1. Altered Network Settings:
Malicious software can modify essential network configurations, which may cause connectivity issues or completely block access to certain websites and services. This insidious alteration often goes unnoticed until connectivity problems become apparent.
2. Bandwidth Drainage:
Both malware and network intrusions can consume large amounts of bandwidth. By operating quietly in the background, they slow down your internet speed, making video streaming and online gaming experiences frustratingly sluggish.
3. Service Blockage:
Certain types of malware are designed to block access to specific websites or services. Whether it's preventing you from reaching your favorite social media platforms or critical work applications, this kind of disruption can be particularly debilitating.
4. Unauthorized Access and Bandwidth Theft:
Network intrusions allow unauthorized users to tap into your internet connection. This not only results in slower speeds but also poses security risks, as intruders could monitor your internet activity or launch attacks using your network.
5. Malicious Activities:
Cyber intruders often use compromised networks to carry out harmful activities—such as sending out spam emails or staging phishing attacks—jeopardizing both your network integrity and your online reputation.
Being aware of these potential disruptions can help you take preventive measures to secure your network and maintain a smooth and safe online experience. Safeguarding against malware and unauthorized access is essential in today’s digitally connected world.
10. Contact Your ISP
If none of the above steps work, then problem might be with your ISP’s connection to your home. Contact your ISP for further assistance with the internet connection problems. They will be able to check the connection, and if necessary, send a technician to help address the internet problem.
Why Is Inspecting Your Hardware Essential When Facing Connectivity Issues?
When your internet connection falters, the first step often involves a thorough inspection of the hardware. This step is crucial in troubleshooting because it addresses common physical issues that can disrupt your network connection.
1. Check Cable Connections:
- Secure and Intact: Loose or damaged cables can easily interrupt the flow of data. Ensuring they are securely connected and free of damage can often restore a spotty connection.
- Inspect for Wear: Over time, cables can fray or deteriorate, affecting performance.
2. Power Status Check:
- Verify Power Sources: Ensure that your router and modem are both powered on and functioning. A simple power cycle can resolve many minor glitches.
- Look for Indicators: Most devices have lights that signal status and issues, providing a quick check for any immediate problems.
3. Detect Physical Damage:
- Visible Signs: Inspecting your hardware for any physical damage or wear can identify potential causes of malfunction.
- Preemptive Repairs: Catching defects early allows for prompt repairs or replacements, minimizing downtime.
4. Enhance Troubleshooting:
- Identify the Root Cause: By isolating hardware-related issues, you can more effectively focus on other potential areas, such as software or settings, if the problem persists.
- Avoid Unnecessary Complications: Knowing your hardware is in good working condition eliminates one variable from the diagnostic process.
In essence, inspecting hardware is foundational in diagnosing connectivity problems, enabling quicker resolutions and a more stable network experience.
Why would Wi-Fi say connected but no internet?, How do I fix this Wi-Fi has no access to the Internet?, How to solve the problem of no internet access in Wi-Fi windows 10?
When your WiFi network says “Connected but no internet,” this means your device has established a connection to the router but cannot access the wider internet. This issue can arise due to various reasons, often related to router or ISP problems, or settings specific on your device.
The steps above are popular ways to wifi troubleshoot and resolve your internet connection problems:
- Service Outages: Sometimes, the issue is with the service provider. Check the provider's service status to see if there are any outages in your area.
- Router or Modem Issues: A common culprit could be a problem with your router or modem. Try restarting both devices to refresh the connection.
- Device Settings: Ensure your device's network settings are configured correctly. Incorrect settings may block internet access despite being connected to the network.
- Contact Support: If the problem persists after trying these steps, contacting customer support can provide further assistance and potentially resolve any underlying issues.
The steps above are popular ways to wifi troubleshoot and resolve your internet connection problems. By systematically checking each aspect, you can identify and address the root of the issue, restoring your connection promptly.
Why is my internet not working even though I am connected?
When you're connected to the internet but it's not working, it can be due to a variety of reasons ranging from minor glitches to more complex network issues. This typically means your device is connected to your router but can’t access the internet. The steps above are a great way to troubleshoot most issues and resolve your internet connection problems.
Why does my computer say no internet but I have internet?
When your computer indicates “No Internet” but you are actually connected to the internet, it could be due to many reasons, often it is how your computer is interpreting network connectivity or specific service outages. Some common ways to resolve these internet connectivity issues are:
Restart Your Computer
Restarting your computer which can refresh the system’s state and correct the status indication
Fixing your DNS settings
Windows Network Troubleshooter
Using the built-in Windows Network Troubleshooter to diagnose and fix network connection issues. To access this, you right-click the network icon in your system tray, select “Troubleshoot problems”
Essential network services might be disabled
To enable network services, press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Ensure that services like DHCP Client and DNS Client are running.
Refreshing your IP address
Outdated or corrupted drivers
Using outdated or corrupted drivers can lead to connectivity issues. Update your network adapters drivers by following these steps to update your drivers above.
Using VPN or proxies
If your using VPN or proxies, these services can sometimes interfere with your internet connection. Try disconnecting these services to see if that fixes the problem.
Ensure your Windows OS and MacOS is up-to-date
Microsoft and Apple regularly releases updates that can fix known bugs and issues. To confirm you are running the latest software:
Windows
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
MacOS
Go to System Preferences (Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen) > Software Update > Update Now
Modem or Router Issues
The problem can reside in your modem or router. Try restarting the device by following these steps above.
Why did my Wi-Fi suddenly stop working?
When your Wi-Fi suddenly drops, this can be a frustrating problem to have, but it's often due to various factors. Following the steps above will help with Wi-Fi troubleshooting.
In addition, this could also indicate a range issue where the wireless connection from your device to your wireless router could be too far or interfered with physical or other wireless devices (Bluetooth, cordless phones, microwaves, etc.). To solve this, you can move your device closer to the router or you can run wired Ethernet cable connections to the additional space with an additional access point.
Using an Ethernet cable to connect directly to your router can significantly alleviate the "connected to Wi-Fi but no internet" issue. This wired connection bypasses common wireless interferences, such as physical barriers and network congestion. As a result, you gain more stable and faster internet access.
In environments where Wi-Fi signals are weak, ensuring a reliable internet connection with reduced latency becomes crucial. An Ethernet cable provides an effective solution, offering a direct link that minimizes disruptions and enhances performance.
For a more detailed blog article checkout our detailed blog article on ethernet cable wiring
Understanding Insufficient Internet Speed and Its Impact on Connectivity
What is Insufficient Internet Speed?
Insufficient internet speed occurs when the data transfer rate provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) falls short of your online demands. This might be rooted in subscribing to a basic service plan or it could arise from technical constraints such as outdated hardware or network congestion.
Impact on Connectivity
- Slow Loading Times: Websites and online applications may take longer to load, causing frustration and inefficiency, particularly for those working or studying remotely.
- Buffering Issues: Streaming videos or music can become a challenge, resulting in frequent pauses as the content struggles to download at the speed needed for smooth playback.
- Connection Dropouts: In severe cases, low internet speeds can lead to complete disconnection, interrupting calls or meetings on platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
- Limited Device Support: Homes with multiple devices or smart technology may strain the bandwidth, leading to reduced performance across the board.
These challenges can significantly hinder your daily online activities, making it essential to choose an internet plan that matches your specific needs and handle workflow seamlessly.
How Does Network Congestion Lead to Internet Access Problems?
Network congestion occurs when numerous devices compete for the same internet connection, all demanding data at once. This overload can happen in places with various internet-enabled gadgets like smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs, particularly during peak periods.
When the demand exceeds the available bandwidth, a traffic bottleneck arises. This bottleneck restricts data flow, leading to slower internet speeds as packets of data struggle to pass through simultaneously.
In severe congestion scenarios, the internet might become temporarily inaccessible. This is because critical data cannot push through the congested pipeline efficiently, leaving users unable to load web pages or use online services. Essentially, like a crowded highway slowing down vehicles, a packed network hinders data movement, causing delays and interruptions in online connectivity.
How Can Weather Conditions Affect Internet Connectivity?
Weather can significantly impact internet connectivity, causing disruptions or slowdowns in various ways. Here's how:
- Physical Infrastructure Damage: Severe storms, heavy rain, and strong winds can damage the physical infrastructure such as cables and satellites. Lightning strikes may also pose a risk to above-ground equipment, leading to sudden outages.
- Home Networking Equipment: Extreme temperatures, whether sweltering heat or freezing cold, can cause issues with routers and modems. Overheating due to high temperatures or malfunction due to cold can degrade performance or cause failures.
- Signal Interference and Loss: Rain, snow, and thick clouds can interfere with satellite signals, which can result in weakened or lost connections for satellite internet users. Moisture can attenuate wireless signals, impacting Wi-Fi performance indoors.
- Power Outages: Storms can lead to power outages, directly affecting internet service. Without power, modems and routers cannot function, leading to temporary disconnections.
- Provider Maintenance and Repairs: After extreme weather, internet service providers may need time to assess, repair, and stabilize affected equipment, prolonging connectivity issues until everything is reinstated.
By understanding these influences, users can better prepare and potentially mitigate the effects of adverse weather on their internet connections.
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