Start with the simplest fix first

Most internet problems go away when you restart your modem and router. Your modem is the box that connects to your internet service provider's network — it usually has lights on the front and sits near where the cable enters your home. Your router is the separate device that broadcasts Wi-Fi, or it may be built into the modem as a single unit. Restarting both clears temporary errors that build up over hours or days of constant operation.

Unplug the modem first, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait for the lights to stabilize — usually two to three minutes. Then unplug the router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait another two to three minutes. This single step fixes roughly half of all connection problems. If your internet works after this, you are done.

If restarting does not work, the next step depends on what you see: are you getting no connection at all, a slow connection, or a connection that keeps dropping?

Key Takeaways

  • Restart your modem and router by unplugging each for 30 seconds, then waiting for lights to stabilize — this fixes most problems.
  • Check the lights on your modem: a red or orange light usually means the modem cannot reach your internet service provider's network.
  • If your modem light is normal but Wi-Fi is not working, restart your router separately or move closer to it to rule out range problems.
  • Slow internet usually comes from too many devices connected at once, interference from other Wi-Fi networks, or a problem with your service provider's network.
  • If restarting does not fix the problem, contact your internet service provider with the modem's model number and the color of its lights.

What the lights on your modem mean

The lights on your modem tell you whether it is talking to your internet service provider. Most modems have a power light, an internet light, and lights for each connected device. The internet light is the one that matters for this troubleshooting.

A green or blue internet light means your modem is connected to your service provider's network and working normally. A red or orange internet light means the modem cannot reach the network — this is a problem between your modem and your service provider, not a problem with your router or Wi-Fi. A blinking light means the modem is trying to connect but has not succeeded yet; wait five minutes and check again, because this can take time after a restart.

If the internet light is red or orange and stays that way after you have restarted the modem, the problem is with your service provider's connection or with the cable running into your home. Check that the cable screwed into the back of the modem is tight. If it is tight and the light is still red, contact your internet service provider — they may need to send a technician or restart the connection from their end.

When you have a modem light but no Wi-Fi

If your modem's internet light is green but you cannot connect to Wi-Fi, the problem is in your router, not your modem. Restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Wait for its lights to stabilize.

If restarting the router does not work, try connecting a device with an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi. An ethernet cable plugs directly into the router and does not rely on wireless. If a wired connection works but Wi-Fi does not, the router's Wi-Fi radio has failed and you will need to replace the router or call your service provider if they own it.

If neither Wi-Fi nor a wired connection works even though the modem light is green, restart both the modem and router again, waiting the full time for lights to stabilize. If that does not work, unplug the modem, unplug the router, wait one full minute, plug in the modem, wait for its lights to stabilize, then plug in the router and wait again. This longer restart sometimes clears problems that a quick restart does not.

Fixing slow internet

Slow internet usually has one of three causes: too many devices using the connection at once, Wi-Fi interference from nearby networks, or a problem with your service provider's network.

Check how many devices are connected to your Wi-Fi. Open your router's settings by typing the router's IP address into a web browser — this is usually printed on a sticker on the router itself, often something like 192.168.1.1. Look for a list of connected devices. If you see devices you do not recognize, they may be your neighbors' devices connecting to your network by mistake, or they may be devices in your own home that you forgot about. Disconnect devices you are not using.

If you have too many devices connected, move closer to the router. Wi-Fi gets weaker the farther away you are, and walls and metal objects block the signal. If moving closer makes the connection faster, your router is not reaching far enough — you may need a new router with better range, or you may need to move the router to a more central location in your home.

If moving closer does not help and you have few devices connected, the problem may be interference from other Wi-Fi networks. This is common in apartments or dense neighborhoods. Restart your modem and router, then contact your service provider and tell them your internet is slow even when close to the router. They can check whether the problem is on their network or in your home.

When your connection keeps dropping

A connection that drops and reconnects repeatedly usually means your modem is losing its connection to your service provider's network. Restart the modem and wait for the internet light to stabilize completely — sometimes a light that looks stable is still reconnecting in the background.

Check the cable running from the wall into your modem. Make sure it is screwed in tightly at both ends. A loose cable causes the modem to lose connection repeatedly. If the cable is tight and the problem continues, the cable itself may be damaged — ask your service provider to check it.

If the modem light stays green but your devices keep losing Wi-Fi, restart the router separately. If that does not work, move your router away from other electronics like microwaves, cordless phones, or baby monitors — these devices broadcast on the same frequency as Wi-Fi and can cause interference that makes the connection unstable.

What to tell your service provider when you call

If restarting does not fix the problem, you will need to contact your internet service provider. Have the following information ready before you call: the modem's model number (printed on a sticker on the modem), the color of the internet light right now, and how long the problem has been happening.

Tell them specifically what is not working: "I have no internet connection," "My Wi-Fi is not broadcasting," or "My connection drops every few minutes." Do not say "the internet is slow" unless you have actually tested the speed by moving close to the router and connecting with an ethernet cable — service providers need to know whether the problem is in their network or in your home.

Most service providers can restart your modem from their end, which sometimes fixes problems that a manual restart does not. They can also check whether there is a service outage in your area. If they determine the problem is in your home, they may send a technician to check the cable or replace the modem.

When you need a new modem or router

Modems and routers eventually fail. If your modem is more than seven or eight years old and keeps losing connection even after restarting, it may be failing. If your router is that old and Wi-Fi keeps dropping, the Wi-Fi radio may be wearing out.

Check whether your service provider owns the modem or you do. If they own it, call them and ask for a replacement. If you own it, you can buy a new one — ask your service provider which models work with your service. If your modem is fine but your router is failing, you can replace just the router without calling anyone.

When you buy a new modem, make sure it is compatible with your service provider and your internet speed. A modem rated for slower speeds than your service provides will not give you the full speed you are paying for. Your service provider's website usually lists compatible models, or you can call and ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does restarting fix so many problems?

Modems and routers are small computers that run constantly. Over time, they accumulate temporary errors in their memory that make them slow or unable to connect. Restarting clears this memory and forces the modem to reconnect to your service provider's network from scratch, which usually resolves the error.

Is it bad to restart my modem and router often?

No. Restarting is safe and does not damage the equipment. You can restart as often as you need to. Some people restart their modem once a week as routine maintenance, though it is only necessary when you have a problem.

What if my modem light is green but I still cannot get online?

A green modem light means the modem is connected to your service provider's network, but it does not mean your devices can reach the internet. Check whether your device is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network — you may have accidentally connected to a neighbor's network. If you are connected to your own network, restart the router. If restarting does not work, try connecting with an ethernet cable to see whether the problem is Wi-Fi or your modem.

Can I fix my internet by restarting my computer or phone instead of the modem?

Restarting your device sometimes helps if that one device cannot connect, but it will not fix a problem with your modem or router. If the internet is down for all your devices, restart the modem and router, not your computer.

How long should I wait after unplugging my modem before plugging it back in?

Wait at least 30 seconds. This gives the modem time to fully power down and clear its memory. Waiting longer does not hurt — some people wait a full minute to be safe. After you plug it back in, wait two to three minutes for the lights to stabilize before testing the connection.