Start with the devices and cables you can see

Most internet problems live in the equipment sitting in front of you, not somewhere in the network. Before you call your provider, check three things: whether your modem has power, whether the cables are plugged in all the way, and whether your router is turned on. A modem is the box that connects to your wall jack. A router is the separate box that broadcasts your Wi-Fi signal — many people have both, some have a combined unit that does both jobs.

Look at the lights on your modem. You should see at least one light that is solid or blinking — usually labeled Power, Internet, or Online. If there is no light at all, check that the power cable is plugged into both the modem and the wall outlet. If the modem has power but no Internet light, unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This restart often fixes temporary glitches that happen when the modem loses its connection to your provider's network.

Check the cable that runs from your wall jack to your modem — it should be hand-tight, not loose. The same goes for the cable between your modem and router, if you have both. A cable that looks plugged in can still be slightly loose and cause problems. Push each one in firmly until you feel it click or seat completely.

Key Takeaways

  • Restart your modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in — this fixes most temporary connection problems.
  • Check that all cables are pushed in firmly at both ends, because a loose connection can look plugged in but still break your internet.
  • Restart your router separately if you have one, using the same 30-second method, after the modem is back online.
  • If your modem shows no lights at all, the power cable is the first thing to check, then try a different outlet.
  • Write down the error message or light pattern you see before calling your provider, because they will ask what you observed.

Restart your router after the modem comes back online

If you have a separate router (the device that broadcasts Wi-Fi), wait for your modem to fully restart before you restart the router. This usually takes two to three minutes — you will see the Internet light on the modem become solid instead of blinking. Once that happens, unplug your router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.

While your router restarts, your Wi-Fi will disappear for a minute or two. This is normal. Once the router lights come back on, your Wi-Fi network should appear in your device's list of available networks. If it does not, wait another minute — routers sometimes take longer to broadcast their signal after a restart.

Check whether the problem is Wi-Fi or your whole connection

Before you assume your internet is broken, figure out whether the problem is Wi-Fi or your actual internet connection. Walk over to your modem with a phone or laptop and look at the Internet light. If it is solid green or solid blue, your connection to your provider is working — the problem is your Wi-Fi or your device.

If the Internet light is red, orange, blinking slowly, or missing entirely, your modem is not connected to your provider's network. This is a real internet outage, not a Wi-Fi problem. If the light is solid but you still have no internet, try connecting a device directly to your modem with an ethernet cable (a thick network cable, usually blue or gray). If that device gets internet, your modem is fine and the problem is your router or Wi-Fi.

Write down what you see on the modem lights before you call your provider. They will ask whether the Internet light is on, off, or blinking, and having the answer ready saves time.

Reconnect to Wi-Fi or switch to ethernet

If your Wi-Fi is working but your device will not connect, try "forgetting" the network and reconnecting. On most phones and computers, you can find this in Settings under Wi-Fi or Network. Select your network name, choose "Forget" or "Remove", then reconnect by entering your password again. Sometimes a device holds onto an old connection that no longer works, and forgetting it forces a fresh start.

If you have an ethernet cable and a device with an ethernet port, plug the cable directly from your modem or router into the device. This bypasses Wi-Fi entirely and tells you whether the problem is wireless or wired. If ethernet works but Wi-Fi does not, your router may need a restart or a reset.

If you do not have an ethernet cable and want to test your connection, most libraries and coffee shops offer free Wi-Fi. If your device connects there, you know the problem is at home, not with your device or your provider.

Reset your router if Wi-Fi is the problem

If your modem's Internet light is solid but you cannot connect to Wi-Fi, your router may need a reset. Look for a small Reset button on the back of your router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart.

A reset erases all your settings, including your Wi-Fi password. After the reset, your router will broadcast a default network name (usually printed on a sticker on the router itself). You will need to connect to that network, then set up your Wi-Fi password again through the router's settings page. This is inconvenient, but a reset fixes Wi-Fi problems that a straightforward restart does not.

If you do not want to reset, try moving your router to a more central location in your home, away from walls and metal objects. Wi-Fi signal weakens through obstacles, so a router in a closet or behind a filing cabinet will not reach as far as one in an open area.

Check for outages in your area

If your modem's Internet light is off or red and your restart did not fix it, check whether your provider has an outage. Most providers have a website or phone number where you can report an outage or check whether one is happening near you. Search for "[Your Provider Name] outage" or "[Your Provider Name] report outage" to find the right page.

You can also call your provider's customer service number — it is usually on your bill or on the back of your modem. Have your account number ready. They can tell you in seconds whether an outage is affecting your address. If there is an outage, they will tell you when service is expected to return. If there is no outage, they can walk you through more detailed troubleshooting steps.

While you wait for an outage to clear, you can use your phone's mobile data to stay connected. If you have a data plan with unused data, you can turn on your phone's hotspot feature and connect your other devices to it. This is not a permanent solution, but it lets you work or browse while your home internet is down.

Know when to call your provider

Call your provider if your modem's Internet light stays off or red after a 30-second restart, or if the light is solid but you still have no internet after restarting both your modem and router. Have this information ready when you call: your account number (on your bill), the color and pattern of the lights on your modem, whether you can see the Internet light at all, and whether you have tried restarting.

If you can connect via ethernet but not Wi-Fi, tell them that too — it narrows down the problem. If you have a combined modem-router unit and cannot restart it separately, mention that as well. The more specific you are about what you see and what you have tried, the faster they can figure out what is wrong.

Most providers offer phone support 24 hours a day. If you are in a hurry, calling early in the morning usually means shorter wait times than calling in the evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait after restarting my modem before I restart my router?

Wait until the Internet light on your modem is solid, not blinking. This usually takes two to three minutes. If you restart your router too soon, before the modem is fully connected, your router may not connect properly either.

What if I restart everything and the Internet light is still blinking?

A slowly blinking Internet light usually means your modem is trying to connect but has not succeeded yet. Wait five to ten minutes — sometimes the connection takes longer than a restart. If it is still blinking after that, or if it is blinking very fast, call your provider. A fast blink often means your modem is having trouble authenticating with the network.

Can I damage my modem by unplugging it?

No. Unplugging your modem for 30 seconds is a standard troubleshooting step that providers recommend. It does not harm the equipment. Just make sure you wait the full 30 seconds before plugging it back in — this gives the modem time to fully power down and clear its memory.

Why does my Wi-Fi work sometimes but not other times?

Intermittent Wi-Fi usually means your router is too far from your device, blocked by walls or metal, or overloaded with too many connected devices. Try moving closer to the router, or moving the router to a more central location. If you have many devices connected, try disconnecting some and see if the others work better.

What is the difference between restarting and resetting?

Restarting (unplugging for 30 seconds) keeps all your settings and passwords. Resetting (holding the Reset button) erases everything and returns the device to factory settings. Always try restarting first — only reset if restarting does not work.