Start with the simplest fix first

Most internet connection problems go away after restarting your modem and router. Your modem is the device your internet provider installed — usually a box with lights on the front. Your router is the separate device that broadcasts WiFi, or it may be built into the modem as one unit. Restart both by unplugging them from power, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging them back in. Wait two to three minutes for all the lights to stabilize before testing your connection.

If restarting does not work, the next step depends on whether you can see your WiFi network at all. If you can see it but cannot connect, or if you are connected but have no internet, follow the wired connection steps below. If you cannot see your WiFi network, skip to the section on WiFi visibility.

Keep your modem and router in an open space, away from metal objects, microwaves, and thick walls. These things interfere with the signal. If your router is in a closet or cabinet, moving it to a shelf in the middle of your home often solves weak connection problems without any other work.

Key Takeaways

  • Restart your modem and router by unplugging both for 30 seconds, then wait for the lights to stabilize before testing.
  • If you can see your WiFi network but cannot connect, restart your device and forget the network, then reconnect with your password.
  • If you are connected but have no internet, check that your modem lights show an active connection — a dark or red light means contact your provider.
  • If your WiFi network is not visible, restart the router and check that WiFi is turned on — most routers have a physical button or switch.
  • If nothing works after these steps, your internet provider may have an outage in your area, which you can check on their website or by calling.

Check the lights on your modem and router

The lights on your modem tell you whether it has a working connection to your internet provider. Look for a light labeled "Internet," "Online," "WAN," or sometimes just a globe symbol. This light should be solid green or solid blue when everything is working. If it is off, red, orange, or blinking, your modem is not connected to your provider's network.

On your router, look for a light labeled "WiFi" or a WiFi symbol. This light should be solid or blinking green or blue. If it is off or red, WiFi is either disabled or the router is not working. If your modem and router are one unit, you may see multiple lights — look for the ones labeled "Internet" and "WiFi" specifically.

Write down what color each light is right now. If the Internet light on your modem is off or red, skip to the section on contacting your provider. If the WiFi light is off or red, go to the section on WiFi visibility. If both lights are green or blue but you still have no connection, move to the next section.

Reconnect to your WiFi network on your device

If you can see your WiFi network but your device will not connect, or if you are connected but have no internet, restart your device first — phone, laptop, or tablet. Power it completely off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. This clears temporary connection problems that happen on the device side.

After your device restarts, open your WiFi settings and look for your network name. If you see it, select it and choose "Forget this network" or "Remove." Then look for the network again, select it, and enter your WiFi password. Your password is usually on a sticker on the back or bottom of your modem or router, or in a confirmation email your provider sent you when they installed it.

If you do not know your WiFi password, you can reset it through your router's settings page. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Log in with the username and password on the sticker on your router — usually "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the serial number. Look for WiFi settings or Wireless settings and change the password to something you will remember. Write it down somewhere safe.

Check whether your internet provider has an outage

If your modem's Internet light is off or red, and restarting did not fix it, your internet provider may have an outage in your area. Go to your provider's website on your phone using mobile data or a neighbor's WiFi. Look for a link that says "Service Status," "Outages," or "Check for Outages." Enter your address or zip code to see whether an outage is reported.

If an outage is listed, there is nothing you can do except wait. Most outages last between 30 minutes and a few hours. Your provider usually sends a text or email when service is restored. If no outage is listed but your Internet light is still off or red, call your provider's customer service number — it is on your bill or on their website. Tell them your Internet light is not on and ask them to check your account remotely.

When you call, have your account number and the serial number of your modem ready. These are on your bill and on stickers on the modem itself. The provider may ask you to unplug the modem for 30 seconds again while they monitor your account, or they may send a technician if the problem is on their end.

Turn WiFi back on if it is disabled

If your WiFi network is not showing up in your device's list of available networks, WiFi may be turned off on your router. Look for a button or switch on the router labeled "WiFi," "Wireless," or with a WiFi symbol. Press or flip it. Some routers have a button you hold for three seconds. Check your router's manual or look at the label on the back to see which action turns WiFi on.

After you turn WiFi on, wait 30 seconds for the WiFi light to turn on, then look for your network again in your device's WiFi settings. If the network still does not appear, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for the lights to stabilize.

If WiFi is already on but your network is still not visible, your router may need a factory reset. This erases all your settings, so do this only if nothing else has worked. Look for a small button labeled "Reset" on the back of the router. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and your network name will return to the default name printed on the sticker on the back. You will need to set up your WiFi password again using the steps in the earlier section.

Test your connection with a wired cable if WiFi is unreliable

If your WiFi keeps dropping or is very slow, try connecting a device directly to your router or modem with an ethernet cable. This tells you whether the problem is with WiFi itself or with your internet connection. Plug one end of the ethernet cable into the port labeled "Ethernet" or "LAN" on your router, and the other end into your laptop or computer. If the connection is fast and stable when wired, your WiFi signal is weak and you should move your router to a more central location or consider a WiFi extender.

If the connection is still slow or drops even when wired, the problem is with your internet connection itself, not WiFi. In this case, restart your modem again and check the Internet light. If it is solid green or blue but the connection is still slow, you may have too many devices using the internet at once, or your provider's service may be degraded. Try disconnecting other devices and testing again. If the problem continues, contact your provider to report slow speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have to restart my modem and router?

Restarting clears temporary errors that build up in the device's memory. Your modem and router are small computers that sometimes get stuck in a state where they cannot communicate properly. Unplugging them forces them to start fresh, which fixes most connection problems. This is why it works so often even though it seems too straightforward.

What if I restart everything and it still does not work?

Check your modem's Internet light. If it is off or red, your provider has the problem and you need to call them. If it is green or blue but you still have no internet, try connecting a device with an ethernet cable to see if WiFi is the issue. If the wired connection also does not work, restart your modem one more time and call your provider if it does not come back.

Can I move my modem and router to a different room?

You can move your router to a better location, but your modem should stay close to where your provider's cable or line enters your home — usually near a window or outside wall. If you must move the modem far from that point, you may need a longer cable from your provider. Call them before moving it to ask whether your setup supports a longer distance.

What does it mean if my WiFi password is not working?

Make sure you are typing it exactly as it appears on the sticker, including capital letters and numbers. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive. If you are still stuck, you can reset the password through your router's settings page at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, or call your provider and ask them to reset it for you.

How long should I wait after restarting before testing my connection?

Wait two to three minutes for all the lights on your modem and router to stop blinking and become solid. If you test too soon, the devices may still be starting up and you will get a false result. The lights tell you when they are ready — solid green or blue means you can test.