Start with the simplest fixes 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 — usually the one with cables running into it. Your router is the device that broadcasts your WiFi signal, often sitting on a shelf or mounted on a wall. Restart both by unplugging them from power, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging them back in. Wait another two minutes for them to fully boot up before testing your connection.

If restarting does not work, check whether the problem is with your WiFi or with your actual internet connection. Open a web browser on any device and try to load a website. If nothing loads, your internet connection itself is down. If one device cannot connect but others can, the problem is that device's WiFi, not your internet.

For WiFi problems on a single device, forget the network and reconnect. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, find your network name, and select Forget. On Mac, go to System Settings > WiFi, click Details next to your network, and select Forget. Then reconnect by selecting the network again and entering your password.

Key Takeaways

  • Restart your modem and router by unplugging both for 30 seconds, then wait two minutes before testing — this fixes most connection problems.
  • Test whether the problem is your WiFi or your internet by trying to load a website; if nothing loads, your internet connection is down.
  • Check your modem's lights: a red or orange light usually means no connection to your provider, while a green light means the modem itself is working.
  • If your internet is down, contact your provider's support line or check their website to see if there is an outage in your area.
  • Move your router to a central, elevated location away from walls and metal objects to improve WiFi strength throughout your home.

Read your modem's lights to understand what is happening

Modems have indicator lights that tell you whether they are connected to your provider's network. The exact lights vary by modem model, but most have a power light, an internet or online light, and lights for each connected device. Look for a light labeled "Internet," "Online," "WAN," or sometimes just a globe symbol.

A green light means your modem is connected to your provider's network and working correctly. A red or orange light means your modem cannot reach your provider — this is a connection problem between your modem and the provider's equipment, not a problem with your WiFi. A blinking light usually means the modem is trying to connect or is in the middle of starting up. If a light stays red or orange after you have waited five minutes, your provider's service is likely down in your area.

If your modem has no lights at all, check that the power cable is plugged in and that the outlet has power. Try plugging a lamp into the same outlet to confirm the outlet works. If the outlet is fine but the modem still has no lights, the modem itself may have failed and will need to be replaced.

Check whether your provider has an outage

Before you spend time troubleshooting, learn about your internet provider is experiencing an outage in your area. Most providers have a status page on their website where you can enter your address or account number to see if service is down. Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, Charter, and most regional providers all maintain these pages.

You can also call your provider's customer support line — the number is usually on your bill or on the back of your modem. They can tell you when ready whether there is a known outage and when service is expected to return. If there is an outage, there is nothing you can fix on your end; you straightforward have to wait for the provider to restore service.

If there is no outage and your modem's internet light is red or orange, the problem is between your modem and your provider's equipment. This usually requires a technician visit, though some providers can reset your modem remotely. Call your provider and describe what you have already tried — restarting the modem, checking the lights, and confirming there is no outage. They will either walk you through additional steps or schedule a technician.

Fix weak WiFi by moving your router

If your internet connection is working but your WiFi signal is weak in certain rooms, the problem is usually where your router is located. Routers broadcast their signal in all directions, but walls, metal objects, and distance weaken the signal. A router in a closet or corner will not reach the far side of your home as well as one in a central location.

Move your router to a central, elevated spot — ideally on a shelf or mounted on a wall rather than on the floor. Keep it away from metal filing cabinets, refrigerators, and microwave ovens, which can interfere with the signal. Avoid placing it inside cabinets or behind curtains. If your home is large or has thick walls, you may need a second router or a WiFi extender to reach all areas.

You can also improve your WiFi by changing the channel your router broadcasts on. Routers typically broadcast on channels 1, 6, or 11 on the 2.4 GHz band, and these channels can interfere with each other if your neighbors' routers are nearby. Log into your router's settings — usually by typing your router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1) into a web browser — and look for the WiFi channel setting. Try switching to a different channel and see if your signal improves.

Restart your device if it cannot connect to WiFi

If one device cannot connect to your WiFi but others can, the problem is with that device, not your router. The fastest fix is to restart the device completely. On a phone or tablet, hold the power button and slide to power off, wait 10 seconds, then power it back on. On a computer, click the Start menu (Windows) or Apple menu (Mac) and select Restart.

After the device restarts, try connecting to your WiFi again. If it still will not connect, forget the network and reconnect. On a phone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and select Forget. Then select the network again and enter your password. On a computer, use the steps described in the first section above.

If the device still cannot connect after restarting and forgetting the network, the device's WiFi hardware may be damaged or the device may be too far from the router. Try moving the device closer to the router and connecting again. If it connects when close but not when far away, your device's WiFi is working but weak — this is a hardware limitation, not a fixable problem.

Check your cables and connections

A loose cable between your modem and your provider's wall outlet can cause your internet to drop in and out. Check that the coaxial cable (the thick cable with a metal connector) running from the wall into your modem is hand-tight. You should not need a wrench — hand-tight is enough. If the cable is loose, tighten it and wait two minutes for your modem to reconnect.

Also check the power cable to your modem and router. Make sure both are plugged in firmly and that the outlets have power. If you are using a power strip, confirm that the strip itself is turned on.

If you have an ethernet cable running from your modem to a computer or router, check that it is plugged in on both ends. Ethernet cables can come loose, especially if they run under furniture or along a wall where they might get stepped on.

Know when to call your provider versus when to replace equipment

Call your internet provider if your modem's internet light is red or orange after restarting, if you have confirmed there is no outage, and if all your cables are connected. They can often reset your modem remotely or diagnose the problem over the phone. If they cannot fix it remotely, they will schedule a technician visit.

You may need to replace your modem if it is very old, if it has failed completely (no lights, no power), or if your provider tells you it is no longer compatible with their network. Most providers will replace a modem for free if it is their equipment. If you own your modem, you can buy a replacement from an electronics retailer or online — make sure it is compatible with your provider's network type (cable, fiber, DSL, or fixed wireless).

Replace your router if it is more than five years old, if it does not reach all areas of your home even after repositioning, or if it stops powering on. Routers are not provided by your provider; you own yours and pay to replace it. A basic router costs between $50 and $150 and will last three to five years with normal use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my internet work fine sometimes and drop out other times?

Intermittent connection problems are usually caused by a loose cable, an overheating modem, or interference with your WiFi signal. Check that all cables are tight, make sure your modem has space around it for air to circulate, and try moving your router away from other electronics. If the problem persists, contact your provider — it could also be an issue on their network.

How often should I restart my modem and router?

You should not need to restart them regularly. If you find yourself restarting more than once a month to fix connection problems, contact your provider. Frequent disconnects usually mean your modem is failing, your provider's network is unstable in your area, or your cables need to be replaced.

Is it safe to unplug my modem while it is running?

Yes, it is safe to unplug your modem to restart it. Modems have no moving parts and do not store data that can be lost. Unplugging it will not damage the modem or cause any lasting problems. Just make sure to wait 30 seconds before plugging it back in.

Can I improve my internet speed by changing my router settings?

Changing your WiFi channel can improve your signal strength, but it will not increase your actual internet speed. Your speed is determined by your provider and your plan. If you are paying for a certain speed and not getting it, run a speed test on speedtest.net and contact your provider with the results.

What should I do if my internet keeps dropping out even after I restart everything?

If restarting your modem and router, checking your cables, and confirming there is no outage do not fix the problem, contact your provider. Persistent dropouts usually mean your modem is failing, your provider's equipment is having trouble, or there is a problem with the line coming into your home. Your provider can diagnose this remotely or send a technician.