How to check if AT&T internet is down in your area
The fastest way to know whether AT&T is down is to check their status page directly. Go to att.com/support and look for "Check service status" or "Outages" — you can enter your address or phone number to see if there is a reported outage affecting your location. This takes about two minutes and tells you whether the problem is on AT&T's side or in your home.
If the status page shows no outage but you still have no internet, the issue is likely with your equipment or your account, not the network. If it does show an outage, AT&T will usually give you an estimated time for restoration — though that estimate often shifts as technicians work.
You can also call AT&T directly at 611 from any phone (or 1-800-331-0500 from a mobile phone) to ask whether service is down in your area. A representative can tell you the same information faster than searching online, and they can also check whether your account has any holds or service suspensions that might be blocking your connection.
Key Takeaways
- AT&T's status page at att.com/support shows whether an outage is affecting your specific address.
- If no outage is reported but you have no internet, the problem is usually your modem, router, or account — not AT&T's network.
- Calling 611 from any phone or 1-800-331-0500 from a mobile phone connects you to AT&T support without needing internet.
- During widespread outages, AT&T support lines are often busy; checking the status page first saves time on hold.
- If an outage is confirmed, AT&T will contact you when service is restored — you do not need to call back repeatedly.
What to do while waiting for AT&T to restore service
If AT&T confirms an outage in your area, there is little you can do to speed up the restoration. Technicians are already working on it. Calling repeatedly or unplugging your modem will not help — in fact, unplugging your modem can sometimes delay restoration because AT&T uses it to send signals when service comes back online.
If you need internet urgently, use your mobile phone's hotspot feature to connect a laptop or tablet. Most phone plans include some hotspot data, though using it heavily may count against your monthly limit. If you do not have a phone plan with data, a nearby coffee shop, library, or community center with free WiFi is usually your fastest option.
Let anyone who depends on your internet know about the outage — your employer if you work from home, your school if you have online classes, or anyone else who might be trying to reach you. AT&T does not send automatic notifications to all customers, so people may not know why you are unreachable.
Troubleshooting when AT&T says there is no outage
If AT&T's status page shows no outage but you have no internet, start with the simplest fixes. Unplug your modem (the device that connects to the wall outlet and the coaxial cable), wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Then unplug your router (the device that broadcasts WiFi) and plug it back in. Wait two to three minutes for both devices to fully restart. This fixes the majority of connection problems.
Check that all cables are plugged in firmly — the coaxial cable from the wall to your modem, the power cable to your modem, and the ethernet cable from your modem to your router (if you use one). A loose cable is one of the most common reasons for lost internet.
If you have lights on your modem, look at their color and whether they are solid or blinking. A solid green light usually means everything is working. A red light or no lights at all usually means the modem is not receiving a signal from AT&T. If the lights are off entirely, check that the power cable is plugged in and the outlet has power — try plugging a lamp into the same outlet to test it.
When to contact AT&T support for help
If restarting your modem and router does not restore internet, and AT&T's status page shows no outage, contact AT&T support. Have the following information ready before you call: your account number (on your bill), your service address, and the color of the lights on your modem. Support can often diagnose the problem over the phone and either walk you through a fix or schedule a technician visit.
AT&T support is reachable at 611 from any phone, or 1-800-331-0500 from a mobile phone. Wait times vary depending on how many people are calling — early morning or late evening is usually faster than midday. If you prefer not to call, you can also start a chat through att.com/support or use the AT&T mobile app if you have it installed.
If a technician needs to visit your home, AT&T will give you a time window — usually a four-hour block. Technicians can diagnose problems with your modem, the line coming into your home, or your account settings. If the problem is inside your home (your router, your wiring, or your devices), you may be charged for the visit, though AT&T sometimes waives the fee if the problem turns out to be on their side.
Understanding AT&T outage notifications
AT&T does not automatically text or email you when an outage happens in your area. You have to check their status page or call them to find out. Some customers sign up for outage alerts through their AT&T account settings, but these notifications are not may provide to arrive before you notice the outage yourself.
When an outage is resolved, AT&T sends a notification to the account holder's phone number on file — but only if you signed up for alerts. If you did not, you will only know service is back when you test your connection. There is no "call us back when it is fixed" system; you have to check yourself or wait for the notification if you enabled it.
Outages versus account issues that look like outages
Sometimes your internet stops working because of something on your account, not because of an outage. Your service might be suspended if you missed a payment, if AT&T detected unusual activity, or if there is a billing dispute. Your modem might also be deactivated if AT&T's system shows it has not been used in a long time or if it is too old to support current network speeds.
When you call AT&T support, they can tell you when ready whether your account is active and whether your modem is registered on the network. If your account is suspended, they can often reactivate it over the phone once the issue is resolved — usually a payment, a verification step, or a straightforward account update. If your modem is too old, support can tell you what models AT&T currently supports and whether you need to rent or buy a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do AT&T outages usually last?
Most outages last between 30 minutes and a few hours. Larger outages affecting multiple neighborhoods can last longer — sometimes a full day or more. AT&T's status page gives an estimated restoration time, but that estimate often changes as technicians assess the damage. If an outage lasts more than 24 hours, AT&T sometimes offers account credits.
Can I get a refund if AT&T internet is down?
AT&T does not automatically refund you for outage time. However, if an outage lasts more than 24 hours, you can contact support and ask for a credit to your account. The credit is usually a small amount — often a few dollars — and you have to request it; AT&T does not offer it automatically.
What if my modem has no lights at all?
Check that the power cable is plugged into both the modem and a working outlet. Test the outlet by plugging in a lamp or phone charger. If the outlet works but the modem still has no lights, the modem may be broken and need replacement. Call AT&T support to request a replacement device.
Is there a way to know about outages before they happen?
No. AT&T does not announce planned maintenance to residential customers in advance. If AT&T needs to do work that will cause an outage, they typically do it at night or early morning, but you will not receive a warning beforehand. Businesses with AT&T service sometimes get advance notice, but residential customers do not.
What should I do if AT&T support says my modem is too old?
AT&T regularly stops supporting older modem models as network technology changes. If your modem is no longer compatible, you can rent a new one from AT&T (usually $10 to $15 per month) or buy one that AT&T approves. Buying your own modem is usually cheaper over time, but it requires finding a compatible model and setting it up yourself.