Start with the simplest test first
Open a web browser and go to a website you use often — Google, YouTube, your email, a news site. If the page loads in a few seconds, your internet is working. If the page does not load, or loads very slowly, move to the next step.
If you can load one website but not another, the problem is usually not your internet connection — it is the website itself, your browser, or a setting on your device. Try a different website to confirm your connection is actually up.
Key Takeaways
- The fastest way to check is opening any website in your browser; if it loads, your internet works.
- Restart your modem and router by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plugging them back in — this fixes most connection problems.
- Check your modem and router lights: a solid green light usually means the connection is active, while red or no light means a problem.
- If only one device cannot connect, the problem is that device, not your internet; if all devices fail, the problem is your modem or router.
- Contact your internet service provider if your modem light stays red after a restart, or if you have no internet for more than a few hours.
Check the lights on your modem and router
Your modem and router have small lights on the front or back. These lights tell you whether your connection is working. A solid green light usually means the connection is active. A red light or no light at all means something is wrong.
Different modems and routers use different light colors and labels, so look for words like "Internet," "Online," "Status," or "Power." If you cannot find the label on your device, search online for your modem or router model number — the manual will show you what each light means.
If the light is red or off, unplug the modem from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait two to three minutes for it to restart. This fixes most connection problems. If the light is still red after the restart, contact your internet service provider.
Test on more than one device
If your computer cannot connect but your phone can, the problem is your computer, not your internet. If your phone cannot connect but your computer can, the problem is your phone. Only when all your devices fail to connect is the problem your internet service or your modem.
Try connecting a different device to the same network. If you use Wi-Fi, try connecting a phone, tablet, or laptop. If you use a wired connection with an ethernet cable, try plugging the cable into a different device. If the second device connects and works, your internet is fine — the first device has a problem with its network settings or hardware.
Restart your modem and router the right way
Unplugging and plugging back in is not the same as pressing a reset button. A restart clears temporary problems. A reset erases your settings and is much harder to undo.
To restart: unplug the modem from the power outlet. Wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in. Wait two to three minutes for all the lights to stabilize. If you have a separate router, unplug it too, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in after the modem has restarted.
Do not press the small reset button on the back of your modem or router unless you are certain you want to erase all your settings. If you do press it by accident, you will need to contact your internet service provider to set it up again.
Check whether the problem is your Wi-Fi or your internet
Your Wi-Fi and your internet are not the same thing. You can have working internet but broken Wi-Fi, or working Wi-Fi but no internet signal from your provider.
If you have an ethernet cable, plug it directly into your modem and into your computer. If the internet works through the cable but not through Wi-Fi, your Wi-Fi is the problem — restart your router. If the internet does not work even through the cable, your modem or your service is the problem.
If you do not have an ethernet cable, try moving closer to your router. If the internet works better near the router but fails far away, your Wi-Fi signal is weak. If the internet fails everywhere in your home, the problem is your modem or service.
Know when to contact your internet service provider
Contact your provider if your modem light stays red after you restart it, if you have had no internet for more than a few hours, or if the internet works for a few minutes then stops repeatedly. Have your account number ready — you can find it on your bill or in your provider's app.
Tell them what you have already tried: restarting the modem, checking the lights, testing on multiple devices. This saves time and helps them know whether the problem is on your end or theirs. If they ask you to restart again, do it while you are on the phone with them so they can see the lights change.
If your provider says they will send a technician, ask how long the appointment will take and whether you need to be home the whole time. Some providers offer same-day service for outages; others may take several days.
Understand what "slow internet" actually means
Internet that is working is not the same as internet that is fast. A page that takes 10 seconds to load is still working — it is just slow. Slow internet usually comes from too many devices using the network at once, Wi-Fi signal that is too weak, or a plan that has lower speeds than you need.
If your internet is slow but working, restarting your modem and router may help. Closing programs and browser tabs on your devices may help. Moving closer to your router may help. But if the slowness continues, the problem is usually your plan speed or your provider's network, not a broken connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean if my modem light is blinking instead of solid?
A blinking light usually means the modem is starting up or connecting. Wait two to three minutes and the light should become solid. If it keeps blinking for more than five minutes, restart the modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
Can I use my phone's hotspot to test if the problem is my internet or my Wi-Fi?
Yes. If your computer connects to your phone's hotspot and the internet works, your home internet and Wi-Fi router are the problem. If your computer still cannot connect to your phone's hotspot, the problem is your computer's network hardware.
Why does my internet work for a while then stop?
This usually means your modem is overheating or losing its connection to your provider. Restart the modem and make sure it has space around it for air to flow. If it keeps happening, contact your provider — the problem may be on their network.
Is it safe to unplug my modem while it is working?
Yes, unplugging it to restart is safe and normal. You will lose internet for a few minutes while it restarts, but this will not damage the modem or cause data loss on your devices.
What if I restart my modem and nothing changes?
If the modem light is still red after a restart, or if you still have no internet after waiting three minutes, contact your internet service provider. The problem is likely on their network or with your account, not something you can fix yourself.