How to learn about AT&T internet is down near you
AT&T has a status page where you can enter your address and see whether the outage is affecting your specific location. Go to att.com/support, select "Internet" from the service type menu, and enter your street address and ZIP code. The page will tell you whether AT&T has reported an outage in your area, how many customers it affects, and when they expect service to return.
If the status page shows no outage but your internet is still down, the problem is likely on your end — usually your modem, router, or the cable running into your house. If the page confirms an outage, AT&T is already working on it, and you do not need to call them unless you have a specific question about timing.
You can also check AT&T's outage map by calling 611 from any phone (including a cell phone), which will read you the status for your area. This method works if you cannot access the website because your internet is down.
Key Takeaways
- AT&T's support website at att.com/support shows outage status for your specific address within seconds.
- An outage confirmation means AT&T is already working on the problem, and you do not need to report it.
- If no outage appears on the status page but your internet is down, the issue is almost always your modem, router, or the cable connection into your home.
- You can call 611 from any phone to hear outage information if your internet is completely unavailable.
What to check on your own equipment first
Before assuming AT&T's network is down, restart your modem and router. Unplug the modem (the box that connects to the cable line) for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully restart — you will see lights on the front change from red or orange to green when it is ready. Then unplug your router (the separate box that broadcasts WiFi) for 30 seconds and plug it back in.
This fixes the majority of internet problems that look like outages. If your lights return to green and you still have no connection, check that the cable running from the wall outlet into your modem is hand-tight. A loose cable is the second most common cause of lost internet.
If restarting and checking cables does not restore your connection, then check the AT&T status page. A confirmed outage means you have done what you can and should wait for AT&T to restore service.
Understanding what the AT&T status page actually tells you
When AT&T reports an outage, the status page shows three pieces of information: whether an outage exists in your area, roughly how many customers it affects, and an estimated time for restoration. The estimated time is often a range (like "2 to 4 hours") rather than an exact time, because AT&T does not always know exactly how long repairs will take until technicians arrive on site.
The page updates every 15 to 30 minutes as the situation changes. If you check it once and see an outage, you do not need to keep refreshing it constantly — AT&T will send you a text message or email notification when service is restored if you have signed up for alerts on your account.
If the status page shows no outage but your neighbors also have no internet, AT&T may not have detected the problem yet. In that case, you can report it by calling 611 or using the AT&T mobile app, which will create a ticket and alert AT&T's network team.
When to call AT&T about an outage
You do not need to call AT&T straightforward to report an outage — they already know about it if it is widespread. Calling only makes sense if you have a specific question, such as whether the outage affects your building specifically, whether you can get a credit for the lost service, or whether you need a technician to visit your home.
If you do call, have your account number or phone number ready. AT&T's automated system can often answer outage questions without connecting you to a person. If you need to speak to someone, wait times during major outages can be long because many customers are calling at once.
For service credits due to outages, AT&T typically applies them automatically to your next bill if the outage lasted more than a few hours. You do not need to request one, though you can ask about it when you call if you want confirmation.
Outages that affect only your home or building
Sometimes your internet goes down but the AT&T status page shows no outage in your area. This usually means the problem is not AT&T's network but something between the network and your home — the cable line running to your house, the connection at the pole, or your equipment.
Start by checking whether your neighbors have internet. If they do, the problem is definitely on your property. If they do not, the issue is likely the cable line or the connection at the pole, and you should report it to AT&T so they can send a technician.
If the problem is your modem or router, restarting them (as described above) fixes it about 80 percent of the time. If restarting does not work and AT&T confirms no outage, a technician visit may be necessary to replace equipment or repair the cable line.
What happens during major outages
During widespread outages affecting thousands of customers, AT&T's website and phone lines can become slow or temporarily unavailable because so many people are trying to check status at once. If you cannot reach the status page, try again in a few minutes, or use the 611 phone method instead.
Major outages are usually caused by severe weather, accidents that damage cables, or equipment failures at AT&T's facilities. AT&T publishes updates on its social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook) during large events, which can be faster than the status page during peak traffic.
During an outage, your modem may show a red or orange light instead of green, even though you have restarted it. This is normal — the light indicates that the modem cannot reach AT&T's network, which is exactly what an outage means. The light will return to green once service is restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do AT&T outages usually last?
Most outages last between 30 minutes and 4 hours. Widespread outages affecting many customers can take longer. AT&T's status page shows an estimated restoration time, though the actual time may vary depending on what caused the outage and how quickly technicians can repair it.
Will I get a refund or credit if AT&T internet is down?
AT&T typically credits your account automatically if an outage lasts more than a few hours. The credit is usually a small portion of your monthly bill. You do not need to request it, but you can call to ask about the amount if you want confirmation.
Can I use my phone's hotspot if AT&T internet is down?
Yes, if you have a cell phone plan with AT&T or another carrier. However, if the outage is widespread, AT&T's cell network may also be affected or congested. Using a different carrier's hotspot (if available) may be faster during a major outage.
What if the status page says no outage but I still have no internet?
Restart your modem and router first — this fixes most cases where the status page shows no outage. If restarting does not work, check that all cables are connected tightly. If those steps do not help, call 611 to report the problem and request a technician visit.
How do I get alerts when AT&T internet goes down?
Log into your AT&T account online or in the mobile app and look for notification settings. You can set up text or email alerts for service outages in your area. This way you will know about problems without having to check the status page.