How to tell if AT&T internet is down

AT&T internet goes down when there is a problem on their network — a cut fiber line, a failed router at a hub, a power outage at a local facility, or maintenance work. The fastest way to know if it is a widespread outage is to check AT&T's outage map at att.com/support or call 611 from any phone. If the map shows an outage in your area with an estimated repair time, the problem is on AT&T's side and you do not need to troubleshoot your own equipment.

If the outage map shows nothing but your internet is still down, the problem is usually in your home network — your modem, router, or the cable connecting them. Start by checking whether the lights on your modem are on. A modem with no lights at all is not getting power. A modem with lights but no internet light (usually labeled "internet," "online," or a globe symbol) means the modem cannot reach AT&T's network, even though it has power.

You can also check a website like Downdetector.com, which collects reports from users in real time. If hundreds of people in your city are reporting outages at the same moment, AT&T's network is down. If only a few reports exist, the problem is probably yours alone.

Key Takeaways

  • AT&T's outage map at att.com/support shows whether the problem is on their network or in your home, and you can check it without logging in.
  • If your modem has no lights, check the power cable and outlet; if it has lights but no internet light, restart the modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
  • Calling 611 from any phone reaches AT&T support when ready and they can tell you the outage status and estimated repair time.
  • Downdetector.com shows whether other people in your area are experiencing outages at the same time, which helps confirm whether the problem is widespread.

What the lights on your modem mean

Most AT&T modems have four or five lights on the front. The power light (usually white or green) should always be on when the modem is plugged in. The internet light (often labeled "online" or shown as a globe) should be solid green or white when the modem is connected to AT&T's network. A blinking internet light means the modem is trying to connect but has not succeeded yet — this usually takes a few minutes after you power it on.

The other lights show WiFi status and activity. If your internet light is off or red, the modem cannot reach the network. If your power light is off, the modem has no electricity. In either case, restarting the modem is the first step: unplug it from the wall outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This clears the modem's memory and forces it to reconnect to AT&T's network.

Restarting your modem and router

A restart is different from a reset. A restart clears temporary problems without erasing your settings. A reset erases everything and returns the device to factory defaults — only do this if AT&T support tells you to, because you will have to set up your WiFi password again afterward.

To restart your modem: unplug the power cable from the back of the modem, wait 30 seconds (count them out loud), then plug it back in. The modem will take two to three minutes to fully restart. During this time, the lights will blink in a pattern. Wait until the internet light is solid green or white before testing your connection.

If you have a separate WiFi router (not a combined modem-router unit), restart it the same way: unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in. Restart the modem first, wait for it to fully come back online, then restart the router. This order matters because the router needs the modem to be working before it can connect to the internet.

When to contact AT&T support

Contact AT&T if restarting your modem does not restore your internet within 10 minutes, or if the outage map shows an outage in your area but no estimated repair time. You can reach them by calling 611 from any phone (no phone number needed), through the AT&T mobile app if you have one, or through their website at att.com/support. Have your account number or phone number ready — they will ask for it to look up your account.

Tell them what you have already tried: whether you checked the outage map, what the lights on your modem are doing, and whether you restarted it. This saves time because they will not ask you to do things you have already done. If they determine the problem is on their network, they will give you an estimated repair time. If they determine the problem is in your home, they may walk you through additional troubleshooting steps or schedule a technician visit.

What happens during an AT&T outage

During a widespread outage, AT&T's network is not carrying any internet traffic in your area, so no amount of restarting your modem will help. Your modem will keep trying to connect but will not succeed. The outage map will show the affected area and an estimated time when service will be restored. Most outages last between 30 minutes and a few hours, though major damage to cables or equipment can take longer.

If you need internet during an outage, your options are limited to mobile data (if you have a phone plan with data) or going to a location with WiFi, such as a coffee shop or library. Some people use their phone as a mobile hotspot to connect a laptop or tablet, though this uses your phone's data plan and can be slow depending on your signal strength.

Checking your cables and connections

Before you restart anything, make sure the cables are actually plugged in. The power cable should be firmly seated in the outlet and in the modem. The cable from the wall (usually coaxial, with a threaded connector) should be hand-tight in the port labeled "cable in" or "from wall." Loose cables are a common reason modems lose connection.

If you have a separate router, the ethernet cable from the modem should be plugged into the port labeled "internet," "WAN," or "uplink" on the router — not into one of the regular ethernet ports. Using the wrong port is a common mistake that makes it look like the internet is down when it is actually just misconfigured.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if AT&T is having an outage in my area?

Go to att.com/support and look for the outage map, or call 611 from any phone. Both will tell you whether there is an active outage in your area and when it is expected to be fixed. You can also check Downdetector.com to see whether other people nearby are reporting problems at the same time.

What should I do if my modem has power but no internet light?

Unplug the modem for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait two to three minutes for it to fully restart. If the internet light is still off after that, check the coaxial cable from the wall to make sure it is hand-tight. If it is tight and the light is still off, contact AT&T support.

Can I use my phone as internet during an AT&T outage?

Yes, if your phone has a data plan. You can turn on the mobile hotspot feature in your phone's settings to share the connection with a laptop or tablet. This uses your phone's data, so it will count against your monthly data limit if you have one.

Do I need to reset my modem or just restart it?

Start with a restart — unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in. This fixes most problems and keeps your settings. Only reset the modem (which erases everything) if AT&T support specifically tells you to, because you will have to set up your WiFi password again afterward.

What does it mean if my modem light is blinking?

A blinking internet light means the modem is trying to connect to AT&T's network but has not succeeded yet. This is normal for the first few minutes after you power on the modem. If it is still blinking after five minutes, restart the modem again or contact AT&T support.