How to learn about Cox is having an outage near you
Cox's outage map is the fastest way to check. Go to cox.com/residential/support/internet-outages, enter your zip code, and the map shows whether Cox has reported an outage in your area. The map updates every few minutes during active outages and shows the number of customers affected and the estimated time to restore service.
If the map shows no outage but your internet is still down, the problem is likely on your side — your modem, router, cables, or account settings — rather than Cox's network. If the map confirms an outage, Cox has already started work on it, and you do not need to call unless you have a time-sensitive need (like a medical device that requires internet).
The outage map works whether you are a Cox customer or not, so you can check before calling support or while waiting for a technician. Bookmark it if you live in a Cox service area.
Key Takeaways
- Cox's outage map at cox.com/residential/support/internet-outages shows whether an outage is happening in your zip code right now.
- The map updates every few minutes and tells you how many customers are affected and when Cox expects to restore service.
- If the map shows no outage but your internet is down, the problem is almost certainly your modem, router, or cables, not Cox's network.
- You do not need to call Cox support during an outage unless you have a critical need — they already know about it.
- Restarting your modem and router is the first troubleshooting step when your internet stops working, even if an outage is happening nearby.
What causes Cox outages in your area
Cox outages usually fall into two categories: planned maintenance and unplanned failures. Planned maintenance happens at night or early morning and Cox announces it in advance through email or your account dashboard. Unplanned outages come from equipment failures, fiber cuts, power loss, or weather damage — these are the ones that show up on the outage map without warning.
Weather is the most common cause of unplanned outages. Heavy rain, wind, ice, or lightning can damage Cox's lines or the equipment that connects your neighborhood to the network. Fiber cuts from construction or accidents also cause widespread outages that affect hundreds or thousands of customers at once.
If an outage is widespread and affects your whole neighborhood, there is nothing you can do except wait. If the outage map shows no outage but only your house has no internet, the problem is your equipment or connection, not Cox's network.
Restart your modem and router before assuming it is an outage
Restarting your modem and router fixes most internet problems that feel like outages but are not. Unplug your modem (the device that connects to the Cox 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. Then unplug your router (the device that broadcasts WiFi) for 30 seconds and plug it back in.
This process clears temporary errors that build up over time and forces your modem to reconnect to Cox's network. If your internet comes back after a restart, the outage map would have shown nothing because there was no outage — your equipment just needed to reset.
If restarting does not work and the outage map still shows no outage in your area, check that the cables connecting your modem to the wall outlet and to your router are firmly plugged in on both ends. A loose cable is the second most common reason internet stops working.
What to do while waiting for Cox to restore service
If the outage map confirms an outage in your area, Cox is already working on it. The map shows an estimated restoration time, though this can change as technicians assess the damage. During the outage, you can use your phone's cellular data to check email or messages if you have a data plan.
If you need internet urgently — for work, school, or a medical device — you can call Cox at 1-800-391-3000 to tell them about your situation. They cannot speed up the repair, but they can note your account and may prioritize your reconnection once service is restored. Have your account number ready when you call.
Do not call Cox support if the outage map shows an outage and you are just waiting for it to be fixed. Support lines get overwhelmed during outages, and the wait time can be hours. The outage map is your only reliable source of information during an active outage.
Difference between a Cox outage and a problem with your equipment
A Cox outage affects your whole neighborhood or a large area. The outage map will show it, and your neighbors will likely be without internet too. You can ask them to check their internet, or you can post in a neighborhood group online to confirm others are affected.
A problem with your equipment affects only you. Your modem might not be connecting to Cox's network, your router might have lost power, or a cable might be loose. The outage map will show no outage, and your neighbors will have working internet. Restarting your modem and checking cables will usually fix this.
If you are unsure, check the outage map first. If it shows an outage, wait. If it shows no outage, restart your modem and check your cables. This order saves you from calling support during an outage when they cannot help you anyway.
When to contact Cox support about internet problems
Contact Cox support if the outage map shows no outage in your area and restarting your modem and router did not fix the problem. Have your account number, the model of your modem, and a description of what is happening ready before you call. Tell them what you have already tried — restarting, checking cables — so they do not ask you to do it again.
You can reach Cox support at 1-800-391-3000 or through the Cox mobile app. Wait times are shortest in the morning on weekdays. If you are having trouble with your modem specifically, Cox can send a technician to your house, though this usually takes a few days to schedule.
If a technician comes to your house, they will check the line from the street to your modem, test your modem, and replace it if it is faulty. This is a free service if your modem is still under warranty or owned by Cox. If you own your modem, Cox may charge a service fee.
How to avoid internet outages you can control
You cannot prevent Cox network outages, but you can prevent problems with your own equipment. Keep your modem and router in a cool, dry place with good airflow — overheating causes failures. Do not unplug them during thunderstorms; let them stay powered so they can reconnect automatically when power returns.
Use a surge protector for both your modem and router. A power surge from lightning or a utility problem can damage the equipment permanently. A surge protector costs $15 to $30 and can save you $100 to $200 in replacement costs.
Restart your modem and router once a month, even if everything is working fine. This clears out temporary errors before they become big problems. Unplug both for 30 seconds, plug them back in, and wait for them to fully restart.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Cox is down or if it is just my house?
Check the Cox outage map at cox.com/residential/support/internet-outages with your zip code. If it shows an outage, Cox is down in your area. If it shows no outage, restart your modem and check your cables — the problem is your equipment, not Cox's network.
Can I get a refund if Cox has an outage?
Cox credits your account for outages that last more than 24 hours, though you usually have to request it. Call Cox support with your account number and the dates of the outage. Shorter outages do not may have access to for credits.
What should I do if the outage map says there is no outage but my internet is still down?
Restart your modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait two minutes. Check that all cables are firmly plugged in on both ends. If that does not work, call Cox support at 1-800-391-3000 and describe what you have already tried.
How long do Cox outages usually last?
Most outages last between 30 minutes and two hours. The outage map shows an estimated restoration time, though this can change as technicians assess the problem. Weather-related outages sometimes last longer if damage is widespread.
Can I use my phone hotspot while Cox is down?
Yes, if you have a data plan on your phone. Turn on your phone's hotspot feature and connect your computer or other devices to it. Be aware that this uses your phone's data, so it may count against any monthly data limit you have.