Fix Your Internet Connection

You suddenly discover that you have lost your internet connection--always at the worst possible moment--and you need it back on right now. You could call up your internet provider, but they frequently provide little help over the phone and could charge you if they decide to send a repair person. It's often best to evaluate the situation on your own and try to fix it if you can.

Steps

Desktops and Laptops

  1. Determine if the problem lies with your computer or with the network. Can other devices on your network connect to the internet? If the answer is yes, then the problem is likely rooted in your computer's settings or hardware. If no other devices or computers can get online, then the problem is likely with your networking hardware or network configuration.
  2. Restart your computer. This may seem like a useless suggestion, but restarting your computer is often the easiest way to fix a vast majority of the issues you may be having. A simple reset will clear out bad settings which could be causing your connectivity issues, and if it doesn't help, it only took a minute.
  3. Try a different website or program. There's always a chance that the website you are trying to visit is currently down, or the program you are using is having server problems on its end. Try another website or online program to see if you can connect.
    • Try another web browser if possible as well. For example, you may be having a problem with Chrome, but Firefox will work. If just one of your web browsers is at fault, see the articles below for instructions on repairing it:
      • Repair-Google-Chrome
      • Troubleshoot-Firefox
      • Repair-Internet-Explorer
  4. Reset your network hardware. If your internet connection was working fine and now it's not, the most likely culprit is your network hardware (modem and router). Resetting these devices is a quick and easy fix that will solve most networking problems.
    • Unplug your modem and router's power cables.
    • Wait about thirty seconds.
    • Plug your modem back in and wait a minute for it to completely power on.
    • Plug your router back in and wait a minute for it to power on and connect.
    • Try loading a web page on your computer. If the problem persists, move on to the next step.
  5. Ensure your wireless adapter is enabled (laptop only). Many laptops have a switch or button that turns the wireless adapter on and off. If you've accidentally pressed the button, your computer will disconnect from the network. Press the button or toggle the switch to turn your wireless adapter back on.
    • You may have to hold the Fn button in order to be able to press the Wi-Fi button.
  6. Repair your connection. There could be a software problem on your computer causing the connectivity problem. Both Windows and Mac have built-in repair tools that you can use to try to fix the issue.
    • Windows - Open your Network Connection window by pressing ⊞ Win+R and typing ncpa.cpl. Right-click on your network adapter and select "Diagnose". Windows will scan for problems. Follow the prompts to attempt to fix any problems that are found.
    • Mac - Click the Apple menu and select "System Preferences". Select the "Network" option and then click "Assist me". Select "Diagnostics" from the list of options. Follow the prompts to run a diagnostic scan on your network and attempt to automatically fix issues.
  7. Connect your computer directly to the modem (if possible). Each piece of networking hardware you add to your home network increases the chances that something can go wrong. The best way to test that your internet connection is working is to plug your computer directly into your modem via Ethernet cable, bypassing the router.
    • If your computer is able to connect to the internet while connected directly to the modem, then the issue is likely cause by your router.
    • If you cannot connect to the internet while connected directly to your modem, there is something wrong with the modem or with your internet service in general. You'll need to get in touch with your internet service provider's technical support line to fix modem-related issues.
  8. Disable your network security (for now). When trying to troubleshoot a wireless network, network security can add unnecessary complications. Disabling the security while you're troubleshooting will make your life easier, and then you can secure your network again after fixing the problem.[1]
    • Add-a-Password-to-Your-Wireless-Internet-Connection-(WiFi).
    • Make sure you don't leave your network unsecured for any longer than you spend fixing it.
  9. Boost your Wi-Fi signal. If the problems you're experiencing are signal-related, it usually means that interference and distance are the main cause. There are several things you can do to help minimize interference and increase your network's range.
    • Connect-Two-Routers.
    • Improve-WiFi-Reception.
    • Make-a-Cantenna.
  10. Reset your router's settings. A problem with your router's configuration may be causing your connection problems. You can reset your router by pressing and holding the "Reset" button on the back for about thirty seconds. You may need a pen or other pointy object to reach the button.[2]
    • Resetting your router will erase any changes you have made. If you've configured a custom network, all of your settings will need to be redone.
  11. Perform virus and malware scans. Viruses and other malicious computer infections may be hindering your ability to get online. Viruses can be tricky to get rid of, but you're computer will be much more secure and stable once you do.
  12. Get closer to the modem. Sometimes your device is too far away from the checkpoint to connect. Move your device closer to your modem and try to connect again.
  13. Unplug the power cord from the modem and wait about 10 seconds. Doing this will cause the connection to reset. Sometimes it takes about 1-15 minutes after resetting for the modem to get everything up and running.
  14. Contact your internet service provider. Sometimes the best way to repair your internet connection is to have a professional fix it. Tell them about the specific issues you are experiencing, and request someone to come and investigate the problem. Be as calm and polite as possible, and do not take out your frustration on the company.

Mobile Devices

  1. Ensure that you have a network connection. There are two ways that mobile devices can connect to the internet: cellular data or Wi-Fi networks. If you don't have any signal and are not connected to a wireless network, you won't be able to access the internet.[3]
    • If you don't have a mobile data plan with your carrier, you won't be able to access the internet unless you're connected to a wireless network.
  2. When connecting to a public access point, check to see if you need to register or log in. If you're trying to use a public Wi-Fi hotspot, there's a good chance that you'll need to register through your web browser first. Many devices will display a notification that you need to register, but if you don't see it you can open your web browser app and try to load any website to bring up the registration screen.
  3. Put your device in airplane mode and then back into regular mode. A quick way to fix a lot of connectivity problems is to put your device into airplane mode, which will turn off all of the network adapters, and then turn airplane mode back off.
    • For both iOS and Android, you can open the Settings app and tap the "Airplane mode" slider to turn it on. Android users may need to tap "More..." to see the Airplane Mode option. Wait a few moments after enabling it for your networks to disconnect, and then tap it again to reset your network adapters.
  4. Ensure that your Wi-Fi adapter is turned on. If you're trying to connect to a wireless network, your device's Wi-Fi adapter needs to be turned on. You can toggle Wi-Fi on from the Settings menu on both iOS and Android.
  5. Reset your device's network settings. Sometimes corrupt settings can cause network connection problems. Resetting your network settings may solve the problem. This will erase any custom settings you have entered.
    • iOS - Open the Settings app and select "General". Tap "Reset" and then "Reset Network Settings".
    • Android - Open the Settings app, tap "More...", select "Mobile Networks", then "Access Point Names", tap ⋮, and then "Reset to default".
  6. Factory reset your device if you still can't get it to connect. If nothing above has worked in getting your device to connect to the internet, you may need to perform a factory reset. This will wipe everything off of your device and reset it to the state it was when it came out o the box.

Tips

  • If your modem doesn't have a power cord, press the power button to turn it off.

Warnings

  • Do not unplug any wires (ex: green wire, white wire, etc.) as this could create an even bigger problem.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/webmaster/article.php/10732_3912151_2/5-Steps-to-Fix-a-Faulty-Internet-Connection.htm
  2. ↑ http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow/story/262550/12-tips-for-troubleshooting-your-internet-connection/7
  3. ↑ http://www.smartmobilephonesolutions.com/content/cant-connect-to-wifi-on-android-smartphone
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