Wi-Fi Connected but No Internet? How to Fix It (Step-by-Step)

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Wi-Fi Connected but No Internet? How to Fix It (Step-by-Step)

If your device shows it’s connected to Wi-Fi but websites won’t load, you’re not alone. This issue is common and usually fixable with a few targeted steps. Follow the checklist below in order—stop when the problem is resolved.

Common Symptoms

  • Wi-Fi shows Connected, but websites won’t load
  • Apps display “No internet connection”
  • Some devices connect, others do not
  • Internet worked earlier, then suddenly stopped
  • Internet / DSL light is off or blinking on the modem or router
  • ISP-provided Wi-Fi router shows intermittent lights, but nothing connects

These symptoms help indicate whether the issue is related to your router/modem device, or internet service provider.

Why This Happens

Most often, this problem is caused by one of the following:

  • A temporary router or modem glitch

  • DNS issues (your device can’t translate website names)

  • An IP address conflict on your network

  • An outage or service interruption from your internet provider

Step-by-Step Fixes

Step 1: Restart Your Modem and Router

Power issues and memory hiccups are common.

  1. Unplug your modem and router

  2. Wait 60 seconds

  3. Plug in the modem first and wait until it’s fully online

  4. Plug in the router and wait another 2–3 minutes

  5. Test your connection again

If this fixes it, the issue was likely a temporary network glitch.

Step 1a: Check Modem or Router Indicator Lights

The lights on your modem or router can quickly tell you where the problem is.

If You Use a DSL Modem

  • If the DSL / Internet light is off or continuously blinking, the modem may not be properly configured

  • This can happen if:

    • The modem lost its ISP settings

    • The connection to the phone line is unstable

  • In this case, the modem may need to be reconfigured with the correct ISP username and password

If you don’t have those credentials, you’ll need to contact your ISP.

If You Use an ISP-Provided Wi-Fi Router (All-in-One Unit)

If the router has Wi-Fi capability but:

  • The internet light is blinking

  • Devices can see the Wi-Fi name but can’t connect

  • Nothing loads even though Wi-Fi appears “on”

Try a full power reset:

  1. Unplug the ISP Wi-Fi router from power

  2. Wait 30 seconds

  3. Plug it back in and wait for all lights to stabilize

If that doesn’t work, try a hard reset (last resort):

  1. Find the small reset hole on the router

  2. Use a paper clip and press and hold the reset button

  3. Hold until all lights turn off (except power)

  4. Unplug the router again

  5. Wait 30 seconds

  6. Restart your computer

  7. Plug the router back in and wait for lights to fully return

⚠️ Note: A hard reset may erase custom settings such as Wi-Fi names or passwords.

Step 2: Forget & reconnect Wi-Fi

This refreshes your device’s network settings.

  • Go to your device’s Wi-Fi settings

  • Select your network and choose Forget

  • Reconnect and re-enter the Wi-Fi password

  • Try loading a website

Step 3: Test Another Device

This helps identify where the problem lives.

  • If another device works → the issue is likely your original device

  • If no devices work → the issue is likely your router, modem, or ISP

Step 4: Change DNS Settings (Beginner-Friendly Option)

You don’t need to understand how DNS works—this step simply refreshes how your device finds websites.

DNS problems are a frequent cause.

Try switching to a public DNS provider:

  • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4

  • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

You can search: “How to change DNS on [your device]” and follow the steps.

After changing DNS, reconnect to Wi-Fi and test again.

Step 5: Flush DNS cache (Windows)

To flush the DNS cache:

  1. Press Windows + R

  2. Type cmd and press Enter

  3. In the command prompt, type: ipconfig /flushdns

  4. Press Enter

  5. Restart your computer

  6. Test your internet connection again

This step is safe and often resolves connectivity issues caused by cached network data.

Mac and Mobile Users: DNS cache clearing works differently on macOS, iPhones, and Android devices. In most cases, simply turning Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds and then off again, or restarting the device, refreshes network settings and clears cached connections.

Step 6: Check Internet Service Provider outage

Sometimes the issue is outside your control.

  • Visit your ISP’s website or app

  • Check outage maps or service alerts

If neighbors have the same issue, it’s likely an outage

When This Doesn’t Work

The problem may not be fixable on your end if:

  • Your ISP is experiencing a regional outage

  • Your modem or router is failing

  • There’s a line issue outside your home

  • Your internet service was suspended or limited

At this point, continuing to troubleshoot locally won’t help.

Next Best Action

If none of the steps above worked:

  • Contact your internet service provider and report the issue

  • Ask if your modem or router needs replacement

  • Consider upgrading outdated network equipment

  • If the problem persists across multiple visits, professional network support may be needed

If you’re not sure how your device finds websites, you may want to read our guide on what DNS is and why it matters.

If the problem continues after basic troubleshooting, this guide can help you determine whether the issue is with your ISP or your router.

Final Tip

This issue is frustrating—but in most cases, it’s temporary. Following the steps in order saves time and helps you avoid unnecessary changes.

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