WiFi Not Working? Here's How to Troubleshoot

There’s nothing more frustrating than a bad Internet connection. Issues like slow loading speeds and faulty network links can leave you unable to get your work done, stay in touch with contacts, or find valuable information when you need it fast.

Your Internet can go out for many reasons. The solution may be as simple as putting in a different WiFi password, moving your router to a different location, or you may have to wait for the network to be repaired by your Internet service provider (ISP). Rather than waiting around for the problem to fix itself, you can try to troubleshoot the issue yourself.

Why Is My Internet Suddenly Not Working?

A bad Internet connection can be caused by several factors, and fixing it requires going through each potential issue one at a time.

In cases like this, it’s important to start simple. If you suddenly find yourself with no Internet connection, you may want to consider a simple network reset before attempting a more involved fix.

How Do I Reset My Internet Connection?

One of the first things you should try is a router reboot. Disconnect and reconnect your WiFi router. If you see a message that says “can't connect to this network,” double check the network name to make sure you’re attempting to connect to the right one. It’s important to note that if you’re using a WiFi extender, your signal may not be as strong.

A network reset will usually clear out any issues created by connection problems. You may also want to try updating the firmware on your router if that’s an available option. Also, keep in mind that having an active VPN running may affect your network connection.

Why Is the Internet Connected But Not Working?

If your Internet says it’s connected but still isn’t working, it could be due to an issue with your local network or ISP. Contact your Internet provider to make sure your account is in good standing and that there are no outages in your area or with your specific IP address.

If that doesn’t work, it could also be your network connection’s quality itself. You may not be getting enough bandwidth due to your router or modem being out of date. In this case, improving your WiFi network connection will require better hardware.

How Do I Get My Internet to Work Again?

A poor WiFi connection may also be due to your user device. If you’re having Internet problems, but you’ve tried all of the easier options, you may need to check your network adapter and make sure you have all of the correct drivers installed. Mac and Windows users can do this by going to their network settings to see if there’s a problem in the device setup.

On Microsoft Windows, right-click on “My Computer,” select “Hardware,” and then choose “Device Manager” to bring up all of your connected devices. You can also use the command prompt for more granular control. Type “Cmd” into the bottom-left search bar and press enter to bring up the Command Window. Type “netstat -a” to see in-depth information about your network connection.

Apple’s network troubleshooter can be accessed through the wireless diagnostics panel. Here, you can analyze your network connection by following the on-screen instructions.

Why Won't My Phone Connect to WiFi?

Connection issues on your phone can be particularly annoying. If you’re trying to connect via an iPhone or Android device, first make sure it’s up-to-date and running the latest version of its operating system.

If it still doesn’t connect, you can try going to your WiFi settings, forgetting the network, and then reconnecting.

How Do I Fix No Internet Connection Issues?

There are many other options you can try if the solutions offered so far don’t work. If the problem you’re facing is that web pages load slowly, then you could just have a bad connection.

If you’re using a mobile hotspot, make sure you have a good mobile signal strength, and check to make sure you have adequate mobile data available.

Internet issues can also be caused by antivirus software. Try turning it off for a moment to see if that helps. While you’re at it, make sure there’s no malware evident on your system by running a security scan, and make sure you're running an up-to-date web browser as well.

If nothing else works, try connecting directly to your router with an ethernet cable to make sure you’re getting a signal.

Stay Connected with SmartMove

Do you want to make sure you’re always connected? With SmartMove, you can keep up with your digital life by ensuring you have access to the best network available.

Whether you’re interested in mobile, cable, or fiber-optic connections, SmartMove can find the packages that fit your needs.

Don’t waste time dealing with spotty Internet service. Call SmartMove today to see how we can improve your network’s reliability!