The short answer: first check whether other devices in your home can get online (Apple). If none can, restart your modem and router by unplugging them and plugging them back in (Microsoft), and call your internet provider if that doesn’t fix it (FCC). If only one device is stuck, turn Wi-Fi off and on, forget the network and rejoin it, and run your device’s network troubleshooter.
Step 1: Is it one device or all of them?
- Nothing works (phone, tablet, computer, TV): the problem is the router, the modem or your provider. Go to Step 2.
- Only one device fails: the problem is on that device. Skip to the section for your device below.
Step 2: Restart the modem and router
- Unplug the power cord from the modem and the router. Not sure which is which? See modem vs. router.
- Wait at least 30 seconds. If the modem’s lights stay on, it may have a backup battery; Microsoft suggests removing it while you wait (Microsoft).
- Plug the modem back in first and wait for its lights to stop blinking.
- Plug the router back in and wait a few minutes for both to fully power on (Microsoft).
- Try the internet on your device.
Everyone in the house goes offline while the equipment restarts, and if you have one combined box, restart just that one (Microsoft). Still nothing on any device? Contact your provider and ask about an outage in your area (FCC).
iPhone or iPad
- Make sure Wi-Fi is on and Airplane Mode is off (Apple).
- Turn Wi-Fi off and back on in Settings.
- If you use a VPN or security app, try turning it off, or remove it if it’s causing the problem (Apple).
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the info button next to your network, tap Forget This Network, then join it again with the password (Apple).
- Last resort: reset network settings. This erases saved Wi-Fi passwords, so have yours handy (Apple).
Android phone or tablet
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Internet (Google).
- Turn Wi-Fi off and back on.
- Tap your network, tap Forget, then tap it again and reconnect with the password (Google).
- If that doesn’t help, use Reset on the Internet screen to reset network settings (Google). Menus differ by phone maker.
Windows computer
- Select the Network icon on the taskbar and make sure Wi-Fi is on and Airplane mode is off (Microsoft).
- Windows 11: run the network troubleshooter in the Get Help app. Windows 10: go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network troubleshooter (Microsoft).
- Forget the network and reconnect: Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks, select your network, choose Forget, then connect again (Microsoft).
- Restart the computer.
Still on Windows 10? Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Home users can still get critical security updates by enrolling in Extended Security Updates (ESU), which covers Windows 10 version 22H2 and runs until October 12, 2027 (Microsoft). See how to install updates safely.
Mac
- Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and make sure Wi-Fi is on and your network is selected (Apple).
- Quit your open apps, hold the Option key, click the Wi-Fi icon, and choose Open Wireless Diagnostics. Follow the steps; it lists problems it finds and doesn’t change your settings (Apple).
If it keeps happening
- Move closer to the router or move the router to a central, open spot (FCC).
- Update the router’s firmware through its app or settings page (Apple).
- Try the other band. If your router shows two networks, 5 GHz is faster nearby and 2.4 GHz reaches farther (FCC).
- Ask about an older router. Replacing an outdated one can help (FCC).
Watch out for “tech support” pop-ups
If a pop-up or caller says your internet is “infected” and gives a number to call, close it. Your real provider’s number is on your bill. See how to avoid fake tech support scams.
Questions people ask about ‘connected, no internet’
What does “connected, no internet” actually mean?
Your device is talking to your router just fine, but the router isn’t getting internet from your provider, or something on the device is blocking it. That’s why the first step is to see whether other devices work.
How long should I unplug the router?
Unplug both, wait at least 30 seconds, plug the modem in first, then the router, and give them a few minutes to start up. Everyone in the house is disconnected while they restart (Microsoft, Apple). If your provider gave you one combined box, restart just that one.
Only my iPhone has the problem. What now?
Make sure Airplane Mode is off, turn Wi-Fi off and back on, and check for a VPN or security app that might be interfering. Then forget the network and join it again, or reset network settings (Apple).
Can my internet company see if there’s an outage?
Yes. If nothing in the house can get online, contact your provider to check for outages (FCC). Use your cell phone’s data to look up their status page if needed.
When should I replace my router?
If restarts only help for a short time and the router is old, it may be time. The FCC notes an outdated router can hold back your connection (FCC). Ask your provider whether they’ll swap a rented one for free.
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