The fastest way to test your connection
Open a web browser and visit a simple website like Google.com or Wikipedia.org. If the page loads, your internet is working. If the page does not load or times out after 30 seconds, your connection has a problem.
This is the most direct test because it uses the same path your everyday internet traffic takes. If web pages load, email, messaging apps, and video streaming should work too — though they may be slow if something else is consuming your bandwidth.
If the page does not load, restart your modem and router before trying again. Unplug both devices, wait 30 seconds, plug in the modem first, wait for its lights to stabilize (usually 1 to 2 minutes), then plug in the router and wait another minute. Then try loading a webpage again.
Key Takeaways
- The simplest test is opening a web browser and visiting Google.com or Wikipedia.org — if it loads, your connection works.
- Restarting your modem and router fixes most connection problems and takes only a few minutes.
- Speed test websites like Speedtest.net show you how fast your connection actually is compared to what your provider promised.
- Check your router's lights to see if it has power and is connecting to your modem — no lights usually means a power problem.
- If one device cannot connect but others can, the problem is with that device, not your internet service.
Checking your modem and router lights
Your modem and router have small lights on the front or back that tell you their status. A working setup usually shows a solid green or blue light for power and internet connection. If these lights are off, red, or blinking rapidly, something is wrong.
Look for a light labeled "Internet," "WAN," "Online," or "Connection." If this light is off or red, your modem is not connected to your internet service. Check that the cable running from the wall to your modem is plugged in firmly at both ends. If it is loose, push it in until you hear a click.
If the power light is off, check that the power cable is plugged into the modem and into a working outlet. Test the outlet by plugging in a lamp or phone charger to confirm it has power. If the outlet works but the modem does not turn on, the modem may have failed and you may need to contact your provider for a replacement.
Running a speed test
A speed test measures how fast data moves to and from your connection. Visit Speedtest.net, Speedtest.cn, or Fast.com in your web browser and click the button to start. The test takes 30 to 60 seconds and shows three numbers: download speed, upload speed, and ping.
Download speed is how fast you can pull data from the internet — this affects how quickly web pages load and videos stream. Upload speed is how fast you can send data — this matters for video calls, uploading photos, or sending large files. Ping is the delay between your device and the internet, measured in milliseconds; lower is better, and anything under 100 is fine for most uses.
Compare your results to what your internet provider promised you. Your bill or the provider's website should list your plan speed. Real-world speeds are usually 10 to 20 percent lower than advertised, but if you are getting half the promised speed or less, contact your provider to report the problem.
Testing one device versus your whole network
If one device cannot connect to the internet but others can, the problem is with that device, not your service. Try these steps on the device that is not working: turn off Wi-Fi, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try to load a webpage.
If that does not work, restart the device completely by powering it off, waiting 30 seconds, and powering it back on. After restart, try connecting to Wi-Fi again and loading a webpage.
If multiple devices cannot connect, the problem is your modem, router, or internet service. Restart both devices as described above. If they still will not connect after restart, contact your internet provider — they can check the connection from their end and may need to send a technician.
Checking your Wi-Fi connection
If you are using Wi-Fi, make sure you are connected to the correct network. On your device, look for the Wi-Fi icon and tap or click it to see available networks. Your network name (called the SSID) is usually printed on a sticker on your router. Select it and enter your Wi-Fi password if prompted.
If you cannot find your network in the list, the router may not be broadcasting it. Restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait 2 to 3 minutes for it to fully start up, then check the network list again.
If your device is connected to Wi-Fi but still cannot load webpages, the problem is not the Wi-Fi connection itself — it is the modem or internet service. Try connecting a different device to the same Wi-Fi network. If that device also cannot load webpages, restart your modem and router as described in the first section.
What to check before calling your provider
Before contacting your internet provider, gather this information: the lights on your modem and router and what color they are, the results of a speed test if you were able to run one, and which devices can or cannot connect. This information helps the provider diagnose the problem faster.
Also note when the problem started — was it after a storm, after you moved equipment, or suddenly with no change? And whether the problem is constant or comes and goes. Providers often ask these questions to narrow down whether the issue is in your home or on their network.
If you have restarted your modem and router and the problem persists, or if your modem has no internet light after restart, contact your provider. Have your account number ready. Most providers offer phone support 24 hours a day, and some offer chat or email support during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait after restarting my modem before testing again?
Wait at least 2 to 3 minutes after plugging in your modem before testing your connection. The modem needs time to connect to your provider's network and establish a stable connection. You will know it is ready when the internet light stops blinking and turns solid green or blue.
Is it normal for my internet to be slower than what I pay for?
Yes, speeds 10 to 20 percent below your plan speed are normal. Real-world conditions, the number of devices using your network, and the distance from your router all affect speed. If you are getting less than 50 percent of your promised speed consistently, contact your provider to report it.
Can I test my internet on my phone instead of a computer?
Yes, any device with a web browser can test your connection. Open a browser on your phone, visit Google.com or Wikipedia.org, and see if the page loads. You can also run a speed test on your phone using Speedtest.net or Fast.com, though results may vary slightly from a computer on the same network.
What does it mean if my modem light is blinking instead of solid?
A blinking internet light usually means the modem is trying to connect or is in the process of starting up. Wait 2 to 3 minutes for it to stabilize. If it keeps blinking after that, or if it turns red, restart the modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
Should I restart my modem every day to keep my internet fast?
No, restarting your modem is not necessary for regular maintenance. Restart it only when you have connection problems or when your provider asks you to. Frequent restarts do not improve speed or performance and may actually cause brief outages each time you do it.