Start with the simplest fixes first

Most internet problems go away after you restart your modem and router — the two devices that connect you to the internet. Before you call your provider or spend an hour troubleshooting, try this: unplug your modem (the box connected to the cable or phone line coming into your home) and wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in and wait two minutes for the lights to stop blinking. Then unplug your router (the wireless box, if you have one) and wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait another two minutes.

This works because modems and routers can get stuck in a confused state, especially after power outages or if they have been running for weeks without a restart. Restarting clears their memory and forces them to reconnect to your internet provider's network from scratch. You will know it worked when the lights on both devices stop blinking and settle into a steady pattern — usually a solid light or a slow blink.

If restarting does not work, move to the next step. If it does work, you are done — but restart both devices once a month to prevent the problem from coming back.

Key Takeaways

  • Restart your modem and router by unplugging them for 30 seconds each, then waiting for the lights to settle — this fixes most internet outages.
  • Check that cables are plugged in firmly at both ends, because loose connections are the second most common cause of lost internet.
  • Look at your modem and router lights to understand what is happening: no lights means power loss, red or orange usually means no connection to your provider, and blinking lights mean the devices are working.
  • If your internet is slow rather than out, move your router away from walls and metal objects, or switch to a less crowded wireless channel.
  • Contact your provider only after you have restarted both devices and confirmed that cables are tight — they will ask you to do this anyway.

Check that all cables are plugged in firmly

Loose cables are the second most common reason internet stops working. Your modem needs two connections: one from the wall (either a coaxial cable that looks like a TV cable, or a phone line, or a fiber optic cable) and one power cable. Your router needs a power cable and an ethernet cable running from the modem. Check each connection by hand — push on the cable where it meets the device until you feel it click or seat firmly.

Pay special attention to the cable coming from the wall into your modem. This cable gets bumped by vacuum cleaners, pets, and people moving things around. If it is loose, your modem cannot reach your provider's network no matter how many times you restart it. The same is true for the power cables — if either device is not getting power, it cannot work.

If you find a loose cable, push it in firmly, wait two minutes for the modem to reconnect, and test your internet. If a cable is damaged (crushed, bent sharply, or visibly cracked), you will need to replace it. Most providers will mail you a replacement cable for free if you call and tell them which cable is damaged.

Read the lights on your modem and router to understand what is happening

The lights on your modem and router tell you whether they have power, whether they are connected to each other, and whether they are connected to your provider. Learning to read these lights saves you time because you will know whether the problem is on your end or your provider's end.

No lights at all means no power. Check that the power cable is plugged into both the device and the wall outlet. Try a different outlet — the one you are using might be controlled by a light switch or might be dead. If the device still has no lights, the power supply inside it may have failed and you will need a replacement.

Red or orange lights usually mean the modem cannot connect to your provider's network. This happens during outages in your area, or if the modem needs to be restarted, or if the cable from the wall is loose. Restart the modem and wait three minutes. If the light is still red or orange after three minutes, check the cable from the wall. If the cable is tight and the light is still red, your provider likely has an outage — check their website or call them to confirm.

Blinking lights mean the devices are working and sending data. This is normal. Blinking usually stops after a few seconds and the lights settle into a steady pattern. If lights keep blinking for more than five minutes after you restart, something is not connecting properly — restart both devices again and wait longer.

Move your router to a better location if your internet is slow

Slow internet is different from no internet. If you can load websites and watch videos but everything takes a long time, the problem is usually signal strength, not a broken connection. Your router sends a wireless signal through the air, and that signal gets weaker the farther away you are, or if it has to pass through walls and metal objects.

Move your router to a central location in your home, away from walls if possible. Keep it away from microwaves, metal filing cabinets, and cordless phones — these devices broadcast on the same wireless frequency and can interfere. Placing the router on a shelf or table is better than putting it on the floor or inside a cabinet. If you cannot move the router, moving closer to it will usually speed things up enough to notice.

If you are still far from the router or have many walls between you and it, you can buy a mesh router system or a WiFi extender to spread the signal farther. A mesh system replaces your current router with multiple smaller units placed around your home. A WiFi extender is cheaper and plugs into an outlet to repeat your existing signal. Both work, but mesh systems are faster if you can afford them.

Check whether your provider has an outage in your area

Sometimes the problem is not your equipment — it is your internet provider's network. During storms, accidents, or maintenance, your provider's service can go down for everyone in your neighborhood or across a wider area. Before you spend time troubleshooting, check whether an outage is happening.

Go to your provider's website on your phone using mobile data (not your home WiFi, which is down). Look for a link that says "outages" or "service status" — most providers have this on their homepage. Some providers also send text messages or emails when an outage starts, so check those too. If an outage is listed for your address, there is nothing you can do except wait. Outages usually last between 30 minutes and a few hours, though major ones can last longer.

If no outage is listed and your modem lights show it is trying to connect (blinking or orange), call your provider's customer service number. Have your account number ready. Tell them your modem is not connecting and ask them to check whether your line is active on their end. They can often see problems you cannot, and they can restart your connection from their side.

Restart your devices if you have internet but websites are not loading

Sometimes your modem and router are connected to the internet, but your computer, phone, or tablet cannot reach websites. This usually means the device itself needs to restart, not the modem. Restart your device by turning it off completely, waiting 30 seconds, and turning it back on. This clears the device's memory and forces it to reconnect to your router.

If restarting the device does not work, restart your router again. Then restart the device a second time. If you still cannot reach websites, try connecting a different device to your WiFi — if that device works, the problem is with the first device, not your internet. If no devices can reach websites, restart your modem and wait three minutes.

If your modem and router are working but nothing can reach the internet, your provider may have changed your password or there may be a problem with your account. Call your provider and ask them to check your account status and confirm your WiFi password is correct.

Know when to contact your provider versus when to replace equipment

Contact your provider if: your modem lights show red or orange after you restart it and wait three minutes; you cannot reach their website to check for outages; or they can see a problem on their end when you call. Providers can restart your connection remotely, check whether your line is active, and send a technician if the problem is with the cable or equipment they own.

Replace your equipment if: your modem or router has no lights even when plugged into a working outlet; the device is more than five years old and keeps losing connection even after you restart it regularly; or your provider tells you the equipment has failed. Modems and routers usually last five to seven years before the internal components wear out. If your device is older and failing, replacing it is cheaper than paying for repeated service calls.

If you rent your modem from your provider, call them and ask for a replacement — they will usually send one for free. If you own your modem, you can buy a new one for $50 to $150. Make sure it is compatible with your provider — your provider's website lists approved models, or you can ask when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait after restarting my modem before I know if it worked?

Wait at least two to three minutes after plugging the modem back in. The lights will blink while it is connecting to your provider's network. Once the blinking stops and the lights settle into a steady pattern, the modem is ready. Test your internet by opening a website on your phone or computer. If it loads, the restart worked.

What does it mean if my modem light is green but I still have no internet?

A green light on the modem usually means it is connected to your provider's network, but it does not mean your router is working or your device is connected to the router. Check that your router is powered on and has lights. Then check that your device is connected to your WiFi network — look in your WiFi settings and make sure you are connected to your router's name, not a neighbor's network.

Can I fix internet problems by restarting my computer instead of my modem?

Restarting your computer helps if the problem is with that specific device, but it will not fix a problem with your modem or router. If your modem has no lights or red lights, restarting your computer will not help. Always restart your modem and router first, then restart your device if websites still will not load.

Is it safe to unplug my modem and router while they are working?

Yes, it is safe. Unplugging them does not damage the devices. It is actually the recommended way to restart them. Just make sure you wait 30 seconds before plugging them back in — this gives the internal components time to fully power down.

Why does my internet keep dropping even after I restart my modem?

If your internet drops repeatedly even after restarting, the problem is usually an overheating modem, a loose cable that keeps coming undone, or an issue on your provider's network. Try moving your modem to a location with better air flow — do not put it in a cabinet or under other equipment. Check all cables again to make sure they are tight. If the problem continues, call your provider and ask them to check your line for signal problems.