Start with the device that's not connecting
Before you assume your internet is down, check whether the problem is with one device or everything in your home. Try connecting a different device — a phone, tablet, or another computer — to the same network. If that device works fine, the issue is with the first device, not your internet service. If nothing connects, move to the next section.
On the device that won't connect, look at the network icon in your system tray (bottom right on Windows, top right on Mac). If it shows no signal or a red X, your device isn't seeing the network at all. If it shows a connection but no internet, your device found the network but can't reach the wider internet — that's a different problem with a different fix.
Key Takeaways
- Test whether the problem affects one device or your whole network by trying to connect something else, because the fix is completely different for each.
- Restart your modem and router in the right order: unplug the modem, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, wait for lights to stabilize, then do the same with the router.
- If your device connects but shows no internet, forget the network in your settings and reconnect, because a corrupted connection profile is a common cause.
- Check whether your router is in airplane mode or has Wi-Fi turned off — many routers have a physical button or a light that shows this status.
- If restarting doesn't work and you see no lights on your modem or router, check that the power cable is plugged in and the outlet works by testing it with another device.
Restart your modem and router in the correct order
The most common fix is a restart, but the order matters. Your modem is the device that connects to your internet service provider — it's usually the one with the cable company's logo. Your router is the separate device that broadcasts Wi-Fi, or it may be built into the modem as one unit. If you have two devices, restart the modem first.
Unplug the modem's power cable and wait 30 seconds. This clears its memory and forces it to reconnect to your service provider's network. Plug it back in and wait two to three minutes for the lights to stop blinking and stabilize — usually you'll see a solid green light. Only then unplug the router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait another two minutes for its lights to stabilize. Now try connecting again.
If you have a combined modem-router unit, unplug it once and wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait three minutes for all lights to stabilize before testing your connection.
Check the physical connections and power
Look at the back of your modem. You should see a cable coming from the wall (the coaxial cable, which looks like a TV cable with a threaded connector) plugged into the port labeled "Cable In" or "Line In". If that cable is loose or unplugged, tighten it by hand or plug it back in. A loose cable connection is a common reason for no internet even when the modem appears to be on.
Check that the power cable is actually plugged into both the modem and a working outlet. Test the outlet by plugging in a lamp or phone charger to confirm it has power. If the outlet is controlled by a light switch, make sure the switch is on. If you're using a power strip, confirm the strip itself is turned on and plugged in.
If your modem and router are separate devices, also check the ethernet cable between them — it should be plugged into the "Internet" or "WAN" port on the router and any available port on the modem. A loose ethernet cable won't stop the router from turning on, but it will stop it from reaching the internet.
Forget and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network
If your device shows a Wi-Fi connection but no internet access, the connection profile on your device may be corrupted. The fastest fix is to forget the network and reconnect from scratch.
On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage Known Networks, find your network name, and click "Forget". On Mac, go to System Settings > Wi-Fi, click "Details" next to your network name, then click "Forget". On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the info icon next to your network, and tap "Forget This Network". On Android, long-press your network name in the Wi-Fi list and tap "Forget".
After forgetting, reconnect by selecting the network again and entering your password. This forces your device to create a fresh connection profile instead of using the old one that may have errors.
Look for a physical Wi-Fi button or airplane mode
Many routers have a physical button labeled "Wi-Fi" or with a Wi-Fi symbol. If this button is pressed or held, Wi-Fi is turned off even though the router is powered on. Press it again to turn Wi-Fi back on. Some routers also have a light that shows whether Wi-Fi is active — if the light is off, the Wi-Fi button may have been pressed accidentally.
On your device, check whether airplane mode is turned on. On Windows, look in the bottom right corner of the taskbar for an airplane icon, or go to Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane Mode and turn it off. On Mac, click the Control Center in the top right and look for an airplane icon. On phones and tablets, swipe down from the top to open the quick settings menu and look for an airplane mode toggle.
Check your internet service provider's status
If your modem shows no lights or only a red light after restarting, and the power cable is definitely plugged in, your internet service may be down in your area. Visit your service provider's website on your phone using mobile data or a neighbor's Wi-Fi to check for outages. Most providers have an outage map or status page you can check without logging in.
You can also call your service provider's customer service number — it's usually on your bill or on the back of your modem. They can tell you whether there's an outage and when service is expected to return. If there's no outage and your modem still won't turn on, the modem itself may have failed and need replacement.
Try a different connection method
If Wi-Fi isn't working but you need internet right now, connect to your modem using an ethernet cable if you have one. Plug one end into an available port on the modem and the other end into your computer's ethernet port. This bypasses Wi-Fi entirely and will tell you whether the problem is with your Wi-Fi or with your internet connection itself. If ethernet works but Wi-Fi doesn't, the issue is with your router's Wi-Fi radio, not your internet service.
If you don't have an ethernet cable, you can use your phone's mobile hotspot to get temporary internet on your computer or tablet. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and turn it on, then connect your other device to it like a regular Wi-Fi network. On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering and turn on "Wi-Fi Hotspot". This won't fix your home internet, but it will let you work while you troubleshoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does restarting the modem actually fix things?
Your modem maintains a connection to your internet service provider's network. Over time, that connection can develop errors or get stuck in a bad state. Restarting clears the modem's memory and forces it to reconnect from scratch, which usually resolves temporary glitches. It's the same reason restarting a computer often fixes problems.
What's the difference between a modem and a router?
A modem converts the signal from your internet service provider into data your devices can use. A router takes that data and broadcasts it as Wi-Fi so multiple devices can connect. Many modern units combine both functions into one box, but the principle is the same — the modem handles the outside connection, the router handles the inside broadcast.
Should I restart my modem every day to prevent problems?
No. A healthy modem shouldn't need regular restarts. If you're restarting more than once a month to maintain a connection, contact your service provider — it usually means the modem is failing or there's a problem with the line coming into your home.
Why does my device show connected but say no internet?
Your device successfully found and joined the Wi-Fi network, but it can't reach the wider internet. This usually means the router isn't connected to the modem, the modem isn't connected to your service provider, or there's a corrupted connection profile on your device. Forgetting and reconnecting to the network fixes the profile issue; restarting the modem and router fixes the connection issue.
Can I damage my modem by restarting it?
No. Unplugging and restarting a modem is safe and is actually the standard troubleshooting step recommended by service providers. The only thing to avoid is unplugging it repeatedly in quick succession — wait at least 30 seconds between power cycles.