Step 1: Check Your Device Connection

First, make sure the issue isn't just with the device you're using (computer, phone, tablet).

• Test with another device: If your phone's Wi-Fi isn't working, try connecting on your laptop. If the problem persists on other devices, the issue is likely with the network.

• Toggle Wi-Fi/Ethernet:

  • Wi-Fi: Turn your device's Wi-Fi off and then back on.

  • Ethernet: If you're using a wired connection, ensure the cable is securely plugged into both your computer and the router. You can also try a different Ethernet cable.

Step 2: Check Your Internet Speed

If your connection is working but is noticeably slow, you should test your actual bandwidth.

1. Navigate: Open your web browser and go to Speedtest by Ookla.

2. Run the Test: Click the "GO" or "Begin Test" button. The test will measure your Download speed (how fast you receive data) and your Upload speed (how fast you send data).

3. Compare: Compare the results to the speeds promised by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) in your service plan. If your speed is significantly lower than what you pay for, it suggests a bandwidth issue.

4. Further Testing: Navigate to the How to Check Your Internet Speed When Wi-Fi is Slow.

Step 3: Examine Your Router Lights

Your router(which connects to your ISP and broadcasts the signal) has status lights that tell you what's going on.

• Normal Status (Usually Green/Blue): The Power, Internet/Online, DSL/Cable/WAN, and Wi-Fi/Wireless lights should all be solid.

• Indicates a Problem (Usually Red/Orange/Off): If any of these key lights are off, blinking, or colored red/orange, there is a connection issue.

  • If the Internet/Online light is OFF or blinking: This is often a sign that your router is not receiving a signal from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). You will have to contact your ISP if this is the case.

  • If the Internet/Online light is SOLID, but you still have no connection: This may indicate an issue with your router or your device's settings. Proceed to Step 4.

Step 4: Perform a Power Cycle (The Classic Fix)

A simple restart can clear many common technical glitches. This is known as a power cycle.

1. Unplug: Unplug the power cord of your router.

2. Wait: Wait for at least 60 seconds. This allows the internal memory (cache) of the devices to fully clear.

3. Plug in the Router: Plug the power cord back into the router. Wait another 1-2 minutes for it to boot up and for the Wi-Fi signal to broadcast.

4. Test: Try connecting to the internet again.

Step 5: Check Network Settings (Advanced)

If the basic steps didn't resolve your issue (either slow speed or no connection), you can use built-in tools on your computer to confirm the network state.

🖥️ For Windows Users:

1. Open the Command Prompt (search for "CMD").

2. Type ipconfig and press Enter. This shows your network adapter information.

3. Type ping google.com and press Enter.

   • Success: If you see "Reply from..." with times in milliseconds, your connection is working.

   • Failure: If you see "Request timed out" or "Destination host unreachable," your connection is truly down.

🍏 For macOS Users:

1. Open Network Utility (search for it in Spotlight).

2. Click the Ping tab.

3. Enter google.com as the address to ping.

4. Click Ping.

   • Success: If you see a list of results with times, your connection is working.

   • Failure: The connection is down.

When to Call Your ISP

If you have tried all the steps above—especially the power cycle—and your router's Internet/Online light still isn't solid, or if your speed test results are consistently much lower than your plan, it is time to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

• Tell them you have already performed a power cycle and checked the status lights/speed test.

• Ask if there is a service outage in your area.