What to Do If Your Internet Goes Down
Losing internet access can be frustrating and disruptive, especially when youโre working, streaming, or attending a virtual meeting. Internet outages can happen due to network issues, ISP problems, router failures, or device settings. Hereโs a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and restore your connection as quickly as possible.
๐ Brought to you by Axio Networks, an award-winning managed IT provider in Scottsdale, Arizona. We help businesses and individuals maintain stable and secure internet connections.
๐ Step 1: Check If Itโs Just You or a Wider Outage
โ Try opening different websites or apps on multiple devices.
โ If only one device is offline, the issue is likely with that device.
โ If all devices are offline, check if your ISP (Internet Service Provider) is down.
๐น How to Check for an ISP Outage:
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Use mobile data to visit Downdetector and search for your ISP.
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Check your ISPโs website or social media for outage reports.
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Ask a neighbor or coworker if their internet is working.
โ If itโs an ISP outage, you may have to wait for them to fix it. Otherwise, continue troubleshooting!
๐ Step 2: Restart Your Modem and Router
โ Unplug both your modem and router for 30 seconds.
โ Plug the modem in first, wait 1-2 minutes, then plug in the router.
โ Wait for all the lights to stabilize, then check if your internet is back.
โ A simple reboot fixes most connection issues!
๐ Step 3: Check Your Wi-Fi Connection
โ Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on and that youโre connected to the correct network.
โ Try switching to a wired connection (Ethernet cable) to see if Wi-Fi is the issue.
โ Move closer to the router or switch from 2.4GHz to 5GHz Wi-Fi for better performance.
โ If Ethernet works but Wi-Fi doesnโt, your router may need a reset or repositioning!
๐ Step 4: Run a Troubleshooter (Windows/Mac)
โ Windows: Click on the Wi-Fi icon > Troubleshoot Problems and follow the steps.
โ Mac: Go to System Preferences > Network > Assist Me > Diagnostics.
โ Built-in tools can detect and fix minor network issues automatically!
๐ Step 5: Check for Loose Cables & Power Issues
โ Ensure all cables are securely plugged in, including:
- Power cables for the modem and router.
- Ethernet cables connecting devices.
- Coaxial or fiber cables (for cable or fiber internet).
โ Try plugging the router into a different power outlet.
โ Physical connections can sometimes come loose or get unplugged!
๐ Step 6: Check for ISP Connection Issues
โ Look at your modem/router lights:
- ๐ต Solid lights = Connection is stable.
- ๐ด Flashing or no light on “Internet” = No connection to ISP.
โ If the modemโs DSL, Cable, or WAN light is off, your ISP may be down.
๐น How to Fix:
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Call your ISP support line and ask if there are service disruptions.
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If they confirm an issue, you may have to wait for repairs.
โ If your ISP says everything is fine, continue troubleshooting!
๐ Step 7: Reset Your Modem & Router to Factory Settings
โ If your internet still isnโt working, try a factory reset on your router.
โ Press and hold the reset button on the router for 10-30 seconds (usually on the back).
โ Set up your network again and check for connectivity.
โ Factory resets remove custom settings but can fix deep network issues!
๐ Step 8: Contact Your ISP or IT Support
โ If nothing works, contact your ISP or IT department (if at work).
โ Be ready to provide:
- Your account number or service address.
- Details about when the issue started and troubleshooting steps you’ve tried.
- Whether youโve noticed slow speeds or full outages.
โ Your ISP can run remote diagnostics and may need to send a technician!
๐ What to Do If You Need Internet Immediately
๐น Use Mobile Hotspot โ Enable your phoneโs hotspot to connect your computer temporarily.
๐น Find a Nearby Wi-Fi Spot โ A coffee shop, library, or coworking space can provide temporary internet.
๐น Tether Your Phone via USB โ Connect your phone to your laptop for a more stable connection.
โ These options can keep you online while waiting for repairs!
๐ก Axio Networks Pro Tip
For business users, implementing network redundancy, enterprise-grade routers, and backup internet solutions (such as LTE failover) ensures continuous internet connectivity, even during outages. Need expert IT solutions? Axio Networks provides managed networking servicesโcontact us today! ๐