Get Back Online: 13 Tips to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection (2023)

With the spread ofsmart home devices,cloud gaming, mivideo streaming services, maintaining a good Internet connection is more important than ever. If you experience slowdowns when playing League of Legends or music takes forever to download, the problem is most likely with you and not with your ISP. Before you schedule a service call with your cable company, read our troubleshooting tips for your Internet connection.

1. Try another device or website

Get Back Online: 13 Tips to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection (1)

Start with the obvious: is the issue occurring on just one device or across all of your devices? If your computer is having problems, check if your tablet or someone else's laptop can connect to the Internet. If the problem only occurs on one device, you can safely isolate the problem to that specific computer.

if a specificthe website does not loadPlease try another site. If you can visit other sites without any problems, the problem is likely with the site you are trying to visit and you will have to wait for them to fix the problems. Try entering the website addressabajoparatodososoloyo.com(Opens in a new window)odowndetector.com(Opens in a new window)to determine if there is a known service interruption.

If there is no known outage, it could be a problem with your browser's cache. You can try to visit the site in aprivate browser windowor from another browser to see if that fixes the connection problem. And clean your browsercachemiBiscuits.

2. Check Wi-Fi settings

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Check the Wi-Fi signal icon in the lower right corner in Windows and in the upper right corner in macOS. Click the icon and verify that you are connected to the correct SSID. Otherwise, you may accidentally connect to the wrong network by default.

Windows users can change thisconnection priorityor right click and select a networkForget🇧🇷 Open on a MacSystem Settings > Network > Advancedand uncheck all unwanted networks in the Automatic connection column.

Get Back Online: 13 Tips to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection (3)

If you're connected to the correct network and you're still having problems, Windows can help you diagnose the problem. Right click on the network icon on the taskbar and selectsolve problemsto run the Windows network diagnostic routine. This can sometimes fix common problems when resetting the adapter.

You can also check your network adapter settings atNetworks and shared resourcesin Control Panel to make sure the adapter is using the correct gateway address and other settings.

3. Check your internet package

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If your internet is working but slower than expected, visit a site likeSpeedtest.net(Opens in a new window)and do a speed test. You get a number in megabits per second that represents how fast your computer is actually experiencing. From there, go to your ISP's website and verify your account.

Get Back Online: 13 Tips to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection (5)

If the number on your bill matches your speed test, you're getting the correct speeds you're paying for. If that seems too slow, you should upgrade to something faster. If your speed test is significantly slower than the speed you are paying for, you really are in trouble and should continue troubleshooting.

4. Check for viruses

Get Back Online: 13 Tips to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection (6)

AVG AntiVirus for Mac

Sometimes your Internet connection can be affected by malicious code on your computer.spyware,virus, miMalwareeach can have a significant impact on web browsing speed and overall system performance. If nothing else makes sense, run a virus scan to be sure.

(Video) Why Does Your Internet Connection Randomly Stop Working?

Windows comes withwindow protectioninstalled thatcan do the job wellalthough there are manylibreand paid utilities are also available. And yes, even if you have a Mac, you should invest in something good.software antivirus- Despite what you may have heard, they are not immune to infection.

5. Ignore su servidor DNS

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When you enter a website in your browser, your computer searches for itIP adressthis site with aDomain Name System-Server🇧🇷 Occasionally these servers can experience problems, making it difficult to visit websites with their friendly domain names (like PCMag.com).

It's like having a working phone without a contact list: technically you have the ability to call people, but you don't know anyone's number.

You can try to fix the problem.Limpia you hidden from DNS🇧🇷 Sometimes these things get stuck and restarting can help. otherwise you canChange DNS serverdirectly, either at an individual device or at the router level, affecting everything on the network.

6. Decode the flashers

If you can't connect to the Internet, take a look at your modem and router. Both should have some status LEDs: if neither of them are on, it is likely that the modem or router is disconnected or turned off. Unplug the power cord (if you have a modem and router, unplug both), and after a minute or two, plug the modem back in.

Make sure the power switch is in the on position, if present. Once the lights are on, plug in your router (if applicable) and wait for it to boot up as well. If you still don't see any lights after plugging it in, there could be a faulty power adapter, power strip, or burnt-out router.

And yesnoneSome of the lights are on but some are not, or are flashing repeatedly, you should take a look at what they say. For example, if the lights on your modem are blinking instead of solid, it may not be able to find an Internet connection, requiring a new modem (or a call to your ISP).

If the router's network LED is on but the Wi-Fi LEDs are not, you may need to press the Wi-Fi button on the side or turn Wi-Fi back onsetup menu🇧🇷 Consult your modem and/or router documentation to diagnose what these lights are saying.

(Video) iOS 15: Wifi Not Working on iPhone! [No Internet Connection Fixed]

7. Who uses the Internet the most?

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Everything may be working fine, but a program on your PC, or someone else in the house, is taking up all your bandwidth. In Windows, open the Task Manager by pressingCtrl + Shift + Escand clickthe netColumn to sort by network usage. On a Mac, open tapcommand + spacebarTo open Spotlight, type "Activity Monitor" and go to Activity Monitorthe netAba.

Get Back Online: 13 Tips to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection (9)

If a particular app uses a lot of bandwidth, say you're downloading a large file, you may need to wait for the process to complete or cancel it to get the internet working again. If you can't find any obvious culprits, see if someone else in the house is downloading a large file to your computer and tell them to stop.

If someone is using a game streaming service, make sure theyfull range of porkIn the net. There is also the possibility of a neighbor stealing your WiFi. We have a practical guide.See who's on your networkand how to let them go.

8. Get a better signal

Get Back Online: 13 Tips to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection (10)

Google Nest-WLAN

When you use Wi-Fi, there are many issues that can slow down your connection. Try connecting your computer directly to the router with an Ethernet cable. If this fixes the problem, your Wi-Fi signal is bad enough to slow down your internet speed.

Check the Wi-Fi icon on your computer: how many bars do you have? If you're running low on beams, you may need to move the router to a more central location in your home or purchase one.WLAN extender🇧🇷 (If you already have a Wi-Fi extender, it may be a poor quality one, aMesh Systemwill probably do better).

If you have full bars, but there are many Wi-Fi networks in your building, it could be very congested and changing the channel or using the 5GHz band can help solve the problem. Cashour guide to boost your wifi signalfor more tricks to improve reception.

9. Update your firmware

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Firmware is the low-level, built-in software that runs your modem, router, and other network hardware. Most providers offer downloadable firmware updates that can fix performance issues, add new features, and increase speed. If there is a known issue with your router, an update may fix things.

Find the Firmware Update Tool in the "System" section of your router's settings and follow the instructions carefully to ensure you are installing the correct firmware version. Do not download the firmware from any third party website.

10. Clearly erase your settings

Get Back Online: 13 Tips to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection (12)

If you previously changed your router settings and are now experiencing problems, try resetting your router to its factory settings. On most routers this involves pressing and holding a small reset button on the back for a few seconds until the LED lights start blinking.

After the reboot, you can log into the web interface and set it up from scratch, just as if you were plugging it in for the first time. Just be careful not to enable the very settings that caused the problem in the first place.

(Video) How to Fix All Network & Internet Issues In Windows 11

11. Upgrade to a faster router

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If you're using an older 802.11b or 802.11g router, consider upgrading to a newer, more powerful router, especially if you have multiple computers, smartphones, and other devices competing for bandwidth.

A dual-band router gives you two radio bands to choose from and allows you to allocate one band for bandwidth-hungry clients like B. Video streaming devices and game consoles. A tri-band gives you three bands and can support even more activity on your network.

Also, newer routers use the latest technologies to provide fast performance with improved Wi-Fi range. The latest router standard is 802.11ax, also known asWiFi 6, and it is an improved versionWiFi 6E🇧🇷 Check our list ofThe best wireless routerswhen you're ready to dive in.

12. Go to the source

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A coaxial cable splitter (Image credit: RadioShack)

If troubleshooting your modem and router doesn't help, then the problem may come from below. Check the connection by entering your home. This is usually on the side of your home and may or may not be housed in an enclosure. Make sure the main wire hasn't been chewed on by squirrels or blown loose by a storm.
If you see a cable splitter, make sure each connection is secure and the connectors are properly crimped. If the splitter looks suspicious (for example, rusted or dirty), try replacing it. Cheap splitters can also reduce signal strength. So if you don't need to share the signal, try to get rid of it altogether.

13. Last Resort: Call Your ISP

If you've tried everything and you're still having Internet connection issues, it's time to call your service provider. The problem may be at your end and may require a new connection to the pole that runs to your house or new equipment such as B. a better modem or amplifier.

If you're experiencing slowdowns at certain times of the day (think after hours), your ISP may simply not be able to handle the increased user load. In that case, you may want to find a new service provider. Fortunately, we tested them to find thatThe fastest ISPs in the country.

Disclosure: Downdetector and Speedtest.net are owned by Ookla, a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, PCMag's parent company.

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FAQs

Why my internet is not connecting? ›

Restart your device.

Open your Settings app and tap Network & internet or Connections. Depending on your device, these options may be different. Turn Wi-Fi off and mobile data on, and check if there's a difference. If not, turn mobile data off and Wi-Fi on and check again.

Why my phone is unable to connect to Wi-Fi? ›

If your Android phone won't connect to Wi-Fi, you should first make sure that your phone isn't on Airplane Mode, and that Wi-Fi is enabled on your phone. If your Android phone claims it's connected to Wi-Fi but nothing will load, you can try forgetting the Wi-Fi network and then connecting to it again.

Why won't my TV connect to the internet? ›

Power reset your modem/router

Unplug the power cable to your modem/router and wait about 60 seconds. Reconnect the power cable to your modem/router and make sure it's turned on. Wait until the device is finished making it's connection to the internet and your network. Perform the network diagnosis.

How do I reset my Internet connection? ›

Android: Which Is Best For You?
...
Steps to Reboot a Router and Modem
  1. Unplug the router and the modem. ...
  2. Wait at least 30 seconds. ...
  3. Plug in the modem. ...
  4. Wait at least 60 seconds. ...
  5. Plug in the router. ...
  6. Wait at least 2 minutes. ...
  7. When the router and modem restart, test to see if the problem went away.
Oct 19, 2021

How do I reset my Network settings? ›

To reset network settings
  1. Find and tap Settings > System > Advanced > Reset options > Reset network settings.
  2. Tap RESET SETTINGS.
Oct 30, 2022

Can connect to Wi-Fi but can't connect to internet? ›

If you have both a router and a modem in your house, power them both off, unplug them, and wait a minute or two. Then plug in the modem first, and after a minute, plug in the router. It generally takes about five to 10 minutes for these devices to reboot and power back up again.

Why can I connect to Wi-Fi but no internet? ›

If all of your devices on the network have a WiFi connection but they do not have access to the web, your router or modem is most likely faulty. Alternatively, your internet service provider may be down.

How do I get my phone to connect to the Internet? ›

Turn on & connect
  1. Open your device's Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & internet. Internet.
  3. Tap a listed network. Networks that require a password have a Lock .

How do I reconnect my TV to the internet? ›

How to connect the TV to a network using a wireless connection
  1. Press the HOME button on the remote.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. The next steps will depend on your TV menu options: Select Network & Internet — Easy setup — Wi-Fi. ...
  4. Select your Wi-Fi network. ...
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
Apr 21, 2022

How do I get my TV to recognize my Internet? ›

The connection method is as follows.
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Go to General.
  3. Select Network.
  4. Open Network Settings.
  5. Choose the Network type, either Wireless or Wired.
  6. If you choose a wired connection, your TV will automatically be connected to the internet.

How do I make sure my TV is connected to the internet? ›

How to connect TV to WiFi
  1. Get the tab with your WiFi's name and password from your router.
  2. Using the remote, on your TV, find the Menu, then Network Settings, then Set Up a New Connection.
  3. Enter the WiFi name and password from the tab you grabbed earlier.
  4. You should be all set!

What will reset if I reset network settings? ›

Resetting network settings on an iPhone or Android smartphone will not delete any mobile carrier functionality or account information. The process resets any changes to mobile preferences you may have made since you activated your device.

What happens when you reset all settings? ›

A factory data reset erases your data from the phone. While data stored in your Google Account can be restored, all apps and their data will be uninstalled. To be ready to restore your data, make sure that it's in your Google Account.

Does resetting network settings help signal? ›

One standard setting that is available in both Android and iOS is reset network settings. Anytime when you face an issue related to Wi-Fi/Bluetooth on your mobile phone such as Wi-Fi isn't connecting, or signal keeps dropping, someone would have definitely suggested resetting network settings.

What would you need if you were troubleshooting a connectivity problem? ›

how do you fix A Network Connectivity Problem?
  1. Check That WiFi Is Turned On And Airplane Mode Is Off.
  2. Check If The Problem Is With The Website.
  3. Check If The Problem Is With Your Device.
  4. Restart Your Device.
  5. Check For A Valid IP Address.
  6. Try A Ping And Trace The Route.
  7. Inform Your IT Support Or ISP.
May 1, 2018

Why is my WiFi connected but I have no internet? ›

If your computer is the sole device that says it has a connection but no internet, you most likely have a misconfigured settings, problematic driver or Wi-Fi adapter, DNS difficulties, or an IP address problem. The best way to update outdated, problematic drivers is to use Advanced Driver Updater.

What are the 7 troubleshooting steps? ›

Let's take a more in-depth look at each of these steps to determine what they really mean..
  • Identify the Problem. ...
  • Establish a Theory of Probable Cause. ...
  • Test the Theory to Determine the Cause. ...
  • Establish a Plan of Action and Implement the Solution. ...
  • Verify Full System Functionality and Implement Preventive Measures.
Dec 6, 2021

What are the 7 steps of network troubleshooting? ›

Basic Network Troubleshooting Steps
  1. Identify the Problem. The first step in troubleshooting a network is to identify the problem. ...
  2. Develop a Theory. ...
  3. Test the Theory. ...
  4. Plan of Action. ...
  5. Implement the Solution. ...
  6. Verify System Functionality. ...
  7. Document the Issue.

What is one of the most important steps in troubleshooting a system? ›

Determine the most probable cause

The best approach is to look for the most straightforward cause first, even when working with a complex system. One common testing method is the split-half troubleshooting approach. This technique isolates the source of a problem through a process of elimination.

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