Likely causes
- The internet provider has an outage
- The modem has lost its external connection
- DNS resolution is failing
- Only one device has a stale network configuration
Quick checks, in order
Test a second device
If every device fails, focus on the modem, router, or provider.
Check modem status lights
Look for red, off, or flashing internet, WAN, DSL, or optical indicators.
Power-cycle the network
Unplug modem and router for 30 seconds, reconnect the modem first, then the router.
Disable VPN or custom DNS
Temporarily remove traffic-routing tools and test again.
How many devices are affected?
Check modem lights and provider status. The issue is probably upstream of your individual device.
Forget and rejoin the network, restart the device, and reset its network settings if needed.
DNS, filtering, clock settings, or the affected service may be responsible.
Stop and get qualified help when
- The modem or power supply smells burned or is excessively hot
- Cables or wall sockets show heat or physical damage
Frequently asked questions
Why does the Wi-Fi icon still appear?
The icon only confirms a local wireless connection to the router, not a working connection from the router to the internet.
Does restarting the router erase settings?
A normal power restart does not. Holding the reset button can erase settings and should be avoided unless you intend to reconfigure it.