How to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection

We’ve all been there. You’re working, streaming, or gaming—and boom, no internet. Before you reach for the phone, try these simple steps to get back online fast.

Step 1: Make Sure It’s Not Just You

Check if other devices are offline too. If it’s just one device, the problem’s likely with that device—not your internet.

Step 2: Restart Your Equipment

Unplug your modem and router. Wait 30 seconds, then plug them back in. Give it a minute or two to boot up. You’d be surprised how often this works.

Step 3: Check for Outages

Use your cell connection to visit your provider’s website or a site like downdetector.com. If your ISP is having issues, it’s out of your hands.

Step 4: Move Closer to Your Router

If your signal is weak, try moving closer to the Wi-Fi source. Walls, metal, and other electronics can interfere with your signal.

Step 5: Check Your Cables

Loose or damaged cables can cause intermittent issues. Make sure everything is snug and nothing looks frayed.

Step 6: Reconnect to Wi-Fi (or Forget the Network)

Sometimes your device gets “stuck” trying to connect. Try this:

• Forget the Wi-Fi network, then reconnect using your password.

  Here’s how:

🪟 Windows 10/11 

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar

2. Go to Network & Internet settings > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks 

3. Click the network name and hit Forget

🍎 macOS 

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon > Network Settings or open System Settings > Wi-Fi 

2. Click Advanced… or scroll to Known Networks 

3. Select the network and click Remove or Forget

📱 iPhone/iPad 

1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi 

2. Tap the (i) next to the network

3. Tap Forget This Network and confirm

🤖 Android 

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi 

2. Tap Saved networks 

3. Select the network and tap Forget

Then reconnect by selecting the network and re-entering your Wi-Fi password.

Step 7: Try Another Browser or App

If one app or browser isn’t working, try another. Sometimes it’s not your internet—it’s the program.

Step 8: Run a Speed Test

Use fast.com or speedtest.net to check your internet speed. If it’s way lower than what you pay for, something may be wrong on the provider’s end.

Still Stuck?

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