Few things are worse than when your home internet connection suddenly stops working. Whether it's slow speeds, spotty service, or an outright failure, having a shaky connection can be incredibly frustrating.
So what do you do when your internet isn't working? Before you throw in the towel and call your ISP, take a few moments to troubleshoot the issue yourself. Here are some tips to help you get back online.
Check Your Modem and Router
You should first check that both your modem and router are connected properly and functioning correctly. If either device has been knocked off its mount or bumped out of place, that could be enough to disrupt your connection.
Modems connect you to your ISP, with the router providing a local Wi-Fi network. So if neither component works properly, nothing else can work either. Check that all the cords are plugged in correctly, all the lights are working, and you have power. Make sure there is no physical damage to either device — check for any loose connections or cables that may have been jostled out of their ports.
Also, make sure that all power cords are plugged in securely and that the power button on both devices is switched on. This may seem obvious, but it's a surprisingly common problem.
Check Your Cables
Next, look at all the cables connecting the modem to other devices like routers, computers, and game consoles. Check if any of them are loose or disconnected entirely, and plug them back in if necessary.
You should also check whether any of these cables were damaged in some way — look for frayed ends or bent or broken connectors that could cause problems with the connection. If you find any damaged cables, replace them as soon as possible. But if you don't understand what type of cable you need, call an internet provider for help.
Reset Your Devices
If all else fails, resetting your modem and router can sometimes help restore your connection. To reset a modem or router, simply unplug it from its power source for at least 10 seconds before plugging it back in again (make sure to wait at least a few seconds before restarting).
If that doesn't work, find a tiny hole on the back of your router that should be labeled "Reset" — press it with a paperclip or other thin object for a few seconds and then wait for the device to reboot. This will reset all settings back to their default configuration, which can sometimes resolve connectivity issues without calling tech support for assistance.
Keep in mind this will also mean reconfiguring any wireless networks set up with this equipment, so make sure you know what settings you need before starting this process. You may need to contact your internet provider for them to reconfigure your connection.
Share16 March 2023
Working from home has opened many doors for me and forced me to learn new things that I previously had no interest in before. Over the ten years that I have been working from home, I have learned a whole lot about internet service providers. I learned what to look for in a good provider, how to maximize the speed of the service that I receive and how to get the best possible price for the service I need to do my job. My site is loaded with tips and advice to help other people get the most from their internet service provider.