Wi‑Fi Connected but No Internet: How to Fix It
Seeing “Wi‑Fi connected” but still being unable to open websites is frustrating. The good news: the problem is usually fixable in a few minutes. Work through these steps in order.
1. Check whether your internet service is down
Try opening a website on a second device connected to the same Wi‑Fi network. If nothing works, check whether your internet provider has reported an outage. You can also look at the lights on your modem or internet gateway: a red, blinking, or unlit internet light can point to a connection issue outside your home.
2. Restart your modem and router in the right order
Restarting equipment often fixes temporary connection problems, but the order matters.
- Unplug the modem and router from power.
- Wait at least 60 seconds.
- Plug in the modem first and wait until its internet light is stable.
- Plug in the router and wait two to five minutes.
- Reconnect your device and test a website again.
3. Forget the Wi‑Fi network and reconnect
If only one phone, laptop, tablet, or television is affected, remove the saved Wi‑Fi network from that device. Then reconnect using the correct password. This clears outdated connection settings that can prevent a device from reaching the internet.
4. Test with an Ethernet cable if possible
Connect a computer directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. If the wired connection works but Wi‑Fi does not, your internet service is likely fine—the problem is with the router’s wireless settings, coverage, or interference.
5. Restart the affected device
Restart the phone, computer, TV, or game console that cannot get online. It sounds simple, but it clears stuck network processes and is especially effective after router changes or software updates.
6. Check your router’s internet connection
Open your router’s management page or companion app and look for its internet status. If the router says it has no internet connection, inspect the cable between the modem and router and check for an outage with your provider.
7. Change DNS only after the basic checks
If your Wi‑Fi works on some sites but not others, a DNS issue may be involved. You can try a reputable public DNS service such as Cloudflare or Google Public DNS. Do this only after restarting your equipment and confirming there is no provider outage.
When to contact your internet provider
Contact your provider if every device remains offline after restarting the modem and router, the modem’s internet light is red or off, or the provider confirms a local outage. They can test the line and refresh your connection remotely.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my phone say connected but have no internet?
Your phone is connected to the router, but the router may not be connected to the internet. The issue can also be limited to your phone’s saved network settings.
Will restarting my router delete my Wi‑Fi name or password?
No. A normal power restart does not change settings. Do not press the small reset button unless you intend to factory-reset the router.
How long should I unplug my router?
Wait at least 60 seconds. This gives the equipment time to fully power down and request a fresh connection when it starts again.
Next: If your connection works but feels slow, read our guide to slow internet problems.
