Lost internet connection? Follow these steps to restore it

When you lose your internet connection, here are the steps you can take to try to restore it:

Step 1: Check Physical Connections

1. Ensure all cables are connected properly: Check that the power cables, Ethernet cables, and any other necessary cables are securely plugged into the router, modem, and your computer.
2. Inspect for damages: Look for any visible damage to cables.

Step 2: Restart Devices

1. Restart your computer: Sometimes, the problem can be resolved by simply restarting your computer.
2. Restart the modem and router:
   • Power off the modem and router by unplugging them from the power source.
   • Wait for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
   • Plug in the modem first and wait for it to fully boot up (this may take a couple of minutes).
   • Plug in the router and wait for it to fully boot up.

Step 3: Check for Network Issues

1. Check the network icon: Look at the network icon in your system tray or menu bar. This can give you information about the network status.
2. Try connecting to the router’s admin page: Enter the router's IP address (usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into your web browser. If you can access this page, the problem may be with your internet service provider (ISP).

Step 4: Verify Wireless Connections (if using Wi-Fi)

1. Check Wi-Fi settings: Ensure that your Wi-Fi is turned on and you are connected to the correct network.
2. Move closer to the router: If you are far from the router, move closer to see if it improves the connection.
3. Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network: On your device, forget the Wi-Fi network and then reconnect, entering the password again.

Step 5: Diagnose Using System Tools

1. Run Network Troubleshooter (Windows):
   • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
   • Click on Network troubleshooter.
2. Network Diagnostics (Mac):
   • Go to System Preferences > Network.
   • Select your network and click Assist me or Diagnostics.

Step 6: Check with Your ISP

1. Service Outages: Check if your ISP is experiencing service outages. You can often do this by visiting their website on a mobile network or calling their support line.
2. Modem Activation: Sometimes, your modem may need to be re-activated. Contact your ISP to ensure it is properly registered and activated.

Step 7: Update Firmware/Drivers

1. Router Firmware: Check if there are any firmware updates available for your router. Instructions for updating firmware are usually available on the manufacturer's website.
2. Network Drivers: Ensure that your network adapter drivers are up to date. You can do this through your computer’s Device Manager (Windows) or Software Update (Mac).

Step 8: Reset Network Settings

1. Windows:
   • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
   • Click on Network reset.
2. Mac:
   • Go to System Preferences > Network.
   • Select your network connection and click the minus (-) button to remove it, then add it back using the plus (+) button.

Step 9: Contact Technical Support

If none of the above steps work, contact your ISP’s technical support for further assistance. They can help diagnose the issue and may need to send a technician to your location if there is a hardware problem.

By following these steps, you should be able to identify and fix most common internet connection issues.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model