How to Fix Your Internet Connection: Troubleshoot Common Issues

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Methods for improving and repairing your connection
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While some network issues can only be addressed from your Internet Service Provider's (ISP's) side, there are plenty of simple steps that you can take to resolve minor to moderate network issues at home! From repositioning your router to resetting the network, there are a few things you can try to get things working. This wikiHow will show you how to fix your internet connection, from handling slow Wi-Fi networks to troubleshooting problems on your PC or Mac.

Troubleshooting Network Issues

  • For slow internet, move your router so there are as few obstacles as possible between it and your device.
  • Restart your router and modem to resolve common internet connection issues.
  • If your problem persists, try updating your router firmware by navigating to its router login page.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Slow or Inconsistent Wi-Fi Connections

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  1. Sometimes your computer or smartphone is too far away from the checkpoint to connect to Wi-Fi. Move closer to your router and try to connect again. [1]
  2. If your router has antennas, repositioning them can help create a better signal. Wi-Fi signals mainly emit horizontally out of the sides of the antennas. Position them so that they’re vertical, at a right angle to the ground.
    • If you’re having connection issues on a different floor of your home, try different antenna angles for better coverage.
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  3. If you can't draw a line from your Internet-connected item to the router without passing through walls, appliances, furniture, or the like, your chances of maintaining a good Internet connection deteriorate.
    • The best way to ensure a consistent Internet connection is by minimizing the number of obstacles between your Internet device and the router.
  4. Wi-Fi extenders , also called signal boosters, are devices that wirelessly connect to your router and duplicate its signal, increasing its range. This is helpful if the device you want to connect to the internet is far away from the router.
  5. Routers with antennas have better range and connectivity, which could resolve slow or inconsistent connections.
    • Make sure to check what speed your router is rated for. This is typically labeled AC####, where the four numbers represent the speed in megabits per second (Mbps). Get a router that matches or exceeds your internet plan’s Mbps.
  6. Try using Ethernet . Connecting your computer or console to your router or modem via an Ethernet cable will both speed up your Internet when it's working and help determine whether the issue is with your Internet or your equipment.
    • If your computer is able to connect to the Internet while connected directly to the router, your computer's wireless reception is most likely the problem.
    • If your computer is able to connect to the Internet while connected directly to the modem, then the issue is likely caused by your router.
    • If you cannot connect to the internet while connected directly to your modem, there is something wrong with the modem or with your internet service in general. You'll need to get in touch with your internet service provider's technical support line to fix modem-related issues.
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Method 2 of 3:

Simple Fixes for Connection Issues

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  1. The easiest way to do this is by unplugging both your modem and your router from their respective power sources, waiting for about 30 seconds, and plugging them back in. Like restarting your computer, this can solve the bulk of minor Internet issues.
  2. Clear your browser's cache . Much like the DNS cache , your browser's cache makes loading previously visited sites faster, but it can also result in errors if the cache database becomes outdated. [3]
    • To stay relatively up-to-date, consider clearing your browser's cache once per month.
  3. There's always a chance that the website you are trying to visit is currently down, or the program you are using is having server problems on its end. Try another website or online program to see if you can connect.
    • Try another web browser if possible as well. For example, you may be having a problem with Chrome, whereas Firefox works fine. If just one of your web browsers is at fault, see the articles below for instructions on repairing it:
  4. This may seem like a pointless suggestion, but restarting your computer is often the easiest way to fix a vast majority of the issues you may be having. A simple reset will clear out bad settings that could be causing your connectivity issues, and even if it doesn't help, it only takes a minute!
    • Restarting your computer will often also turn back on your Internet adapter if it was off.
  5. Many laptops have a switch or button that turns the wireless adapter on and off. If you've accidentally pressed the button, your computer will disconnect from the network. Press the button or toggle the switch to turn your wireless adapter back on.
    • You may have to hold the Fn button in order to be able to press the Wi-Fi button.
    • The Wi-Fi button usually looks like three curved lines increasing in size.
    • Skip this step on a desktop computer.
  6. A soft reset causes your router and modem to clear their respective caches and refresh. You can usually perform a soft reset by pressing a power button on the front or side of your router. [4]
    • Many modems can also be soft-reset in this manner.
    • In some cases, you can soft-reset your network by opening your router's page and clicking a Reset button in the "Advanced" or "Power" section.
  7. A hard reset causes your router and modem to forget all of your settings, restoring the network to its factory settings (including the factory network name and password). To perform a hard reset, press and hold the "reset" button on the back of the modem for around 30 seconds, allow the modem to reboot, and perform the same step on the router. [5]
    • In most cases, the "reset" button is a recessed button on the back of the modem and router, meaning that you'll need to use a pen or a paperclip (or similar tool) to press the button.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Advanced Fixes for Connection Issues

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  1. Your router should typically update automatically, but some models may need to be updated manually. You can typically update the firmware by going to the router’s login page in your web browser. Check the manual for the URL. Follow our complete guide to updating router firmware by clicking this link .
  2. The DNS cache is responsible for recording website addresses as you access websites, which makes accessing those same websites later a faster process; however, as websites update their addresses, the DNS cache can become outdated, which causes errors.
    • To flush the DNS cache, you’ll need to access your computer’s command line and enter the appropriate command. Check out our article on how to flush the DNS for detailed instructions.
    • Clearing the DNS cache will resolve issues such as websites failing to load, especially if you can view the website in one browser but not another.
    • To clear the DNS cache on a mobile device such as a smartphone or a tablet, simply restart it.
  3. There could be a software issue on your computer causing the connectivity problem. Both Windows and Mac computers have built-in repair tools that you can use to try to fix the issue:
    • Windows 10 - go to Settings > Network and Internet > Status > Network Troubleshooter > Troubleshoot Problems.
    • Windows 11 - open the Get Help app and run the Network and Internet troubleshooter. [6]
    • Mac - Press and hold the Opt key and click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, then select Open Wireless Diagnostics . [7]
  4. If the problems you're experiencing are signal-related, it usually means that interference and distance are the main causes. There are several things you can do to help minimize interference and increase your network's range:
  5. Perform virus and malware scans . Viruses and other malicious computer infections may be hindering your ability to get online. You can usually eliminate viruses by using your computer's antivirus protection. [8]
  6. If all else fails, this is the best remaining course of action. Explain to your ISP the specific issues you are experiencing, and request someone to come and investigate the problem.
    • Remember to be as calm and polite as possible, and do not take out your frustration on the support agent.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I can't connect to WiFi because my laptop appears to be in airplane mode, and I can't get it off that mode. It's an HP touchscreen notebook. What should I do?
    Sidharth Nair
    Community Answer
    See if there is airplane mode button on your device. You can also hold down the Fn button, which is in between ctrl and windows button. That should work. If it doesn't, just restart your device.
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  • Question
    How can I turn off the light on the wireless router?
    Community Answer
    You can't turn the light off, but you could put a piece of black electrical tape over it so you don't have to see the light.
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    How do I get out of air mode?
    Community Answer
    Go in settings and you will see "airplane mode." Turn that off by clicking or touching it.
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      • Most ISPs will perform network diagnoses and fixes for free if you're renting a modem/router from them.
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      • Sometimes VPNs can cause connection issues or interfere with specific websites. Turn off your VPN and try connecting again.
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      Warnings

      • Resetting your network should be a last-ditch attempt to fix the network. While it may fix most of your potential network problems, it's very inconvenient to have to set back up all of your Internet-connected items.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-make-your-wifi-better-faster/
      2. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/32050?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=Desktop
      4. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/how-to-reset-your-router/
      5. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/how-to-reset-your-router/
      6. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/fix-wi-fi-connection-issues-in-windows-9424a1f7-6a3b-65a6-4d78-7f07eee84d2c#id0ebh=windows_11
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/use-wireless-diagnostics-mchlf4de377f/15.0/mac/15.0
      8. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/why-is-my-internet-connection-so-slow-c68cf021-c5cf-db6f-eade-7c9d8bd78aa1

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Restart your computer.
      2. Make sure your wireless adapter is enabled.
      3. Restart your modem and router.
      4. Try a hard network reset.
      5. Move closer to the router.
      6. Try using Ethernet.

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