how to fix your internet

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This wikiHow teaches you how to fix problems with your Internet network. While some network issues can only be addressed from your Internet Service Provider's (ISP's) side, there are plenty of steps that you can take to resolve minor to moderate network issues at home.

1
Restart your computer. This may seem like a useless 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 which could be causing your connectivity issues, and if it doesn't help, it only took a minute.
- Restarting your computer will often also turn back on your Internet adapter if it was off.
2
Ensure that your laptop's wireless adapter is enabled. 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.
- Skip this step on a desktop computer.
3

Restart your Internet modem and router. The easiest way to do this is by unplugging both your modem and your router from their respective power sources, waiting for a few seconds, and plugging them back in. Like restarting your computer, this can solve the bulk of minor Internet issues.
4
Perform a soft reset on your network. 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.
- 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 somewhere in the "Advanced" or "Power" options.
5
Perform a hard reset on your network. 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, you'll 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.
- 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) to press the button.
6

Move closer to the router. Sometimes your computer or smartphone is too far away from the checkpoint to connect. Move closer to your router and try to connect again.
7
Make sure that you have a clear line-of-sight between you and the router. 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 healthy Internet connection deteriorate.
- The best way to ensure a healthy, consistent Internet connection is by minimizing the number of obstacles between your Internet item and the router/modem.
8
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 cause 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.

1
Clear your computer's DNS cache . 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.
- 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 item such as a smartphone or a tablet, simply restart the item.
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.
- To stay relatively up-to-date, consider clearing your browser's cache once per month.
3
Try a different website or program. 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:
  - Chrome
  - Firefox
  - Internet Explorer
4
Repair your connection. There could be a software problem 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:^[1]
- Windows - Press ⊞ Win+R > type in ncpa.cpl > click OK > right-click your network adapter > click Diagnose > follow any on-screen prompts.
- Mac - Click the Apple menu > click System Preferences... > click Network > click Assist Me... > click Diagnostics > follow the on-screen prompts.
5
6

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.
7
Contact your internet service provider. 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 company.

Add New Question

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.
Question

How can I turn off the light on the wireless router?

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.
Question

How do I get out of air mode?

Go in settings and you will see "airplane mode." Turn that off by clicking or touching it.
Question

Which lights should be lit up on the modem?

Different modems show different lights, but as a general rule there will be an Internet or online light that should be green or blue. Keep in mind, flashing lights do not necessarily mean there is an issue, many lights flash when there is activity. If you can get the manual for the model of modem you have, it will have a description of the lights and what each light indicates.
Question

How can I fix a slow internet connection?

It might be slow because you're not the only one using it, or the internet itself that you are using is slow. The best way is to just pay for a better internet, but you can also try stopping background internet processes in your computer, or pause any sneaky updates that might be hogging all your speed. Also, wireless internet tends to be slower; if you have a laptop, consider hooking it up to the modem with a cable.
Question

How do I help my connection speed with my Xbox one?

Try looking in your settings and checking your internet connection and speed. It may not be your Xbox one that is the problem.
Question

How do I reconnect to my WiFi?

Try restarting your device, turning off and on your router, or restarting your modem.
Question

I was able to connect with internet on my phone the first time, but when I try now, the browser tells me I am unable to connect with the network and to review my network settings. What can I do?

Somebody may have change your WIFI password, so check that. You can also select to forget your network and try accessing it all over again.
Question
Question

I reset my Netgear router, which is connected with a BSNL landline, and now I can't connect to the internet. The internet indicator light is not blinking. Do you have any idea what I need to do to fix it?

You need to get the username and password from your ISP. You then log onto your router and run the setup wizard and follow the onscreen instructions.

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Most ISPs will perform network diagnoses and fixes for free if you're renting a modem/router from them.

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

About This Article

Article SummaryX

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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