Wi-Fi not working? 10 fixes to try before calling your internet provider

Wi-Fi issues rank among the most common tech problems people face, and the frustrating part is that the fault can be anywhere: your device, your router, your internet service provider's infrastructure, or a crowded radio environment. This guide works through fixes in order from simplest to most involved, so you find the problem as quickly as possible.

Step 1: Establish where the problem is

Before trying anything, answer one question: is it just this device, or all devices? Check if another phone, laptop, or tablet can connect. If other devices are fine, the problem is with your device. If nothing can connect, the problem is the router, modem, or your internet service. This single check cuts your troubleshooting in half.

If it's just your device

1. Turn Wi-Fi off and back on. Simple, but works for many transient connection issues.
2. Forget the network and reconnect. Go to Wi-Fi settings, forget the network, and re-enter the password. This clears any corrupted connection data.
3. Restart your device. Clears temporary network state.
4. Reset network settings. Settings > General > Reset Network Settings (iPhone) or Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings (Android). Clears all saved Wi-Fi passwords and network configurations — a stronger fix for persistent connection problems.
5. Check for a VPN or firewall app that might be blocking the connection. Some VPN apps remain active even when you think you have turned them off.

If all devices are affected

1. Restart your router and modem. Unplug both from power, wait 30 seconds, plug the modem back in first and wait for its lights to stabilise, then plug the router back in. This resolves the majority of home broadband problems.
2. Check the router's lights. Consult your router's manual (or search the model number online) for what each light pattern means. A red or amber internet light usually means the connection to your ISP is down, not a problem you can fix yourself.
3. Check your ISP's status page or app. Many providers publish live outage maps. If there is a known outage in your area, wait for it to resolve.
4. Try connecting a device directly to the modem via an ethernet cable. If that works, the modem and internet connection are fine — the problem is the router.
5. Move closer to the router. Walls, floors, and appliances all reduce Wi-Fi signal strength, especially on the 5 GHz band. If you can connect standing next to the router but not from further away, you likely need a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network.

5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz: choosing the right band

Most modern routers broadcast two networks simultaneously. The 5 GHz band is faster but weakens significantly through walls and distance. The 2.4 GHz band is slower but travels further. If you are far from the router or connecting through multiple walls, switching to the 2.4 GHz network can provide a more stable, if slower, connection.

When to call your ISP

If your modem's internet light shows a fault, if the ethernet cable test confirms the router is the problem, or if you have restarted everything and still have no connection, contact your provider. Before calling, note whether the problem is constant or intermittent, and what the router's lights look like — this speeds up the support conversation considerably.

Router interfaces differ significantly by brand and model. Screenshots referenced in generic guides may not match your specific device.

Sources

• Security.org — Best Android VPNs and network fundamentals — https://www.security.org/vpn/best/android/