WiFi connected but no internet: causes and simple fixes

Cover photo: Brett Jordan via Unsplash

Reading time: 4 mins

If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by your device showing it’s connected to WiFi but still can’t use the web, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common IT issues. Still, it leaves you feeling like you've got a fridge full of food but no pots and pans. Fortunately, there are several ways to diagnose and fix the problem, and this guide will walk you through each step.

We’ll start by explaining what it means when your device is connected to WiFi but has no internet, explore common causes, and then look at some solutions.  

What does "connected without internet" mean?

When your device displays ‘connected without internet’, it means your device can establish a connection to your local network (usually your WiFi router or modem), but it’s unable to communicate with the wider internet. You’ve probably seen it before: the WiFi icon is displayed with connection in the top corner, but when you try to load a webpage, send a message or like an Instagram post, suddenly you notice you can’t.

Common causes of "no internet" errors

Understanding the root cause of this issue is key to fixing it. Here are the most common culprits:

1. Router or modem issues

Your router or modem is the gateway to the internet. If these devices have outdated firmware, hardware malfunctions, or temporary glitches, your internet connection can be disrupted. This might manifest as intermittent connection or complete inability to access the internet, even though your WiFi signal appears strong.

2. Internet Service Provider (ISP) outage

Sometimes the problem isn’t on your end at all. If your ISP is experiencing technical difficulties or performing maintenance, you might experience a temporary loss of internet access (this is the company you get your WiFi bill from). This can affect all customers connected to the ISP’s network, regardless of their local setup.

3. Network congestion

If too many devices are using the same network at once, especially during peak hours, you might experience network congestion. This occurs when available bandwidth is spread too thin, leading to slow speeds or, in severe cases, a complete loss of connectivity. If you’re using your home network and it’s just you at home, this probably isn’t the problem.

4. Insufficient internet speed

If your internet plan doesn’t provide enough bandwidth to handle your needs, you may find that your connection slows to a crawl or drops altogether. This is particularly true if multiple devices are streaming, gaming, or downloading large files at the same time.

5. Distance from router

The farther you are from your router, the weaker your WiFi signal becomes. Physical barriers like walls and floors can also degrade the signal, potentially leading to connection drops or slow speeds. It’s also worse with certain materials (like when you’re in an elevator, because it’s a metal box).

6. IP address conflicts

An IP address conflict occurs when two devices on the same network are assigned the same IP address. This can prevent one or both devices from accessing the network properly, leading to connectivity issues.

7. Malware or network intrusions

Malware infections or unauthorised network access can disrupt your internet connection. Malware might alter network settings, consume bandwidth, or block access to certain services. Similarly, an unsecured network can be compromised by intruders, affecting overall network performance.

How to fix "connected without internet" issues

Now that we’ve identified potential causes, let’s look at how you can fix the problem.

1. Restart your router or modem

Make sure to do this step before you try any others–it’s the simplest and often most effective solution. Unplug your router or modem from the power source, wait 30 seconds (the full 30), and plug it back in. This resets the device, clears its memory, and allows it to re-establish a fresh connection to your ISP. This step alone can resolve issues related to IP conflicts or minor firmware glitches.

2. Check your hardware

Ensure that all cables are securely connected and that there’s no visible damage to the router, modem, or any cables. If possible, try using different cables to rule out any physical issues. Also, check that the router and modem are powered on and not overheating.

3. Check and reset network settings

On your device, review the network settings to ensure they are correctly configured. This includes checking for static IP settings that might conflict with the network, ensuring the correct DNS settings are in place, and verifying that the device isn’t inadvertently set to ‘Airplane Mode’. If needed, reset your network settings to default.

4. Update your network adapter driver

Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can cause connectivity issues. Go to your device’s settings, find the network adapter under device manager, and update the driver. This ensures compatibility with your router and modem, potentially resolving any driver-related issues.

5. Use an Ethernet cable

If WiFi issues persist, consider using an Ethernet cable to connect your device directly to the router. This bypasses potential wireless interference and provides a more stable connection. If your internet works with the cable but not via WiFi, this suggests the issue lies with the wireless connection, not the internet itself.

6. Contact your ISP

If none of the above steps work, it might be time to contact your ISP. They can check for outages, account issues, or other problems affecting your connection. They can also offer specific troubleshooting steps tailored to their network.

Conclusion

Dealing with a WiFi connection that doesn’t provide internet access can be incredibly frustrating, but with some patience and troubleshooting, you can usually resolve the issue. Start with the basics like restarting your router, but if the problem persists, you can always contact your ISP.

Having a reliable and secure internet connection is crucial in today’s digital age. deeploi's IT support team responds to your queries within 30 minutes and can be a lifesaver for companies in situations like these where your WiFi stops working.

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