The "Connected, No Internet" status is frustratingly common. This guide walks you through the simplest, most effective troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue when your Wi-Fi is linked, but the web is unreachable.
Keywords: connected but no internet access, router no internet fix, modem router troubleshooting, renew IP address windows, check DNS settings, DHCP failure
Contents 📋
Understanding "Connected but No Internet"
This status means your computer or device has successfully connected to your local network (the router), but the router is failing to receive or transmit data to the outside world (the internet service provider, or ISP). Essentially, the problem lies somewhere between your router and the ISP's main line, or within a software configuration error on your device.
Fix 1: The Essential Power Cycle (Do This First)
The most common and easiest fix is a complete power cycle of all network devices. This clears temporary IP conflicts and router memory errors.
- **Unplug** the power cord from both your **Modem** and your **Router**.
- Wait for at least **60 seconds**. This allows the devices to completely discharge their internal memory.
- **Plug in the Modem first.** Wait 1 to 2 minutes until all its lights are solid and stable (usually green or blue).
- **Plug in the Router next.** Wait another 1 to 2 minutes for it to boot up.
- Reconnect your device and test the internet connection.
Fix 2: Troubleshoot Your Modem and Cables
If the power cycle didn't work, check the physical connections, as the modem is the device talking to your ISP.
Check Modem Lights
Look at the lights on your modem. If the **Online**, **Status**, or **Data** light is blinking, red, or off, the issue is with your ISP service, not your router. Contact your ISP immediately.
Inspect Cables
Ensure the following cables are securely plugged in:
- The cable running from the **Modem** to the **WAN/Internet port** on the back of your **Router**.
- The cable running from the wall to the back of the **Modem** (coaxial cable or fiber optic cable).
Fix 3: Renew Your IP Address (Windows/Mac)
Sometimes your device receives a bad or expired IP address from the router, causing the issue. Renewing the address can force a fix.
On Windows
- Press Windows Key + R, type **cmd**, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
- Type
ipconfig /releaseand press Enter. (This releases your current IP). - Type
ipconfig /renewand press Enter. (This requests a new IP). - Type
ipconfig /flushdnsand press Enter. (This clears the stored domain name information).
On Mac
- Go to System Settings > Network.
- Select your Wi-Fi connection and click Details.
- Go to the **TCP/IP** tab and click **Renew DHCP Lease**.
Fix 4: Manually Change DNS Settings
If your device is connecting but cannot translate website names (like "google.com") into numerical addresses, you have a DNS issue. Using a public DNS server often solves this.
- Go to your device's network settings (Adapter settings on Windows, Network Details on Mac).
- Manually set the DNS server to the following reliable public addresses:
- **Primary DNS:** 8.8.8.8 (Google Public DNS)
- **Secondary DNS:** 8.8.4.4 (Google Public DNS)
- Save the changes and test the connection.
Fix 5: Check Router Admin Settings
If you recently made changes to your router, you might have accidentally disabled a critical setting.
- Access your router's admin page (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a browser).
- Log in with your credentials.
- Look for a section labeled **Internet Settings**, **WAN**, or **DHCP**.
- Ensure that the **Connection Type** (e.g., Dynamic IP, PPPoE) is set correctly as required by your ISP.
- If unsure, use the router's internal **Diagnostics** tool or perform a factory reset of the router (using a small button usually found on the back).
⚠ Note: A factory reset will wipe all your custom settings, including Wi-Fi names and passwords.