WiFi Connected But No Internet? 15 Ways to Fix It

Quick Fix

If your WiFi shows connected but you have no internet, try this: Restart your router – unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. While waiting, restart your computer or phone. This simple power cycle fixes most “connected but no internet” issues within 2-3 minutes.

Why WiFi Says Connected But No Internet

This frustrating issue means your device successfully connected to your WiFi network, but the network itself can’t reach the internet. Common causes include router problems, ISP outages, DNS issues, IP address conflicts, or incorrect network settings. The WiFi connection is working – the problem is between your router and the internet.

You’ll usually see “Connected, no internet” or “No internet access” next to your WiFi network. Let’s fix it.

Method 1: Restart Your Router and Modem

This fixes the majority of internet connection issues.

1. Unplug your router from power
2. If you have a separate modem, unplug that too
3. Wait 30 seconds
4. Plug the modem back in first
5. Wait for modem lights to stabilize (1-2 minutes)
6. Plug the router back in
7. Wait for router lights to stabilize (1-2 minutes)
8. Try connecting again

Tip: Some routers have a modem built-in (combo unit). Just unplug that single device.

Method 2: Restart Your Device

A device restart clears network glitches and refreshes the connection.

Windows:

1. Click Start > Power > Restart
2. Wait for computer to fully restart
3. Connect to WiFi again

Mac:

1. Click Apple menu > Restart

iPhone/Android:

1. Power off the device completely
2. Wait 30 seconds
3. Power it back on

Method 3: Forget and Reconnect to WiFi

Removing and re-adding the network creates a fresh connection.

On Windows 11:

1. Click the WiFi icon in the taskbar
2. Click the arrow next to your connected network
3. Right-click your network and select “Forget”
4. Click your network again
5. Enter the password and connect

On Mac:

1. Click WiFi icon in menu bar
2. Click WiFi Settings
3. Select your network and click “-“ to remove
4. Reconnect and enter password

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > WiFi
2. Tap the “i” next to your network
3. Tap “Forget This Network”
4. Reconnect and enter password

Method 4: Check If Other Devices Have Internet

This helps identify if the problem is your device or the network.

• If other devices also have no internet: The problem is your router or ISP. Focus on router troubleshooting.
• If other devices work fine: The problem is your specific device. Focus on device settings.
• If it’s just one website: That website might be down. Check downdetector.com.

Method 5: Check for ISP Outage

Your internet service provider might be having issues in your area.

1. Use your phone’s mobile data to check
2. Visit your ISP’s website or app for outage info
3. Check downdetector.com for your ISP
4. Search Twitter for “[ISP name] outage”
5. Call your ISP’s support number

If there’s an outage, you’ll need to wait for them to fix it.

Method 6: Run Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows can automatically detect and fix many network problems.

1. Right-click the WiFi icon in the taskbar
2. Select “Troubleshoot network problems”
3. Or go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
4. Run “Internet Connections” and “Network Adapter”
5. Follow any recommended fixes
6. Restart if prompted

Method 7: Flush DNS Cache

Corrupted DNS cache can prevent internet access even with a valid connection.

On Windows:

1. Press Windows + X and select Terminal (Admin)
2. Type: ipconfig /flushdns
3. Press Enter
4. You should see “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache”
5. Try connecting again

On Mac:

1. Open Terminal
2. Type: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
3. Press Enter and enter your password

Method 8: Change DNS Servers

Your ISP’s DNS servers might be slow or failing. Switch to public DNS.

On Windows:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Go to Network & internet > WiFi
3. Click your network’s properties
4. Click “Edit” next to DNS server assignment
5. Select “Manual”
6. Enable IPv4
7. Enter: Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8 / Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
8. Click Save

On Mac:

1. Go to System Settings > WiFi
2. Click “Details” next to your network
3. Click “DNS”
4. Click “+” and add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
5. Click OK

Popular DNS servers: Google (8.8.8.8), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), OpenDNS (208.67.222.222)

Method 9: Release and Renew IP Address

IP address conflicts can cause “connected but no internet” issues.

On Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Type these commands one at a time:
3. ipconfig /release
4. ipconfig /renew
5. Wait for the process to complete
6. Test your internet connection

On Mac:

1. Go to System Settings > WiFi
2. Click “Details” next to your network
3. Click “TCP/IP”
4. Click “Renew DHCP Lease”

Method 10: Reset Network Settings

This clears all network configurations and can fix persistent issues.

On Windows:

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet
2. Scroll down and click “Advanced network settings”
3. Click “Network reset”
4. Click “Reset now”
5. Your computer will restart
6. Reconnect to WiFi

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
2. Tap “Reset”
3. Select “Reset Network Settings”
4. Enter passcode and confirm

Warning: This removes all saved WiFi passwords.

Method 11: Update Network Drivers

Outdated WiFi drivers can cause connection problems.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager
2. Expand “Network adapters”
3. Right-click your WiFi adapter
4. Select “Update driver”
5. Choose “Search automatically for drivers”
6. Install any updates found
7. Restart your computer

If no update is found, visit your laptop manufacturer’s website and download the latest WiFi driver for your model.

Method 12: Disable VPN and Proxy

VPNs and proxy settings can interfere with normal internet access.

Disable VPN:

• Exit any VPN applications
• Check Settings > Network & internet > VPN and disconnect any active VPNs

Disable Proxy:

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Proxy
2. Turn OFF “Automatically detect settings”
3. Turn OFF “Use a proxy server”

Method 13: Check Router Settings

Incorrect router settings can block internet access.

1. Open a browser and go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1
2. Log in (default credentials are often admin/admin or on a sticker on the router)
3. Check Internet/WAN settings – ensure they match your ISP’s requirements
4. Check if DHCP is enabled
5. Check for any blocked devices or MAC filtering
6. Look for firmware updates for your router

Method 14: Check Physical Connections

For routers, loose cables can cause internet issues.

• Check the WAN/Internet port cable (usually yellow) – make sure it’s firmly connected
• Check where that cable connects to your modem
• Look for damaged or bent cables
• Try a different Ethernet cable if available
• Ensure modem coax/fiber cable is secure

Method 15: Disable Metered Connection

Windows might be limiting internet usage if the connection is set as metered.

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > WiFi
2. Click your connected network
3. Turn OFF “Metered connection”

Preventing Future Issues

• Restart your router weekly
• Keep router firmware updated
• Position router centrally, away from walls and electronics
• Keep network drivers updated
• Use a WiFi analyzer app to check for channel congestion
• Consider upgrading old routers (5+ years old)

FAQ

Why does my phone say WiFi connected but no internet?

This usually means your phone connected to the router successfully, but the router can’t reach the internet. Restart your router first. If other devices also have no internet, the problem is your router or ISP. If only your phone has issues, forget the network and reconnect.

Why does only one device have no internet?

If other devices work fine, the problem is that specific device. Try: forgetting and reconnecting to WiFi, restarting the device, resetting network settings, or updating network drivers. IP address conflicts can also cause this.

Why does WiFi work fine then suddenly no internet?

Intermittent issues are often caused by router overheating, too many connected devices, WiFi interference, or ISP instability. Restart your router. If it happens frequently, check for firmware updates or consider replacing an old router.

How do I know if the problem is my router or ISP?

Connect a computer directly to your modem with an Ethernet cable (bypassing the router). If you get internet, the router is the problem. If still no internet, the issue is your modem or ISP. Also check your ISP’s outage page.

Why does my laptop say “No internet, secured”?

“Secured” means the WiFi password is correct and you’re connected to the network. “No internet” means the network can’t reach the internet. This is a router/ISP issue, not a password issue. Restart your router and modem.

Will resetting my router fix the no internet problem?

A restart (unplug and replug) fixes most issues and doesn’t change settings. A factory reset erases all settings (WiFi name, password, custom configurations) and should be a last resort. Try a restart first, not a full reset.