The “WiFi connected but no internet” error is something we all have encountered, and it’s very frustrating, to stay the least.
You connect to your network on your desktop or mobile device, open your web browser, and realize you’re getting nothing. Ugh!
So, why is your Wi-Fi connection not working? This problem can occur due to many reasons. In some instances, the solution is as simple as a router reboot. But in others, it’s not that straightforward.
Don’t worry, though. In this article, we’ll show you what to do when you’re receiving a strong Wi-Fi signal but no internet access.
The “WiFi Connected but No Internet Connection” indicates a situation where a gadget links to a WiFi network but can not establish a proper Internet connection.
This error is a common connectivity problem resulting from different factors. It necessitates a systematic approach to find and resolve the underlying issue, whether associated with the network, systems, or configuration settings.
The “No Internet Connection” usually occurs when a system connects to WiFi but cannot set up a stable net connection. Various issues cause this error, each needing its troubleshooting technique.
Troubleshooting the “No Internet Connection Error” includes rebooting the router, verifying WiFi settings, updating software, and addressing DNS, security software programs, and firewall problems.
When dealing with a “WiFi Connected but No Internet” problem on an entire network, here’s how you can apply the below instructions to diagnose the error:
First, verify the issue with someone other than your Internet provider. Contact them to inquire about any reported outages or problems in your place.
Reboot your router and modem. Unplug them, wait for five minutes, and then plug them back in. This can resolve connectivity issues.
Ensure that your WiFi network settings, including the network name (SSID) and password, are correctly configured and only connected to your devices.
Verify your DNS settings. You can do it using a public DNS server like Google ( IP: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (IP: 1.1.1.1) to see if it improves connectivity.
Make sure your router’s firmware is updated. Check the provider’s web page for any available updates.
High network congestion can result in connectivity problems. If more than one gadget is connected, try disconnecting the Internet from other linked devices or upgrading your Internet plan.
Review any safety software or firewall settings on your network. Sometimes, overly strict security settings can block internet access.
Try connecting a system to the router by an Ethernet cable to see if the problem persists. This can help determine if the problem is with the WiFi connection especially.
If you cannot troubleshoot the “WiFi connection problem,” trying a network reset can help resolve the problem.
When your network is reset, click on your net’s taskbar icon to reconnect to the Internet. View the listing and select your WiFi connection again, or you can try to set up a brand-new connection.
You can try these solutions without even leaving your chair:
This may sound like a no-brainer, but the first thing you need to do is restart your computer or mobile device. While it won’t work every time, doing so will allow the operating system to clear itself of any potential errors, hangups, or glitches. Once you’ve restarted your device, connect again to see if it works.
If your internet is down, it’s very likely that others are facing the same issue in your area. You can find information about internet outages on websites like Down Detector, or call your internet service provider to ask for details.
Pro Tip: Is the internet really down? Use your mobile phone to create a WiFi hotspot and get internet access until your ISP is up and running again.
Have you tried the aforementioned solutions and still don’t have internet? You should take a look at your network equipment:
If you’re using your computer, it’s worth seeing if you can get internet over the same WiFi on your tablet or phone. If it works on one device and not the other, your internet connection is fine, and it’s the device that has a problem (more on this below).
However, if you’re unable to access the internet on any device, it’s your modem and router or ISP that’s causing issues. A faulty Ethernet cable which connects your router and modem could also be the culprit.
The router and modem are an essential part of any home network. They keep your connection running and deliver WiFi across your home. But if they’re facing problems, a quick reboot is often all it takes to get them working again.
Therefore, unplug the modem and router and wait around a minute or so before you plug them back in again (modem first and then router). Rebooting gives them the opportunity to restart tasks and clear out memory.
If you still can’t connect to the internet on your devices after the modem and router powers up, move on to the next solution.
Do you have a spare Ethernet cable? Replace it with the one currently plugged into your router and modem and check if it makes a difference. Chances are, that your existing Ethernet cable requires replacement.
Sometimes, a miscommunication between your router and modem and your ISP’s network can cause the “WiFi connected but no internet” error. This is particularly true if you’ve purchased your own equipment rather than renting it from the internet provider.
Here, your best bet is to call your internet company and see if they can help. In most cases, they’ll reset their system and force the network to recognize the router and modem you own.
You might be experiencing connection issues due to outdated equipment that doesn’t support the latest wireless standards. The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) has developed a number of standards that enable Wi-Fi devices like laptops to connect to the internet. There are five standards in use today and we’ve listed them below, from newest to oldest:
Here’s how you can check your wireless standard:
If your wireless adapter doesn’t adhere to the latest standards, you’ll have to invest in a new one for your computer.
If none of the fixes above work, you can try resetting your router to its default settings. Mind you, this will restore the router to how it was when you first took it out of the box. It also erases your password and any memory of guest networks you’ve created via your router. All the devices signed into the network are going to be kicked off as well.
Anyhow, here’s how to go about it:
Setting up your router from scratch will take a considerable amount of time, so only consider this option as a last resort.
If the WiFi device you use is causing your disconnection woes, there are few things you can do to solve it:
Windows users can use the built-in troubleshooter to see what’s causing the internet connectivity issue and fix it automatically.
Just follow these steps to run it:
Mac users also have a built-in diagnostic program that scans their computer for problems, including WiFi issues.
Just follow these steps to run it:
Flushing your DNS cache could resolve your WiFi connection issues. The DNS cache stores all your website visits and enables your browser to quickly load pages that you’ve visited during your previous browsing sessions. However, your DNS cache can sometimes become corrupted and lead to problems with your internet.
Learn how to flush your DNS here.
Following the tips mentioned above should resolve the infamous error. Let us know which methods worked best for you in the comments section below. Are we missing anything else that may have helped?