Connected to Wi-Fi but no internet access

Symptoms

• Device shows connected to Wi-Fi with full bars but pages won't load
• Message says 'no internet' or 'connected, no internet access'
• Other devices on the same network have the same problem
• Problem affects wired Ethernet devices too

Likely causes

• CommonModem lost connection to the ISPThe router can still create a local Wi-Fi network even when its upstream internet link is down.
• CommonISP outage in your areaA provider-side outage cuts off internet while local Wi-Fi keeps functioning normally.
• PossibleRouter's WAN connection needs a restartThe connection between router and modem can hang and need a refresh.
• PossibleDNS server issueWithout working DNS, the internet connection is up but website names won't resolve, which can look like 'no internet'.

What to do

1. Check if only this one device is affected or if other devices also show no internet; if only one, see the single-device Wi-Fi guide instead.
2. Restart the modem: unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for all its lights to show normal (usually online/internet light solid).
3. Restart the router the same way, after the modem is fully back online.
4. Check your provider's outage map or status page (often available from your phone's cellular data) or call them to confirm there isn't a known outage.
5. Try loading a website by its IP address or a different DNS-based site to see if it's a DNS-specific issue versus a full outage.
6. If you have a combined modem-router unit, the same restart steps apply to that single device.
7. If the internet light on the modem stays red or off after a full restart, the issue is likely on the provider's line into your home.

When to call a pro

If a modem restart doesn't bring the internet light back on, contact your ISP; they can check the line remotely and send a technician if there's a physical fault.

Safety