Router Not Connecting to Internet

If only one device has no internet, the problem is with that device - not your router. Check its Wi-Fi settings, flush its DNS cache (ipconfig /flushdns on Windows), or try forgetting and reconnecting to the network. If every device has no internet, continue below.

Connect a laptop directly to the router with an Ethernet cable. If it also has no internet, the problem is the internet connection itself (ISP side or router WAN port). If Ethernet works but Wi-Fi does not, it is a wireless issue - see your router's wireless settings or try rebooting the router.

If you have a separate modem, connect directly to it (bypassing the router) and test. If internet works through the modem directly, the router is the problem. If it does not, contact your ISP - it is an upstream issue.

Unplug the modem. Unplug the router. Wait 30 seconds. Plug in the modem and wait 60-90 seconds for it to sync with your ISP. Then plug in the router. This resolves the majority of temporary connection failures. See: Full power cycle guide.

Before spending 30 minutes troubleshooting, check your ISP's status page or app. Also try downdetector.com for your ISP name. If there is a reported outage in your area, no amount of router troubleshooting will fix it - wait for your ISP.

Log into your router at 192.168.1.1 and check the WAN or Internet status. If the WAN IP shows 0.0.0.0 or is blank, the router is not getting an IP from your ISP. Check the physical cable between your modem and router. Try a different Ethernet cable. Recheck the modem sync status lights.

DSL and some fiber connections require PPPoE - a username and password from your ISP. In your router's WAN settings, confirm the connection type is set correctly (DHCP for cable, PPPoE for DSL). If PPPoE, verify the username and password match what your ISP provided. A single wrong character prevents connection.

Some ISPs register the MAC address of the first device that connected to their system. When you add a new router, it presents a different MAC and the ISP may refuse to assign an IP. In your router's WAN settings, look for MAC Address Clone and copy your computer's MAC address. Then reboot the modem and router.

Sometimes the internet connection is fine but the ISP's DNS servers are failing. In your router admin panel, manually set DNS to 1.1.1.1 (primary) and 8.8.8.8 (secondary). If websites load after this change, your ISP's DNS had a problem. See: How to Change Router DNS.

A firmware bug can cause persistent WAN connectivity failures. Check for a firmware update first - sometimes a bug fix is available. If that does not help, a factory reset and fresh configuration often resolves stubborn connection issues that survive reboots. See: Factory reset guide.