What to Do When Your Internet Goes Out

Caroline Lefelhoc / Updated Nov 18, 2024 | Pub. Nov 18, 2024

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Your video call freezes mid-sentence on that uber-important sales presentation you’ve worked on for months. You stare at your screen in horror as your prospect’s face pixelates, then vanishes entirely. The dreaded “No Internet Connection" message appears in your browser window. Your heart races as you frantically check your phone—no WiFi there either. Three months of preparation, a potential six-figure deal, and your company’s biggest opportunity of the quarter all hang in the balance while your internet decides to take an impromptu vacation.

Few things trigger instant panic quite like losing your internet connection, especially when working from home. But here’s the good news: most internet problems have solutions, and you don’t need to be a tech wizard to fix them. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything from quick fixes to long-term solutions, helping you get back online and stay there. You’ll learn to prevent common internet issues before they derail your day—and your next big presentation.

Verifying the Problem

Before diving into complex fixes, you’ll want to make sure your internet is actually down. Try loading several different websites, not just one. If only a single site won’t load, the problem likely lies with that website rather than your connection. Similarly, test your connection on multiple devices [1]. If your laptop won’t connect but your phone works fine, you’re dealing with a device-specific issue rather than a true internet outage.

No internet? Don’t panic.

The Power of the Restart

The age-old tech support advice to “turn it off and on again" has become a cliché for good reason—it works remarkably well [2]. However, there’s a right way to restart your internet equipment. Simply pressing the power button or doing a quick unplug-replug is often not enough.

Instead, completely unplug your modem and router (or your gateway if you have a combined unit) from power. Wait a full minute—this gives the equipment time to clear its memory and reset properly. Then, plug in your modem first and wait two to three minutes for it to establish its connection. Finally, plug in your router and give it a few minutes to boot up. This methodical approach gives each piece of equipment time to establish its connections properly and often resolves mysterious connectivity issues.

Understanding Signal Strength

Your internet connection is only as good as its signal strength. Modern modems have indicator lights that can tell you a lot about the quality of your connection. A consistently red or flashing light often indicates poor signal strength, which can cause intermittent outages or slow speeds that feel like outages. If you’re experiencing frequent disconnections, checking your modem’s signal levels might reveal the root cause.

Poor signal strength can result from damaged external cables, splitters that divide your signal too many times, or infrastructure issues that require professional attention. If you consistently see warning lights on your modem, it’s worth having your service provider run a signal test—they can often detect issues remotely before they become major problems.

Weather vs your WiFi

Weather Woes and Internet Outages

Different types of internet connections react differently to weather conditions. Satellite internet users often experience the “rain fade" phenomenon, where stormy weather interferes with the signal between their dish and the satellite [3]. Cable and fiber connections are generally more weather-resistant but can still be affected by extreme conditions that damage infrastructure.

If you rely on satellite internet, consider installing a rain guard or heated dish cover to minimize weather-related disruptions. For any type of connection, having a backup plan, like a mobile hotspot, can help you stay connected during weather-related outages. Remember that even if the weather is clear at your house, storms anywhere between you and your provider’s facilities can impact your service.

Too many users online?

The Hidden Impact of Network Congestion

Sometimes, what feels like an outage is network congestion—too many users trying to use too much bandwidth simultaneously. This is particularly common during peak usage hours (typically evenings) or in densely populated areas. Cable internet users often experience this more than fiber users because neighborhoods share bandwidth.

Try scheduling bandwidth-heavy activities like game downloads or system updates during off-peak hours to combat congestion. If you consistently experience slowdowns during peak times, you might need to upgrade to a higher-speed plan or switch to a service type that’s less susceptible to congestion, like fiber.

When hackers strike

Security Concerns

Internet outages can sometimes signal security breaches. Your network might be compromised if your connection drops frequently or behaves erratically, especially after visiting suspicious websites or clicking unknown links [4]. Signs of potential security issues include:

Unexpected changes to your browser homepage or search engine
Unusually slow performance, even with strong signals
Strange network activity when no one is actively using the internet
Unfamiliar devices connected to your network

Maintaining strong security practices can prevent many of these issues. Use complex WiFi passwords, keep your router’s firmware updated, and run regular antivirus scans on your devices. If you suspect a security breach, immediately change your network password and consider performing a factory reset on your router.

Managing multiple devices

Bandwidth and Speed

In today’s connected homes, what appears to be an outage might just be a bandwidth bottleneck. When too many devices compete for limited bandwidth, everyone’s connection can slow to a crawl or stop entirely [5]. Smart TVs, security cameras, phones, laptops, and gaming consoles all add to the load.

Managing your home’s internet usage requires understanding your plan’s capabilities. A family of four streaming HD video on separate devices needs significantly more bandwidth than a single user checking email. If you’re regularly maxing out your connection, consider upgrading your plan or implementing household guidelines for heavy bandwidth activities.

When to Call the Professionals

While many internet issues can be resolved at home, some require professional intervention. Contact your service provider if:

Your modem consistently shows poor signal strength
Outages occur frequently, even after troubleshooting
You notice damaged external cables or connection points
Basic connectivity tests fail after trying all other solutions

Most providers can run remote diagnostics on your connection and often detect problems you can’t see from your end. Don’t hesitate to request a technician visit if problems persist—sometimes, the issue lies within your provider’s infrastructure and can only be resolved by their team.

Backup plans save the day

Planning for Future Outages

Once you’ve restored your connection, take steps to prevent future disruptions. Consider setting up a backup internet solution like a mobile hotspot for emergencies [6]. Position your router centrally in your home, elevated and away from other electronics that might cause interference. Keep your equipment updated, and don’t wait until it fails to replace aging hardware.

Create a backup plan for critical tasks. Keep important documents available offline, know where to find public WiFi if needed, and maintain a mobile hotspot or data plan supporting essential activities during outages [7]. If you work from home, discuss internet contingency plans with your employer—many companies have policies for handling connectivity issues during remote work.

The Future of Reliable Internet

As our reliance on internet connectivity grows, so do our options for maintaining stable connections. Consider newer technologies like mesh WiFi systems for better coverage, or explore whether fiber internet is available in your area. These modern solutions often provide more reliable service with built-in redundancies to prevent outages.

Remember, internet outages are frustrating but usually temporary and fixable. By understanding these troubleshooting steps and maintaining your network properly, you’ll be well-equipped to handle future connectivity challenges when they arise. And if all else fails, there’s always your local coffee shop’s WiFi—just remember to use a VPN when connecting to public networks.

Is Your Connection Strong Enough?

Sometimes, what feels like an outage is simply an overwhelmed internet connection. With today’s demanding applications—from video calls to 4K streaming—having adequate speed is crucial for preventing disruptions. Most households need at least 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload speed per person or active device for reliable service.

Need help to determine if your connection measures up? Test your current speed with our speed test tool, or enter your zip code to explore faster internet options in your area that could help prevent future outages.

Learn everything you need about internet speed with our complete speed guide.