Why is my WiFi connected but there's no internet?

Wifi
1

I recently connected to my WiFi network, and while it shows that I’m connected, I can’t access the internet. I’ve tried restarting my router and checking the cables, but the issue persists. I need assistance understanding why this is happening and how to fix it. Any advice on troubleshooting steps would be greatly appreciated.

2

Alright, so you’re connected to your WiFi but no internet. Annoying right? I’ve been down this road a few times, so lemme break this down for you:

  1. IP Address Conflict:
    Sometimes devices on your network might be assigned the same IP address. This causes them to pretty much fight for internet access. You could reset the IP address of your device:

    • On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /release and then ipconfig /renew.
    • On a Mac, you can go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > TCP/IP, and click ‘Renew DHCP Lease’.

  2. DNS Issues:
    The Domain Name Server (DNS) essentially translates web addresses to IP addresses. If there’s an issue with your DNS settings, you might get connected but receive no internet. Try changing your DNS to Google’s:

    • On Windows: Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click on your WiFi network > Properties > IPv4 > Properties. Enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
    • On Mac: System Preferences > Network > Advanced > DNS tab. Click the ‘+’ button and add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

  3. Router and Modem Trouble:

    • Restart them both: Unplug both router and modem, wait for about a minute, then plug them back in.
    • Firmware Update: Head over to your router’s settings page (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), log in, and check if there’s a firmware update.

  4. ISP Issues:
    Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might be having issues. Try using a mobile hotspot or another WiFi network to check if the problem persists. If everything works fine on other connections, it’s worth giving your ISP a call.

  5. Network Adapter Issues:

    • On Windows, go to Device Manager, find your network adapter under ‘Network adapters’, right-click, and choose ‘Uninstall’. Reboot your computer and it should reinstall the network adapter automatically.
    • On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network, select WiFi, and then click ‘Apply’ to turn it off and back on.

  6. Proxy Settings:
    Check to see if there’s a proxy server setup:

    • On Windows: Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy. Make sure the ‘Use a proxy server’ is off.
    • On Mac: System Preferences > Network > Advanced > Proxies. Ensure everything is unchecked unless you know what you’re doing.

  7. Interference & Signal Strength:
    Sometimes physical obstructions or other wireless devices cause signal interference.

    • Ensure your router is in an optimal position, ideally centrally located.
    • Avoid placing too many electronic devices near your router.
    • WiFi extenders or mesh networks can help if the signal strength is weak.

  8. Malware/Virus Scan:
    Given that malware can mess up internet settings, it wouldn’t hurt to run a malware/virus scan. Use tools like Malwarebytes or your preferred antivirus software.

  9. Check for Outage:
    If all else fails, websites like DownDetector can tell you if there’s a widespread outage affecting your ISP. This is pretty useful just to rule out major issues that are out of your control.

  10. Router Settings:
    Make sure your router isn’t set to some weird mode like AP client mode, which might limit internet access. Check your router’s manual for specific settings.

Troubleshooting these steps should hopefully pinpoint the issue. If you’re still stuck, it might be time for a professional to take a look, but tackling these might save you some trouble. Good luck!

3

Ha, well, byteguru’s got a pretty good list there, I’ll give 'em that. But let’s be honest, sometimes these solutions are more hassle than help. Do you REALLY wanna be messing around with command prompts and network settings all day?

Here’s some no-nonsense approaches:

  • Try a Different Device: Just grab another phone, tablet, whatever, and see if it connects to the WiFi and gets internet. If it does, congrats, it’s your device’s problem and not the network’s.

  • Check Data Cap: Your ISP might be throttling your speed or you might’ve hit a data cap. They LOVE doing that without telling you. Call 'em up and get the scoop basically.

  • Distance Matters: Don’t laugh, but sometimes just moving closer to the router helps. WiFi signals are like butter; spread too thin, they don’t get the job done.

  • Forget and Reconnect: Forget the network on your device and then reconnect. Sometimes it clears out old settings that might be causing the issue.

  • Neighbors’ WiFi Interference: Densely populated areas mean lots of WiFi networks, which means interference. Change the channel your router is using. Some are overcrowded while others are wide open (Channels like 1, 6, or 11 on the 2.4GHz band).

And yeah, those free DNS options like Google’s are good, but don’t forget OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 & 208.67.220.220) as an alternative. Slightly less creepy than Google tracking everything you do, haha.

But sometimes you gotta just bite the bullet and get a new router. If you’re using some ancient one given by your ISP, trash it. Consider something like Netgear or ASUS; they’re pricier but often work smoother. No need to mess with firmware updates if the thing actually works out of the box.

4

Alright, byteguru and techchizkid threw in a lot of solid advice there. I’ll throw my two cents as an alternative thinker, perhaps a bit more off the beaten path:

First off, if you’re lookin’ at this long list and thinking, “this is gonna take all day,” you might be right. But let’s mix it up:

Check QoS Settings

Quality of Service (QoS) on your router prioritizes certain types of traffic. If someone in your house watches 4K Netflix all day, your browsing might take the hit. Disable it or tweak around:

  • QoS Adjustments: Router settings > QoS section. Make sure it’s not restricting your bandwidth.

UPnP and NAT Settings

Here’s one that often gets overlooked:

  • Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) helps devices discover each other. If it’s off, your device might struggle. Router settings > UPnP section > Enable.

Network Congestion

Simply put, too many devices connected can mess things up.

  • Off-Peak Browsing: Try at different times. If it’s good late at night but not during the day, you’ve got congestion issues.

Too Many Devices

Have you tried to simply disconnect EVERYTHING except one device to see if the problem persists? Sometimes a rogue IoT device or smart home gadget might hog bandwidth or cause issues.

Use an Ethernet Cable

Before you harp on this, hear me out. Temporarily hardwiring a device right into your router can help rule out wireless issues.

  • This helps ensure the issue is at the router or ISP level, not with WiFi interference.

Separate Networks

Your modem might have a built-in router creating two networks, and sometimes they conflict with your standalone router. If this is the case, try bridging the modem to disable its routing function.

Check Channels and Bands

Yeah, techchizkid talked about neighbors’ WiFi, but lemme add this:

  • Use apps like WiFi Analyzer to scan your vicinity and find the best channel.
  • If your router supports dual-band, ensure you’re using the 5GHz band too - fewer users typically means less interference.

Look for Firmware Issues

Not just updating firmware, but certain firmwares are plain buggy.

  • Check forums for your specific model; sometimes downgrading to an older stable firmware does the trick.

Is Your Cable Modem Sweating?

We often overlook the modem. If your ISP’s modem is ancient, it might be boggin’ down. A quick call to them might get you a newer, more reliable model.

Your Firewall Settings

Yep, your personal device’s firewall might be blocking internet unknowingly.

  • Ensure no unintentional rules are set up that restrict internet access.

Router’s MTU Settings

The Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) size can impact your internet:

  • Change it within router settings. Commonly, around 1500 is optimal but sometimes tweaking lower or higher can fix odd issues.

Contacting ISP First?

Hey, contrary to what was mentioned earlier, you might want to call your ISP right from the get-go. Fastest dupe check for outages or known issues.

Hope some of these ideas help and not just make it more convoluted. Each setup’s unique, so don’t be afraid to try unconventional fixes. Let us know what works!