Troubleshooting Tips for when the Internet Goes Down

No matter what kind of internet service you have subscribed to, whether it is the fastest or the most reliable, there is always bound to be some time when the internet goes down. We have all been there multiple times. It is pretty normalized now. 

The easiest thing to do to get your internet working again would be to just call up your internet service provider so they can help you resolve your internet issue. You can reach out to their customer service who will guide you through the whole process of what might be wrong with your internet connection. If you were subscribed to Xfinity internet, you could dial the Xfinity phone number and be directed to an expert who would have provided you with the troubleshooting tips for when your internet is down. This step might seem easier for those who do not have the time and knowledge to try things themselves. 

But if you are a little tech-savvy and want to try fixing the internet yourself, read ahead! 

 Try Other Devices or Websites

This is too obvious. And often overlooked. Maybe there is a problem with the website that you are trying to load. If one website isn’t working, try loading another one. If the other website works, then it means there was a problem with the former website. You will just have to wait until the website is back up and running again. 

Maybe it is the PC. Try checking other devices or laptops to see if the internet is working fine. If websites are loading on other devices, then the problem is with the PC and not the internet. 

Check Wi-Fi Settings

Mac users can check the Wi-Fi signal icon on the top right corner to make sure they are connected to the right internet connection with the correct password. If not, your Mac might be connected to another network by default and the problem might be with their internet connection. Go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced and uncheck unwanted network connections under the Auto-Join box. 

Windows user can check their connection signal in the bottom-right corner. If your Windows is connected to another network, you can change the connection priority by right-clicking on that network and selecting Forget.

However, if you are connected to the right connection, then Windows users can right-click on the network icon and select Troubleshoot problems to let Windows run a diagnosis. That is a very easy way to reset your adapter to correct common internet connection problems. 

Check Internet Package

Are you sure you haven’t run out of internet packages? When you are nearing the limit of your data allowance, your internet tends to slow down or gets disrupted often. That means you need to reapply for the package to continue using the internet or you need to upgrade to a higher-level package so that you are allowed more data to browse the internet at your leisure. 

Scan for Virus

Yes, it is possible that the internet connection is disrupted due to a virus in your computer system. Viruses can have a significant impact on your internet speeds and overall system performance. Run antivirus software or spyware to detect any threats in your computer system. Windows comes with Windows Defender built-in which can totally do the job. If the virus or malware is detected and removed, it can get your internet working again.

Decode Blinking Lights

If your internet is still not working, maybe you should check your modem and router. Your modem or router has an LED on that indicate whether they are plugged in or not. Disconnect the power cord of your modem and router and reconnect them again after a minute or two. Make sure that the power switch is on. If you don’t see the blinking lights, then you probably have a failed modem or router or a faulty power strip. 

If the modem light is blinking rather than being solid, then it means it is unable to find an internet connection. If the router’s light is on but the Wi-Fi light isn’t, you might need to press the Wi-Fi button on the side or re-enable Wi-Fi from the configuration menu.  

How Many Programs Are Using the Internet?

Moreover, it is also possible that a program on your PC or another device in your house is using up all the bandwidth, hence resulting in disruption or slowdown of your internet connection. 

Windows users can open up Task Manager by pressing CTRL+ALT+DELETE. On the Task Manager, you can see which programs are using a lot of internet data by checking out the Network column. You can wait it out if some heavy files are being downloaded, or you can simply cancel it so you can get back to what you were doing earlier.

Mac users can press Command+Space on their keyboards to open Spotlight, type Activity Monitor, and check out the Network tab to see which programs are using up the bandwidth.

Final Thoughts

There are a number of ways that you can check why your internet connection is suddenly getting disrupted. If none of these work, you can just reach out to your internet service provider to help you resolve the issue of your network connection.