WiFi Connected but No Internet? Here’s How to Fix It (Step-by-Step Guide)

You're connected to WiFi, the signal is strong, but… nothing works. No websites load, emails won’t send, and your streaming apps are frozen.

If you've ever experienced this, you're not alone. The “WiFi connected but no internet” error frustrates millions of users—whether you're working from home, gaming online, or just trying to watch a video. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fix WiFi issues step by step, for all devices.

Let’s get your internet working again—fast.

What “WiFi Connected but No Internet” Really Means

This issue often causes confusion. Here's what’s really going on:

• Your device is connected to the router (LAN) — that’s why the WiFi signal appears strong.

• But your router isn’t connected to the internet (WAN) — or it's misconfigured.

• Think of it like being inside a building (connected to WiFi) but the front door to the outside world (internet) is locked.

Common misunderstanding:

“I have WiFi, so why doesn’t the internet work?” That’s because WiFi and the internet are two different things. Your device can “talk” to the router, but the router may not be able to “talk” to the internet.

Common Causes of This WiFi Issue

• Router Issues

Your router may be frozen, misconfigured, or failing to pass traffic to your ISP.

• ISP Outage

Sometimes, the problem is beyond your home or office. A temporary outage on your ISP’s end can stop internet access even if your WiFi works.

• IP Address Conflicts

Multiple devices on the network with the same IP address can cause connectivity issues.

• DNS Server Errors

Your DNS server (which translates web addresses to IPs) may be down or blocked.

• Firmware or Driver Bugs

Outdated router firmware or network drivers can lead to unexpected connection errors.

• Device-Specific Misconfigurations

Settings like static IPs, VPNs, proxies, or firewalls may block internet access.

“Why is my WiFi connected but no internet?” Often, it’s one of these culprits.

Quick Pre-Check Steps

Before diving deep, try these quick fixes—they resolve the issue in many cases:

• Restart your device (laptop, phone, etc.)

• Reboot your modem and router (power off, wait 30 seconds, turn back on)

• Try a different device on the same network (to isolate the problem)

• Check network alerts (Windows or Mac may show "No Internet" in the system tray)

• Toggle airplane mode on/off on mobile devices

If none of these fix it, move on to the detailed steps below.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix the Issue

Here’s a complete troubleshooting checklist:

Step 1: Power Cycle Your Network

Unplug your modem and router for 30 seconds, then reconnect. Wait 2–3 minutes for full reboot.

Step 2: Forget and Reconnect to WiFi

On your device:

• Go to WiFi settings

• Select your network → “Forget”

• Reconnect and enter your password

Step 3: Use the Windows Network Troubleshooter

• Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Status

• Click Network Troubleshooter Let it run diagnostics and follow prompts.

Step 4: Change DNS Settings

Set DNS to Google's public servers:

• Primary: 8.8.8.8

• Secondary: 8.8.4.4

How:

• Windows: Settings → Adapter Options → Right-click WiFi → Properties → IPv4 → Use custom DNS

• Mac: System Settings → Network → DNS → Add

Update WiFi Drivers

• Windows: Open Device Manager → Network Adapters → Right-click your adapter → Update Driver

Reset TCP/IP Stack (Windows)

Open Command Prompt (Admin), then enter:

bash

CopyEdit

netsh int ip reset

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

ipconfig /flushdns

Restart your computer.

Fixing It by Device

Windows

• Network reset (Settings → Network → Reset)

• Use Command Prompt commands (see above)

• Disable/re-enable adapter

macOS

• Renew DHCP lease (System Settings → Network → WiFi → Details)

• Delete and re-add the network

• Reset NVRAM if necessary

Android

• Toggle airplane mode

• Reset network settings (Settings → System → Reset)

• Use static IP temporarily

iPhone

• Reboot the phone

• Reset network settings (Settings → General → Reset)

• Disable “WiFi Assist” under Cellular settings

When to Call Your ISP or IT Support

If you’ve tried everything and:

• All devices show “connected but no internet”

• Router lights indicate errors (red or blinking WAN light)

• Outages are reported in your area

• You suspect hardware failure

Then it's time to call your Internet Service Provider or a professional IT support team.

Info to Provide:

• When the issue started

• What you've already tried

• Whether it affects one or all devices

• Your router model and ISP plan

How to Prevent This Issue in the Future

• Update router firmware regularly

• Schedule weekly reboots (some routers allow auto-reboots)

• Use a stable DNS like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google (8.8.8.8)

• Limit network overload from too many streaming/gaming devices

• Use surge protectors to protect your router/modem from power spikes

Final Thoughts

Seeing a “WiFi connected but no internet” error is frustrating—but it’s usually fixable.

From a simple reboot to changing DNS or resetting network settings, this guide walks you through how to fix WiFi issues for good. Keep this guide bookmarked so you're never stuck offline for long.

FAQs

Why does my WiFi stay connected but no internet on my phone?

Your phone is linked to your router, but the router may not be connected to the internet due to an outage or config issue.

How do I reset network settings?

• iPhone: Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings

• Android: Settings → System → Reset → Network Settings

Will changing DNS help fix this issue?

Yes. A downed DNS server can block internet access even if your WiFi is fine. Use Google or Cloudflare DNS.

Can antivirus software block internet access?

Yes. Some security suites have firewalls that may block traffic. Try disabling them temporarily.

Is it my router or my ISP?

If all devices are affected and rebooting doesn’t help, it’s likely your ISP or a faulty router.