How Do I Troubleshoot My Internet? (2024)

Quick Links

  • Try this first
  • Have you moved your cable modem or router to a new cable outlet?
  • Have you recently moved your device (PC, laptop, iPad,etc)?
  • Check for disconnected wires
  • Is there is a splitter between your wall cable outlet and the modem?
  • Limit bandwidth intensive applications
  • Ensure firewalls are configured correctly
  • Was your device provided by your employer or school?
  • If all else fails, it may help to reboot

Try This First

  • Ensure there is power going to your modem and/or router.Checkto ensurethe power cords for themodem and/or router are plugged into a functioning power outlet and that the outlet is not connected to a switch that might be turned off. If you still have no power,you can tryplugging your modem directly intoan alternatepower outlet. Please bypass any surge protectors, extension cords, or power strips. If there is no power to your modem,please call our 24/7 Technical Care Center for further assistance at 877-692-2253.
  • If you also subscribe toSparklightTV services, verify thatyourSparklightTV service is working. If both internet and TV service are not working, there may be a system outage in your area. Search for your service address on the Sparklight Outage Check page. Or call 877-692-2253 and follow the prompts to check for service outages in your area. If there is a temporary service outage in your area, you will hear an announcement regarding current outages.

Have you moved your cable modem or router to a new cable outlet?

If you have moved your modem, router orWi-Fi access point to another location, move it back to the original installation cable (coaxial) outlet. Keep in mind that high-speed services are set up to work on the outlet where they were originally installedand may not work properly using other outlets

It is important that the modemisin an open environment, clear of obstructionsand as close as possible to the device. It is also advisable to store your modem at least10feet away from copy machines, microwaves andcordlessphones, which can interfere with the wireless signal.

Have you recently moved your device (PC, laptop, iPad,etc)?

If your device is too far away from the wireless modem or router, this can cause a poor signal or a slow wireless connection. Move the device closer to the wireless access point to gain a stronger signal. Try to limit the number of walls between the device and wireless access point to one or two walls.

Check for disconnected wires

Make sure the ethernet cable connection to the modem and the connection between the modem, router, or wireless access point) is not loose or unplugged.

Is there is a splitter between your wall cable outlet and the modem?

A splitter can reduce cable signal strength coming from the wall cable outlet. Removing the splitter will increase the signal strength. Removing a splitter may be a temporary solution, especially if the splitter services multiple devices like a TV and a cable modem. (Note: A Sparklight technician may have installed the splitter. It is still OK to remove the splitter to help diagnose a weak signal point.)

Run a speed test.

Runningaspeed teston a laptop or desktop computerthat is connected with an ethernet cable directly to the cable modem. This will determine if the slow speeds are the result of Sparklight's network or another factor outside of the network. If the speeds match or are close to the subscribed speeds, then Sparklight's network and equipment are functioning properly. If the speeds are substantially less than the subscribed speeds, please call our 24/7 Technical Care Center at 877-692-2253 for further assistance. 

Limit bandwidth intensive applications

Do you use file-sharing apps, participate in video conferencing apps like Zoom, Teams or Skype, have several household members stream high-definition video or video games at the same time? Limit applications that demand large amounts of data and multiple data-intensive streaming services like games and HD video, which can slow internet connection speeds for the rest of the household.

Ensure firewalls are configured correctly

Firewalls monitor all network traffic on your device. A restrictive firewall can slow internet speeds. If you suspect a firewall is restricting internet access, try resetting your firewall to its default settings.

Was your device provided by your employer or school?

When using a device from an employer or school it is common for VPN software to be implemented to provide you access to their protected networks. To check if a VPN application is affecting connectivity speed, attempt to disconnect from your VPN or test your connection with a different device, as the VPN itself can introduce several potential roadblocks to the internet connection and speed.

If all else fails, it may help to reboot

Reboot your cable modem or phone modem:

  • This step usually is necessary to re-establish a connection after a recent issue. Instructions can be found here.
  • It is a healthy practice to occasionally reboot your cable modem to refresh its internet connection.

Reboot your router (if applicable):

  • After rebooting your cable modem in the step above, it may be necessary to also reboot the router. Unplug the power from the router for 5 seconds, and plug it back in. It should take about 30 seconds to reboot.

Reboot your computing device:

  • This step can resolve a wide variety of issues including re-establishing a connection to your internet service and installing new hardware and network drivers.

Related Topics:

Internet Outage?

To check if there is an outage in your area, please call 877-692-2253 and enter your phone number/ account number. If there is a temporary service outage in your area, you will hear anannouncementregarding current outages in your area.

Did you know you can sign up to receive text message alerts if there is an outage impacting services in your area?Learn more.

Forgot your username or password?

Please clickhereto retrieve or reset your username and/or password.

How Do I Troubleshoot My Internet? (2024)

FAQs

How Do I Troubleshoot My Internet? ›

When your home internet connection goes out, it's often due to a hiccup with your modem and/or router. The solution is simple: Restart your equipment by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds or so, plugging it back in and allowing it to reboot. More often than not, this will resolve your Wi-Fi outage.

How to troubleshoot a home internet connection? ›

  1. Check Service Isn't Being Blocked. ...
  2. Open Windows Network Diagnostics and Check Your DNS settings. ...
  3. Check the Wi-Fi Adapter. ...
  4. Reset Internet Explorer Settings. ...
  5. Reset Network Settings. ...
  6. Restart File/Windows Explorer. ...
  7. Check Windows Services. ...
  8. Forget Wi-Fi Network.
May 23, 2024

How do you get your internet back online? ›

When your home internet connection goes out, it's often due to a hiccup with your modem and/or router. The solution is simple: Restart your equipment by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds or so, plugging it back in and allowing it to reboot. More often than not, this will resolve your Wi-Fi outage.

Why is my Wi-Fi connected but no internet? ›

There can be a number of reasons for having no internet, even when the Wi-Fi symbol shows that you're connected. The most common cause is a problem with your router or modem, or a loose cable, but your internet can also fail because of a more technical reason.

How to troubleshoot a Wi-Fi connection? ›

Restart your modem and router
  1. Unplug the power cable for the router from the power source.
  2. Unplug the power cable for the modem from the power source. ...
  3. Wait at least 30 seconds or so. ...
  4. Plug the modem back into the power source. ...
  5. Plug your router back into the power source. ...
  6. On your PC, try to connect again.

How do I reboot my home internet? ›

Restart modem
  1. Unplug the power and Ethernet cables from the modem. ...
  2. Wait 2-3 minutes for the modem to fully power off. ...
  3. Reconnect the power and Ethernet cables to the modem.
  4. Wait for the Internet light to turn solid, then check if the internet is working properly.

How do I fix poor Internet connection at home? ›

Hardware tips:
  1. Turn off internet-connected devices when you aren't using them.
  2. Clear your browser cache and cookies.
  3. Exit streaming apps after watching videos or listening to music.
  4. Restart devices regularly.
  5. Turn off auto-updates on apps, gaming consoles and computers.

How do I reconnect my home internet? ›

How to fix internet & network issues
  1. Unplug the router and modem's power cords from the power outlet for 15 seconds.
  2. Plug the power cords back in.
  3. Check that all cords and cables are secure at both ends.
  4. Wait a few minutes, until the lights on the modem and router are working right.

Why is the router not connecting to the internet? ›

There are a few common reasons why your Wi-Fi signal may be dropping, including: The Wi-Fi network is past its bandwidth capacity and is overloaded with devices. There is interference from nearby Wi-Fi networks and devices. The signal strength is low due to your distance from your router.

How to troubleshoot network connectivity problems? ›

Network Troubleshooting
  1. Check the hardware connectivity. ...
  2. Use the command line and ipconfig to renew the computer's IP address.
  3. Use the command line, ping and traceroute to test the connection route.
  4. Use the command line and perform a DNS check using nslookup to test if the requested server has issues.

How to fix internet may not be available? ›

General troubleshooting tips for Android devices
  1. Open your Settings app and tap Network & internet or Connections. Depending on your device, these options may be different.
  2. Turn Wi-Fi off and mobile data on, and check if there's a difference.
  3. If not, turn mobile data off and Wi-Fi on and check again.

How to reset a router? ›

Check your router for the reset button or WPS button. In most cases, this button is located on the back or bottom of your router. Press and hold the button for ten seconds. Depending on the location of the button, you may need a paperclip or bobby pin to reach and press the button.

Can you get Wi-Fi without internet? ›

Another easy way to get Wi-Fi without internet when you're away from home is to use your mobile phone as a personal hotspot. Most mobile devices offer the option of turning the device into a portable internet provider by creating a private Wi-Fi network that you can then link to your laptop or other devices.

How to restore internet connection? ›

Complete list of fixes if your internet is not working
  1. Restart your equipment. ...
  2. Connect with an Ethernet cable. ...
  3. Check for an internet outage. ...
  4. Try using a different device. ...
  5. Check your wires and cables. ...
  6. Run your computer's internet troubleshooter. ...
  7. Reposition your router/gateway. ...
  8. Update everything.
Jan 4, 2024

How to fix a router with no internet? ›

How to Fix It When You Have No Internet Connection
  1. Reboot your router and modem. ...
  2. Verify that you're connected to the correct network. ...
  3. Re-enter the wireless password. ...
  4. Disconnect from the VPN. ...
  5. Make sure you're getting an IP address. ...
  6. Open your browser. ...
  7. Try a different DNS server. ...
  8. Check the router for MAC address filtering.
Apr 22, 2024

How do I fix my router that won't connect to the internet? ›

How to fix internet & network issues
  1. Unplug the router and modem's power cords from the power outlet for 15 seconds.
  2. Plug the power cords back in.
  3. Check that all cords and cables are secure at both ends.
  4. Wait a few minutes, until the lights on the modem and router are working right.

Why is the internet in my house not working? ›

Try resetting your devices.

Unplug your modem for at least 10 seconds; plug it back in. Unplug your router for at least 10 seconds; plug it back in. The lights on your router should start blinking. When the light comes on that shows you have an Internet connection, reboot your device.

How do you diagnose poor Internet connection? ›

Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you when dealing with internet connection issues:
  1. Conduct a Speed Test. ...
  2. Test Your Network on a Different Device. ...
  3. Move Closer to your Router or Reposition It. ...
  4. Purchase a Wi-Fi Extender or Mesh Network. ...
  5. Reboot Your Modem and Router.

How to tell if a modem or router is bad? ›

Reduced Speeds and Reduced Connection Quality

If you feel that your internet speeds have decreased or you are seeing issues with increased buffering and lagging or breaking in the connection, it could be time for a new modem. You can easily test your internet speed with online tools like Speedtest.net.

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