How to fix an internet connection

Access Problems | Routers | Firewall Issues | Security Software | Terminology

If You Can't Access the Web

We'll assume that your Internet was working at an earlier point. If you are setting it up for the first time, the steps listed below were not designed with that purpose in mind. You need to follow the instructions that came with your router or modem.

I've included a series of definitions for the terminology used on this page.

Reboot the Computer

The first step should be rebooting your computer or device to see if that fixes the problem. You'd be surprised how often that simple step resolves issues.

If restarting your computer or device doesn't work, you'll have to check out each potential problem area to see if it restores access.

Check These Areas

The most likely problem areas related to a loss of Internet assess are one or more of the following:

Progress through the suggestions on this page to test alternative solutions. I've presented them in the order I'd likely progress if I were to be assessing the problem and looking for solutions.

ISP Issues

If the issue is with your ISP or (rarely) a regional access issue, the resolution is beyond your control. You'll just have to wait for your ISP or the Internet structure to repair the problem.

Everything Connects via a Network

Everything about Internet connection issues relates to how the various networks are operating. Unless the problem is directly related to your computer or device (tablet, smartphone, virtual assistant, Smart Home appliance) then it will involve either your own network or one that is further along the chain.

I'm going to use the terms computer and device interchangeably, because all that differs is how they are configured to connect to the Internet.

A network is a collection of computers and other devices connected and talking to each other.

1. The most immediate network is the one inside your home or business (your home network).
2. The next is your connection to your ISP (another network).
3. Your ISP connects to the Internet (a world-wide network) through a regional collection of related networks.

Let's have a look at how each of these may be involved in the chain of connections from your computer to the website or service you're trying to reach.

Your Home Network

Your most basic home network is your computer connected directly to a modem provided by your ISP (usually via either a router or a router/modem combination).

The router provides access to all other connected devices connected to your network as well as to the Internet. Whether these devices can talk to each other (i.e., share information) depends upon how the network and the devices are configured.

Your network should be secured using secure passwords for both your router and your WiFi.

Your ISP

Your ISP (Shaw, Telus, Rogers, etc.) provide you with your connection to the Internet via their own network (which includes all their customers' networks).

Your ISP then connects through a network of additional connections to the Internet (designed originally to withstand a nuclear attack by switching automatically to whatever routing is available).

Public Networks

Public networks include free community WiFi networks, coffeeshop WiFi, public library networks and other similar Internet connection that you don't control.

You may be connected using your own laptop, tablet or smartphone or you may be using a public computer (such as those provided by a library or school).

If you're having difficulty connecting on a public network, you'll need to talk to the staff to determine how to resolve the issue. Sometimes the staff have no control.

You Can't Trust Public Networks

If you are using public access from a connection that you don't control (something other than your home network) or one that isn't secured properly (you haven't changed the default passwords or enabled security) then you are placing your computer and data at risk.

Everyone on an insecure (public) network such as a coffee shop can potentially “see” the information you are sending and received on that WiFi service. All it takes is some software that is easily obtained on the Internet.

Even if you're using a gated network (one that requires you to sign on), unless you control that network, you can't trust it.

NEVER do Internet banking or similar risky activity on a public network.

Cellular Networks

Cellular networks are those provided by cellular ISPs. These networks are separate from the typical home or business network and usually have relatively small data caps. Cellular networks are fairly reliable (the number of cell towers and their location determines the strength of your signal) but do sometimes go down.

Cellular service is more secure than free WiFi. However, just like your home network, everything you do on your cell is visible to your cellular provider unless you use a VPN.

Other than ensuring your cellular service is turned on for your device, there is little you can do to resolve connection issues other than to move to an area with better reception or call your cellular provider for assistance.

Securing Your Network

It is important that you secure your own network. It is beyond the scope of connection issues, but there are resources on this site that will help you to do that.

At the very least, you should change the default passwords used to configure your router and connect to your WiFi.

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Troubleshooting Access Problems

Where I refer to your router this may be configured as a separate high-speed modem connected to an external router or as an all-in-one combined modem/router supplied by your ISP (most common).

If the devices are separate then both need to be reset when you are instructed to reset your router in the steps listed on this page.

• Turn off the modem first, then the router;
• Use the reverse sequence when restoring power.

A separate power bar with only the two devices attached simplifies matters.

There is No Internet Access

The following steps assume there is NO Internet access. Specific websites and ISPs can have outages that have nothing to do with your computer or its settings.

Troubleshooting Steps

Try the following series of steps, in order, to see if this fixes your problem. You can stop when you resolve the issue(s) you are having.

The next few sections will expand these steps into a series of instructions. Where Linux is indicated, I've based these on Linux Mint, the version I'm currently working with.

Check the Network

Check the network connection on your computer. This connects other computers in your network as well as providing access to the Internet via your ISP.

Depending upon your operating system and your settings, there may be a network icon at the top or bottom of the screen or it may be hidden.

Your Internet connection can include either or both wired and wireless connections (see terminology).

Whichever you're using, there is likely a router involved, whether it is your home network or a public network such as at a coffee shop or a business network, or a community wireless network).

If you're not using your own network, you'll need to speak to the person responsible for that network for details on how to fix any issues.

Check the Wireless Settings

If you're connected wirelessly you'll see a listing of available wireless networks. The wireless network you're currently logged into (if any) should be indicated. Most networks are protected by a security protocol and a password.

• You'll need to verify that your connection is strong enough and that the settings don't indicate any problems.
• If you're having difficulties connecting or if there is a problem with the connection, you'll need to diagnose it.
• If you don't control the network, you'll need to ask for the password and may need additional help diagnosing the problems.
• Some public networks are heavily used and can be very slow even when everything is working fine.

Check the Wired Settings

If you're connected via CAT5 or CAT6 network cables, you should check the following:

• Check the cables to ensure that they aren't unplugged or damaged.
• Be sure that the network adapter isn't disabled.
• You may need to reset the router then reboot your computer.

Network Settings by Operating System

The following are specific to each operating system. If you're isn't listed, look for your computer or device documentation.

Windows 10

Windows 10 has changed the way that these settings work over time, so you may see something different than what is indicated here.

Windows 10's network icon is on the right side of the taskbar in its default configuration. The icon changes from a globe to a computer to a WiFi icon depending upon your connection and its status.

Click the network icon to see the status of your Internet connection(s) and to connect to listed WiFi networks. Look for the word “connected” for both LAN and WLAN connections to ensure they are working correctly.

Clicking on Network & Internet settings brings up the Status page. At the top is a diagram of your network status:

There should be solid lines between your computer, the network and the Internet as shown above (a private LAN connection — yours could display different icons).

Through the various settings on this Status page, you can

• Label the network a metered connection if you have a limited data plan.
• You can also change other properties here and troubleshoot problems using the network troubleshooter.
• Enable or disable a network adapter.
• Add a VPN or manage other services.

A VPN may disable your connection to the Internet if it is disconnected (a security measure to protect your privacy). Reconnecting or turning off the VPN should resolve any issues.

Mac

Open the Network Preferences from the WLAN icon or look in the Systems Preferences to see your network connections. You may have active connections for Ethernet (LAN) and/or WiFi (WLAN).

If everything is normal, you should see “connected” indicated in the appropriate location(s).

If not, click on Assist Me at the bottom then Diagnostics on the dialogue box that appears. Follow the instructions for the connection that is having problems.

Linux

There are two areas dealing with your network connections:

1. under Administration (Network: configure network devices and connections); and
2. under Preferences (Network Connections: manage and change your network connection settings).

You'll need to unlock the Network Settings with the Administrator password to make changes.

More advanced or adventurous users can try using network commands to troubleshoot your network:

iOS or Android

Mobile devices can connect via both wireless networks and cellular networks (smartphones and cellular-capable tablets). At least one must be enabled and have access to an available network to use the Internet.

• Look under setting for the WiFi and cellular (where available) settings.
• Ensure that WiFi or cellular is enabled.
• Ensure that airplane mode is NOT on.
• Ensure that Do Not Disturb is NOT enabled.

Check the Proxy Settings

Most users should not touch the proxy settings, leaving them at the default which is System Settings. Changing the proxy settings can disable Internet access and is something that malware and other malicious programs do to maintain control of your computer.

Browser Proxy Settings

Each browser has proxy settings but most users should leave these settings alone.

System Proxy Settings

If you're in an office where your computer is provided by your employer you'll want to verify the settings with whoever is responsible for the network.

It is generally not recommended that users change these, but it is possible your Internet connection isn't working because something else changed the proxy settings such as malware or a program installed by a scammer (more here…).

• Windows users will find these in the Network & Internet settings. Click on the Proxy tab. Only Automatically detect settings should be checked. Uncheck Use a proxy server then verify that you have Internet access.
• Mac users will find these in the in the System Preferences. Click on Network then Advanced and choose the Proxies tab. Normally none of the options should be checked other than Use Passive FTP Mode at the bottom. My computer also has *local, 169.254/16 under Bypass proxy settings for these Hosts & Domains.
• Linux users will find these settings in the Network Proxy Preferences (click on Preferences then Network Proxy). The default should be Direct internet connection.

Check the Cables

The troubleshooter may prompt you to check the router settings, but first you'll need to ensure that the network cables are firmly attached and that your modem is connected to either the cable outlet or the phone line (depending upon which ISP's service you're using) and that the cables are not damaged.

• Check the connections at both ends of all the wires. This may sound silly, but things get pulled or simply break.
• Check the connection to the cable jack or phone line as well as the CAT5 or CAT6 network cables between the modem and/or router as well as the computers.
• On most systems there should be a green LED lit if the network cable connection is working.

Try replacing the cables. If the connector retainer (a small, springy plastic that holds the cable firmly in place) is broken or has lost its ability to retain a firm connection then the connection may be weak or intermittent.

Reset the Router

If instructed by the network troubleshooter (or if you've completed the steps above) you'll need to ensure that the problem isn't with your router.

Recycling Power to Your Router

Start by recycling the power to your router (and modem if they are separate):

1. Turn off the power to the modem (then the router), and wait for two minutes.
2. Turn the modem on and wait for the lights to settle (you should see a steady light on the modem) then turn on the router.
3. Wait 30 seconds.
4. Turn your computer on.

This process will force a new IP lease from your ISP and everything should now work.

Recycling the power is necessary because your ISP (Shaw, Rogers, Telus, etc.) changes dynamic IP addresses every so often, disabling those that have been running for too long.

I strongly recommend that you purchase a decent power bar to protect your investment in your modem/router if a power surge hits your system.

• This will allow you to turn off the power to both the modem and router with a single switch.
• Don't use the $10 variety — replacing your computer, modem, router and associated gear will cost more than that.

If you continue to have problems and you have a separate modem you can try your modem without the router. If the Internet is accessible, try to run it with the router again. If that fails, proceed to the next step in resetting and setting up your router.

It doesn't take more than a couple of minutes for an unprotected computer to become infected. Be careful while accessing the Internet at this stage.

If you continue to have problems, you should try resetting the router.

• Factory settings are the defaults that came with your router. Resetting your router will remove any customized settings.
• Make a note of any existing settings before resetting your router (if possible). Many provide a method of saving settings to your computer.
• Most have a recessed reset button. To restore factory settings, hold down the button for a minute or two with the tip of a ball point pen or paper clip.

Configuring the Router

You will then have to configure your router to set up your network and connect to your ISP.

• Ensure that your computer is connected to the router with a network cable during the setup process.
• Never alter your router settings while connected through a wireless connection — you will lose access to the router when it reboots during the setup process.

You may wish to have some professional help to ensure you retain the maximum security and correct settings for your network.

At the very least you should read the manual provided with your router so you understand the process and what each of the settings will change.

• You can obtain the instructions for your particular router from the manufacturer's website or from the documentation that came with your router.
• Never retain default settings as this compromises your network security.
• Change the default settings (especially the password) to protect your network from malicious attacks.

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Check the Firewall

If you continue to have problems connecting to the Internet, check the firewall for issues. Be sure that software is not misconfigured.

I'm assuming that you've tried resetting your router then rebooting your computer before looking at this section.

The firewall's job is to protect your computer from unauthorized access.

If there is a problem with the firewall settings, then your Internet connection may not be working or the firewall may not be protecting your computer from threats on the Internet.

You should be using both security software suite that includes a firewall in addition to a router (hardware firewall).

A paid security suite will generally provide better protection against a multifaceted attack.

Software with Access Issues

If the access issue is with a specific piece of software (i.e., everything else has Internet access) then the challenge is figuring out why.

The most likely culprit is a firewall setting that prevents access.

Most access issues are with browsers and email programs but can involve other programs.

Check your software documentation or the manufacturer's website for details on how to troubleshoot your particular program.

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Check the Security Software

This section refers to ZoneAlarm as an example.

Your security software may operate differently but you should be able to duplicate the following steps.

Check your software settings and any logs to see if a particular program is blocked or if all Internet access is disabled.

Your product manual or the company's website should give you more information.

Avoid Multiple Security Programs

Do NOT run multiple security programs.

If you have more than one antivirus program running at the same time–or more than one firewall–you're asking for trouble. Two such programs, trying to do the same thing at the same time, will slow down your system. Worse, they can cause conflicts.
— PCWorld

Incorrect Settings Block Access

ZoneAlarm includes a firewall which is designed to protect you from unwanted and dangerous traffic to and from the Internet.

If you have not configured it properly, your Internet service might not work or a particular program may not have access.

Recent versions of ZoneAlarm are much easier to configure and require less hands-on management.

Test Using Another Device

Before proceeding, try testing the connection using another computer or mobile device that you know is working.

If that device has access, you know the issue is not your Internet service.

Reinstalling ZoneAlarm

If ZoneAlarm is incorrectly installed or misconfigured (or not running at all), uninstall then reinstall it.

Uninstalling ZoneAlarm should remove any corrupted settings.

See Uninstalling ZoneAlarm for instructions.

If you have manually deleted portions of the program you may have to reinstall ZoneAlarm before you're able to uninstall it.

Testing Without ZoneAlarm

Reboot then briefly test to see is your Internet connection is restored without ZoneAlarm running.

• Remember, without security software, your computer and data are vulnerable.
• Test by loading a safe site with your browser.
• If that works, verify with other programs that were unable to connect.
• Break your connection as soon as you're able to verify connection status.

Do not reinstall ZoneAlarm until you've resolved all problems with access.

If your connection is working, reinstall ZoneAlarm using the most current version.

• Be sure to download and install the same version. The licence for one product won't work on any other.
• You may need to do a clean install to remove any corrupt settings.

Testing with ZoneAlarm

Once you've reinstalled your ZoneAlarm product, repeat the access test to ensure everything is working correctly.

Hardware or ISP Issues

If your tests without ZoneAlarm installed didn't restore access you need to look elsewhere for a solution.

If you have followed the steps to this point and you still have a problem, you'll need to call your ISP to verify service or to repair the issue.

Testing Elsewhere (with ZoneAlarm)

You can take your computer to another location where you know the Internet is working (reinstall your security software first).

If your computer has no issues with Internet access, the issue is probably with your Internet service (or possibly the modem or router hardware involved).