My Internet Is Down. How Do I Fix My Connection?
There’s nothing more frustrating than suddenly losing internet connection. You might be halfway through the latest episode of your favourite TV show, or trying to upload an important work document to the cloud.
Check off these potential fixes, and see how you can get yourself back online in no time.
Check Your Other Devices
The first place to start is by checking you’ve lost connection on multiple devices. Pull up your phone or laptop and see if you still have a signal. If you do, then the issue won’t be anything to do with your broadband.
Try disconnecting and reconnecting to your wi fi network on the device you’re having issues with. If this doesn’t work, restart your device and try again. If you’re using a laptop or desktop computer, there’s an option to troubleshoot in the ‘network settings’. This should help you seek out the potential source of your problem.
Reset Your Router
If it doesn’t look like your device is the issue, try turning your router off. Make sure to wait a couple of minutes until you turn it back on. Some routers have a reset button for this exact purpose. This will fix any crashes or glitches the modem has experienced.
Most, if not all routers also have a series of lights on them. When these lights flash or change colour, it’s alerting you to a potential issue. Your information manual that was included with your router will show you what they mean and can help you decipher the issue you’re having.
Get Closer, or Use an Ethernet Cable
So, you’ve reset your computer or mobile device, as well as your router. If there’s no visible issue so far, but you’re still having a connectivity problem or your connection is slow, you could be out of range of your router.
If possible, move closer to your router and try to reconnect. You should see a series of bars on your device if you do have a connection. There are many objects that can interfere with your signal, even walls can slow it down.
The placement of your router can also be a factor. Make sure it’s raised off the ground, and not directly against any walls or objects. If your router has an antenna attached to it, make sure it’s unfolded from it’s lowered position.
Try using an ethernet cable if you’re working on your laptop or desktop that runs straight from your router. Wireless wi fi connection is prone to more interference than wired, as the signal is going directly into your device when using a cable.
Contact Your ISP
Still having issues? It’s probably time to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP). You can usually call your ISP between certain hours of the day, or speak to an expert via an online chat function.
It’s a good idea to write down a few bits of information that your provider might ask. Take note of the model number of your router, as well as the length of time you’ve had these issues. Your provider will already know your IP Address, so there’s no need to worry about that.
Hopefully your ISP can let you know of any connectivity issues in your area, or run you through a number of specific fixes to get you back online. If the problem is with your router, they should be able to send you a brand new one out free of charge.
Look For A New Broadband Deal
If network problems are a regular issue, or you’ve grown frustrated with your current provider, it might be time to consider switching suppliers. You can get started right here on Broadbandmoneysaver.com.
We’ve previously written a guide on how easy it is to change your ISP, which you can find here. Before you make the switch, run a speed test (which you can also do on our website right here) and note down your results.
To find the very latest broadband packages which we update daily, go to our homepage, or click on your preferred provider below.
