WiFi connected but no internet: Here’s how to fix
Are you connected to the WiFi but have no internet access? Don’t worry: You can get to the bottom of the problem step by step with the following instructions.
The Netflix stream is stuttering, and the game download is interrupted: Problems with the Internet connection cause a lot of stress. But it’s even worse when you incur additional costs because of it.
For example, your cell phone connects to the mobile network without you noticing because it no longer receives the Internet via WiFi. But what are the possible reasons for not having an Internet connection despite WiFi? The following step-by-step instructions will help you find the problem in no time – and ideally solve it.
Connected but no internet? Find out the problem
Of course, before you can fix the connection problem, you need to find out why you don’t have Internet despite having WiFi. Go through the following steps:
- If you haven’t already done so, try with other devices to see if they also can’t connect to the Internet despite WLAN. If the problem only occurs with one device, the router WiFi and Internet connection can be ruled out as sources of error.
- When the problem occurs with all devices connected via WiFi, connect one device to the router via LAN cable – for example, a notebook or a PC. If the device can access the Internet via LAN, the problem is with the WLAN. If you can’t get an Internet connection via LAN either, your Internet connection is probably causing problems.
- Call up the router menu by entering the corresponding URL in the address line of a browser – for example, routerlogin.net or http://192.168.1.1 for Netgear and http://192.168.1.1 for Asus routers. Log in with the device password, which you can usually find on the bottom of the router. In most cases, you can see whether the connection to the Internet is interrupted on the overview page of the router menu.
- For example, many devices output detailed error messages, under System and Events. Most routers also indicate that the Internet connection is down by displaying a red LED. Check whether the firmware is up to date to be on the safe side. With the Asus, you can do this under System and Update.
Troubleshoot device or WiFi issues
If your Internet connection runs smoothly despite problems, either the device or the router WLAN is the culprit. Try to solve the problem with these steps:
WLAN router
- Sometimes, restarting the router already works wonders. So press the appropriate button or disconnect the power supply for a few seconds. Give the device some time: It usually takes up to ten minutes before the router is fully operational again.
- Unless you have deliberately assigned fixed IP addresses, check whether DHCP is activated in the router settings – this means that the router automatically assigns IP addresses to devices in the network. Click in the menu on Home Network, Network, Network Settings, and IPv4 Addresses. Place a check-mark next to Enable the DHCP server and click OK.
Smartphones, tablets, notebooks, and PCs
- Switch the WiFi of the device off and on again briefly. This is usually done using quick access icons: on Android in the status bar, which appears after swiping downwards over the top edge of the display, on iPhones in the control center (iPhone without home button by swiping downwards from the top right, older iPhones with home button by swiping downwards). Windows and macOS have corresponding icons on the desktop/desktop bar.
- You can also fix the problem by deleting the WLAN profile. To do this, select the WLAN name of your router on your device and remove the profile. Then you have to connect to the router WLAN again and enter the WLAN password.
- Sometimes, rebooting the device also helps.
- Check if the device receives an IP address from the router for notebooks and PCs. Open the settings with Windows key+i and select Network and Internet, and Change adapter settings. Double-click on the network used and select Details. If no IP address is listed here, click Close, Properties, Internet Protocol Version 4, Properties, and check the Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically. Confirm with OK.
Enjoying this guide on WiFi connected but no internet? You can read if you want to know how to Remove and Apply Thermal Paste on CPU.
Troubleshooting Internet connection problems
If the Internet connection LED on the router lights up red, or the router menu indicates a faulty connection to the Internet, there is a problem with your connection. Try the following steps:
- Check the cables at the router and the DSL or cable socket or the fiber optic box. Has a cable slipped out of a socket? Does a cable have a defect?
- Restart the router by pressing the appropriate button or briefly disconnecting the power supply. It can normally take up to ten minutes before the device is fully operational again.
- If you have just set up the router, it is possible that an error has crept in with the login data. Check your entries for typos. You can find the data in the menu under Internet and access data.
- If the previous steps were unsuccessful, your provider probably has a problem. Before informing customer service, check the others if there are already several thousand reports of a fault at your provider in your region. You can often save yourself from being put on hold for minutes because your provider is probably already aware of the problem.
Persistent problems with the Internet speed
If the speed of your connection is regularly well below the contractually guaranteed performance, complain to the provider and ask them to rectify the situation within 14 days. If the provider fails to do so, you can withdraw from the contract or terminate it (special right of termination). The Federal Network Agency refers to a “significant deviation” if one of the following criteria is met:
Maximum speed: It is not reached at least once every day at 90 percent on two measurement days (ten measurements per day via LAN).
Normal speed: You can find out this speed when you book or in the product information sheet. At least 90 percent of the measurements must reach it.
Minimum speed: This speed must not be undershot on both measurement days.
The WireDale speed test is suitable for measurements. Alternatively, Vodafone cable customers can use their own speed test that measures WLAN and line separately. Learn about WPS on our another post here What is WPS button on router and how does it works.
WiFi connected but no internet – you can do that
Do you have problems with the WiFi range and a very old router such as the TP-Link Archer C9 AC1900, or the Linksys EA6900 AC1900? Then you should get a new device with better performance from your provider or a specialist retailer – for DSL, the best budget router at the moment is the TP-Link AC1750, for cable, the Motorola MB7621 for cable.
Do you have problems with the WLAN range on another floor or in a room further away despite your current router? Then a repeater (“WLAN amplifier”) might help. You can play with various WLAN settings in the router menu if you feel technically fit enough. With new TP-Link, the automatic WLAN setting is usually best, and with other routers, you can try setting different channels for the WLAN on 2.4 and 5 gigahertz.
Hope now your WiFi is connected have internet on it.
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