- Check other devices: Phone, tablet, computer
- Check specific apps: Try different websites/apps
- Check WiFi icon: Connected with good signal?
- Ask family: "Is your internet working?"
If NO ONE has internet → Router/Internet problem
If ONLY YOU → Device problem
If SOME APPS → Service problem
-
Your device: Turn off/on
-
Wait: 30 seconds
-
Still broken? Continue...
-
Router restart:
-
Test again: Should work now!
- Find router (usually by TV or desk)
- Unplug power cable
- Count to 30
- Plug back in
- Wait 2-3 minutes for lights
-
Make sure WiFi is ON:
-
Refresh network list:
-
Move closer: To router location
-
Still nothing?: Router may be off
-
iPhone: Settings → WiFi (green)
-
Android: Settings → WiFi (on)
-
Computer: WiFi icon in menu
-
Pull down to refresh
-
Or turn WiFi off/on
-
Check password: In 1Password app
-
Watch for typos:
-
Try guest network: As temporary fix
- Capital letters matter
- No spaces before/after
- Check similar characters (0 vs O)
The frustrating one! Shows connected but nothing loads.
-
Forget and reconnect:
-
Check date/time:
-
Reset network settings (last resort):
-
Settings → WiFi
-
Tap (i) next to network
-
"Forget This Network"
-
Reconnect with password
-
Wrong time = security errors
-
Settings → General → Date & Time
-
Set Automatically: ON
-
Settings → General → Reset
-
Reset Network Settings
-
Will forget ALL WiFi passwords
-
On phone: Download Speedtest app
-
Run test: Tap big GO button
-
Check results:
- Download: Should be 50+ Mbps
- Upload: Should be 10+ Mbps
- Ping: Should be under 50ms
Too many devices:
- Everyone streaming at once
- Disconnect unused devices
- Upgrade internet plan if needed
Poor WiFi signal:
- Move closer to router
- Remove obstacles
- Consider WiFi extender
Time of day:
- Evenings are slower
- Neighborhood congestion
- Try different times
- Close background apps: Double-tap home, swipe up
- Restart device: Full power off/on
- Update apps: Old versions may be slow
- Clear browser cache: Settings → Safari → Clear History
¶ Understanding Router Lights
Normal lights:
- Power: Solid green/blue
- Internet: Solid green/blue
- WiFi: Solid or blinking
- Ethernet: On if cable connected
Problem lights:
- Red/Amber: Issue detected
- No lights: Power problem
- Blinking internet: Connection issue
-
Check power:
-
Check cables:
-
Factory reset (last resort):
-
Cord plugged in both ends?
-
Outlet working?
-
Try different outlet
-
Coax/fiber cable secure?
-
Ethernet cables clicked in?
-
No visible damage?
-
Find reset button (usually recessed)
-
Hold 10 seconds with paperclip
-
Will need to reconfigure
-
Airplane mode trick:
-
WiFi Assist:
-
DNS Settings:
Mac:
- Hold Option, click WiFi icon
- "Open Wireless Diagnostics"
- Follow prompts
Windows:
- Right-click network icon
- "Troubleshoot problems"
- Follow wizard
Common issues:
- Need 2.4GHz network (not 5GHz)
- Too far from router
- Needs app to reconnect
Fix:
- Move closer for setup
- Use correct network
- Check manufacturer app
- Router lights show no internet
- Multiple restarts don't help
- Neighbors also affected
- Happens same time daily
Gather info:
- Account number
- Router model
- When problem started
- Error messages
- What you've tried
- Restart modem/router (again)
- Check cable connections
- Run speed test
- Try direct ethernet connection
- Factory reset (be prepared)
¶ Regular Maintenance
- Monthly: Restart router
- Quarterly: Check for firmware updates
- Yearly: Review internet plan
- Keep router ventilated
- Don't overload outlets
- Secure cables from damage
- Note normal light pattern
- Keep ISP support number handy
Phone hotspot:
- Settings → Personal Hotspot
- Allow Others to Join: ON
- Share password with family
- Monitor data usage!
Public WiFi:
- Coffee shops
- Library
- McDonald's
- Be security conscious
"DNS Server Not Responding"
- Change DNS settings
- Restart router
- Contact ISP
"IP Configuration Failure"
- Renew DHCP lease
- Restart device
- Check router settings
"Authentication Error"
- Wrong password
- Security type mismatch
- Router needs update
Call Dad when:
- Nothing here works
- Physical damage to equipment
- Need ISP interaction
- Multiple devices affected
- Security concerns
Text with:
- Which devices affected
- When it started
- What you tried
- Any error messages
- Router light status
Remember: Internet problems are frustrating but fixable!