Wi-Fi Connected but No Internet: Fixed in 6 Steps
Independent guide — no official affiliation with the platforms mentioned.
Short answer
Being connected to Wi-Fi with no internet is usually an IP or DNS problem. Power-cycle the modem for 30 seconds, then run 'ipconfig /flushdns' and 'ipconfig /renew'. If it persists, switch DNS to 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1.
01 — Step-by-step fix
Step-by-step fix
Isolate the problem
Connect another device, like a phone. If it has internet, your computer is at fault; if nothing does, restart the modem.
Restart the modem
Unplug the modem's power, wait 30 seconds and plug it back in. Wait 1–2 minutes for lights to settle.
Renew your IP
In admin CMD run 'ipconfig /release', 'ipconfig /renew' and 'ipconfig /flushdns' in order.
Change the DNS server
In adapter properties > IPv4, set DNS to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
If some sites open but others don't, the ISP's DNS is the likely culprit.
Reset the network stack
Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. The PC reboots and reinstalls adapters.
Still down on all devices? Call your ISP
A red internet light on the modem means an outage on the ISP side.
Tips
- Re-plugging USB Wi-Fi adapters refreshes the connection too.
- An overheating modem degrades performance — keep it ventilated.
02 — Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What causes 'connected, no internet'?
Most often: modem session lockups, IP conflicts, stale DNS cache and ISP outages. Trying steps in order fixes most cases.
How do I check if only one site is down?
Use a service like downforeveryoneorjustme.com. If it's down for everyone, it's the site, not you.
Is 8.8.8.8 safe to use?
Yes. Google and Cloudflare DNS are used worldwide. Without a VPN, Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) is the privacy-friendlier option.
Links in this guide point to official platform pages. Steps may change with platform updates; check the page date.
03 — Related guides