What Does It Mean When You’re Connected With No Internet?

This requires knowledge of somehome networking basics.

Wireless devices, like a laptop, connect to your router.

iPhone X No Wi-Fi Connection

Apple

The router is a gear that manages the internet connections for the devices in your home.

This gives you some clues about the issue, as we explain below.

iPhone and iPad users can visitSettings > Wi-Fiand check for aNo Internet Connectionmessage under your online grid name.

Asus Router Reboot Option

Before you proceed, if the problem affects all your devices, you should perform a quick test.

If you might get online with this setup, the problem lies with your router.

Reboot Your PC

This step isn’t necessary if your connection issue is affecting multiple devices.

Windows VPN Settings

As with many issues, rebooting your setup is the first troubleshooting step you should try.

Most of this advice assumes you’re using a Wi-Fi connection, since they run into problems more often.

Power up the modem again first, letting it fully boot up before you plug in your router again.

Internet Connections Troubleshooter

Wait a few minutes to confirm both are running.

While doing this, confirm that your router and modem are working properly.

Note that you’re simply rebooting, not resetting, your equipment.

Windows 10 Network Status Page

To dive into the web connection troubleshooter on Windows 10, visitSettings > web connection & Internet > Status.

SelectNetwork troubleshooterand follow the steps to see if Windows can rectify the problem.

Click theChange adapter optionsentry and then double-nudge the connection you’re using.

Windows Network IP Settings Panel

once you nail a window open with information about your connection, click thePropertiesbutton.

FindInternet Protocol Version 4in the list and double-click that.

There, see to it you haveObtain an IP address automaticallyandObtain DNS server address automaticallyboth selected.

Windows 11 Network Connection IP Options

ClickOKafter setting these both to use automatic values, then give a shot to get online again.

ClickAdvanced data pipe settingsat the bottom of the list, then grab the data pipe connection you’re using.

In the expanded list, chooseView additional propertiesat the bottom.

DownDetector ISP Examples

On the resulting menu, make sureIP assignmentandDNS server assignmentare both set toAutomatic (DHCP).

If not, click theEditbutton next to these and change them both toAutomatic.

Once you confirm this, try connecting again.

Windows Update Network Driver

Though this is rare, it could explain why you have no internet access across devices.

A quick Google or X search can reveal whether others are having a problem, too.

Try Networking Command Prompt Tools

Windows offersseveral networking commands in the Command Prompt.

network reset reset now windows 11

You should run a few of them if you still have no internet access in Windows.

Typecmdinto the Start Menu, then right-hit it and chooseRun as administratorto open an elevated Command Prompt window.

If you continue to be stuck offline, there are a few more steps to try.

Disable any third-party antivirus apps you may have installed and see if your connection returns.

While on the topic of security, it’s worth running a malware scan with an app likeMalwarebytes.

While unlikely, a malicious program could have knocked out your internet connection.

Otherwise, followour guide to updating your Windows driversmanually.

Click theNetwork resettext at the bottom of the screen, thenReset now.

On Windows 11, go toSettings > online grid & internet, then clickAdvanced online grid settingsand chooseNetwork reset.

If you still have no internet connection after this, you likely have faulty equipment and need a replacement.

If anything you own is still under warranty, reach out to the manufacturer.

Hopefully, you don’t have to factory reset anything to fix your connection issue.

It’s possible to jump into more comprehensive troubleshooting if you desire.

However, it might be worth contacting a internet-savvy friend for further help instead.