Do you have a house full of people working from home, streaming games, or taking online classes? Sometimes you might have to face internet problems. So, before going to the service provider, have a look at our tips to know how you can troubleshoot your internet connection.
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Try another device or website
Check by switching your device, connect wi-fi to your roommate’s laptop, your spouse’s phone or your other laptop. By doing this, you’ll get to know the problem is just happening at your device or every connected device. If the problem is only on one device, then this issue can be resolved more easily.
But make sure the wi-fi is enabled, and you are connected to the proper SSID and password. And, if you are running windows, then go to the Troubleshoot Problems (by right-clicking on the network icon) to run the Network Diagnostic Routine. This may sometimes resolve the common issues by resetting the adapter. Also, check whether your adapter using the correct gateway.
Similarly, check it by using a different website. Maybe the website you are trying to open is having some database error or something else. So try using a different one. If the other one opens then, this might be an error from their end (the website you were trying before).
Or if the site is up and there’s something from your end, so clear your browsing data, cache or cookies, or open the website in an incognito window.
Tip: You can also check whether the website is down or is not only working at your end. Go to www.downforeveryoneorjustme.com.
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Scan for viruses to troubleshoot your internet connection
Sometimes malicious codes on your computer attack your internet connection. Scan your computer for spyware, malware, or viruses. You can use any antivirus as there are plenty of them available. These viruses, spyware or malware affect your web surfing and your system’s overall performance as well.
Check your internet package
Check your internet speed by going to www.speedtest.net and then go to your ISP’s website or check your bill. If the speed of your internet is the same as mentioned in your bill, then you should purchase a high-speed package. And if the speed of your internet is less than the speed you are paying for, then for sure there is some problem. You should continue troubleshooting.
Bypass your DNS server
DNS stands for Domain Name System. When you type a website URL, your computer will look for the IP address of that website using a DNS server. Sometimes these websites have problems, and you can’t visit them by using their friendly domain names (such as Kapsnotes.com).
So, try bypassing your DNS server by typing an IP address. Let’s say–216.58.197.78 (Google’s IP address). If the page loads properly, then change your DNS server or clear your DNS cache. In this way, you can troubleshoot your internet problem by bypassing your DNS server.
Decode the blinking light
If you cannot connect to the internet at all, then look at your modem and router. There are some lights on the wi-fi and router that show the status. If the lights aren’t lit up, then your Wi-Fi or router is maybe unplugged or powered down. Disconnect their power cords and reconnect them after a few minutes.
If the lights are on, plug in your router (if it’s applicable) and wait for it to boot up as well. Or if the lights are still not on after plugging in, then this might be an issue of failed power adapter, a faulty power strip or a fried router.
And if some lights are on and some aren’t, then look at them closely. If the lights are flashing repeatedly, maybe your Wi-Fi is unable to find an internet connection. In this case, call your ISP or bring a new modem.
If the WI-Fi’s lights aren’t on but the router’s lights are, then you should re-enable your Wi-Fi from its configuration menu. Diagnose these lights and check the documentation of your router or modem.
Check who else is using the Internet?
There might be some apps that use too much of the internet, check them. Or if you are downloading an extensive file, you should probably wait unless it completes, or just cancel it. Or there may be someone else in the house using your bandwidth. In windows, open up the Task Manager and click on the network column to sort by network usage. And on Mac, press command+space to open spotlight, type “activity monitor” and head to Activity Monitor’s Network tab.
Check if someone else in your house is downloading a big file and ask them to cancel. Or someone else might be connected to your Wi-Fi and stealing it.
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Get a better signal
When we use Wi-Fi a lot of problems can slow down your internet connection. So, try connecting your router directly by using an ethernet cable. If it works and you are getting a high internet speed then, it’s your Wi-Fi that is slowing down your internet speed.
Check the bars on your Wi-Fi icon, in case of low bars, move your router to a central location in your house or just buy a Wi-Fi extender. You can also set up a mesh system. It will provide you with multiple sources of Wi-Fi around your house, instead of just a single router.
And if the bars are full still the problem arising, then there may be many people using Wi-Fi networks. Changing the channel or using the 5GHz band may solve your problem.
Troubleshoot your internet connection by updating firmware
Firmware is low-level embedded software. It runs your router, modem, and other hardware. Occasional updates are important for adding new features. Some vendors offer downloadable firmware updates. The updates sometimes resolve the performance issues, add new features and increase the speed of your internet. In your router’s management console, search for a firmware update tool. Follow the rules and install the correct version of the firmware.
Tip: Do not download the firmware from a third-party website.
Reset your router to troubleshoot your internet connection
If nothing happened after rebooting then, try resetting your router. As there might be a particular setting causing a problem. Some routers have a small reset button on their rear panel. Hold it down for several seconds until the LED light flashes.
After resetting, log in to the interface and set it up from scratch. Make sure to not enable the same setting that was causing a problem.
Upgrade to a faster router
If you are using an older router, 802.11b or 802.11g, then you need to upgrade your router. I suggest you upgrade to a new powerful one if you have multiple devices connected to the same Wi-Fi. Newer routers made with advanced technology are now delivering more internet speed and enhanced Wi-Fi range as well.
Still not able to troubleshoot your internet connection?
If still, you are not able to troubleshoot your internet connection then, the last resort is to call your ISP. There may be something from their end, or maybe you require a new connection or any new equipment, such as an amplifier.
And if this problem happens at certain times, then you must opt for a different ISP.
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