Router has Wi‑Fi but no broadband
Your device can connect to the router even when the router itself has lost the internet service.
Connected but not online
Wi‑Fi Connected But No Internet?
This guide helps you validate whether the problem is the device, the Wi‑Fi link, the router, DNS, the broadband service or a provider outage.
Issue
Symptoms of Wi‑Fi Connected But No Internet
Verify these symptoms before changing settings, replacing hardware, or contacting your internet provider:
- Connected, No Data: The Wi‑Fi symbol shows full signal, but websites and apps fail to load.
- Single Device Issue: Some devices connect normally, while one specific device shows "Connected, no internet."
- Router Timeout: The router has power, but broadband admin pages or connection status checks time out.
- App & Game Failures: Streaming apps buffer indefinitely, browsers display DNS errors, or online games fail to reach servers.
Likely causes
Most Common Causes
The same symptom can have several different causes. Start with the causes below, then use the validation steps to prove which one is most likely.
DNS or browser problem
Apps may work while websites fail if DNS, browser cache or security software is the issue.
Device network fault
A single phone, laptop, TV or console may have a bad saved network, stale IP lease or software issue.
Incorrect date and time settings
If a device's clock is inaccurate, often after a dead battery or time-zone switch, HTTPS security certificates can fail to validate and block web traffic while Wi‑Fi still appears connected.
Provider outage
If every device has no internet and router service lights look wrong, the fault may be outside your home.
Validate
Steps to Narrow Down the Root Cause of the Issue
Work through these checks in order. Change one thing at a time so the result tells you something useful.
- 1
Test another device on the same Wi‑Fi network.
- 2
Open a browser and try more than one website, then try an app.
- 3
If you are on a hotel, cafe, workplace, public or guest network, check for a login or splash page before continuing.
- 4
Check whether you can load the router admin page or gateway address, such as 192.168.1.1, to separate a device-to-router issue from a router-to-internet issue.
- 5
Restart the problem device, then reconnect to Wi‑Fi.
- 6
Check the device system time and set date and time to update automatically, because an incorrect clock can break secure HTTPS websites.
- 7
Check router and ONT lights before restarting anything.
- 8
Run a speed test if any connection returns, and compare Wi‑Fi with Ethernet if possible.
- 9
Check provider status if every device is affected.
Fix
Problem Resolution
Apply the fix that matches the root cause you isolated. If the issue is proven to be outside your home network, gather your evidence before contacting your provider.
Toggle automatic date and time
If only one device is failing, open its system settings and ensure the clock is set to update automatically. A desynced clock can immediately block secure websites.
Forget and reconnect to Wi‑Fi
Remove the saved network profile from the problem device's settings, turn Wi‑Fi off and on, then reconnect by re-entering the wireless password.
Clear browser cache or flush DNS
If apps function normally but websites fail to load, open an incognito or private browser tab, clear your browser history, or restart the browser completely.
Power-cycle the network hardware
If all devices are offline, unplug the power cables from your modem, router and ONT. Wait 30 seconds, power on the modem or ONT first, wait two minutes for the lights to stabilise, then plug in the router.
Test via Ethernet cable
Plug a laptop directly into the router using an Ethernet cable. If this works, your internet service is functional and the issue is isolated to Wi‑Fi interference or router wireless settings.
Gather evidence and escalate
Contact your provider if all devices fail, hardware lights indicate an external line fault, or the provider status page confirms an outage. Note which lights are red or flashing before you call.