One of the most confusing errors you could get is the WiFi connected but no internet access error. This error could be due to your operating system settings or router issues/problems. Getting this kind of error could sometimes be frustrating and dreadful. We totally understand this which is why through this article, we shall provide you a step by step guide on how to solve this issue/problem.
Where to look?
There are two possible areas where the problem could root from whenever you get the network error issue. We suggest that you look at your:
- Router
- Your device itself
If all of your devices that are connected to your internet are all not working, there is a huge possibility that the problem is coming from your router or modem. You could also check your ADSL cable. It could also be that it is either broken or twisted.
On the other hand, if it is only one device that your internet is not working on, there is a chance that the problem lies on your device’s WiFi adapter. It could be that your device is having some difficulties in communicating with your router.
Steps on how to fix WiFi connected but no internet error.
- Restart Device
Yes, we know, this is the most common advice we always get from IT practitioners whenever we report technical errors we encounter and this situation is not different. Try to reboot your network devices and let it refresh their IP tables. Let it also reload its configuration files. This could be done by turning off both your router and modem and wait for at least 30 seconds before restarting again.
Restart your PC as well to ensure that all are clean. Once done, try to reconnect and check if it is working.
- Check Modem Lights
The problem could be due to your internet connection. To check this, check your WAN light if it is on and the light is blinking. For DSL connection, the lights usually are green and the WiFi indicator lights should be blinking. If you are unsure, you could contact your ISP’s customer service.
- ISP is Down
You could check your Downdetector on your mobile data and search for your ISP. Check if their servers are down or has an outage. The outage could also be on a different location. Hence, another option is to search social media sites to get information if other users are having the same issues.
- Antivirus or Other Security App
There are some antivirus software which could cause some internet problems. With this, you could temporarily disable your antivirus. Once done, check if your WiFi connects with no error.
We also recommend to run a complete antivirus and Malwarebytes scan to ensure your device is not infected with anything dangerous that could potentially be causing the error.
- Use Built-in Troubleshooter
If your internet is working according to your ISP and it is working on with at least one of your devices, then, there is a possibility that the problem is with your WiFi adapter. You could solve this easily by using the built-in troubleshooter which comes with Windows and Macs. Just right click on the network icon which could be found on the taskbar. Select troubleshoot problems and this will automatically start to find network problems and it will try to solve it. If it could not solve the issue, at least you will learn where the problem is coming from and search for solutions online.
- Flush DNS
DSN cache conflict could sometime affect WiFi connected no internet error. To ensure that this is not the reason, you will have to flush DNS. To do this, you will have to go to your start menu, type cmd. This will open your Command Prompt and will run with admin rights. Type ipconfig /flushdns.
Here are more Command Prompt commands which you could try to resolve the error of WiFi and network issues.
Reset files stored by Windows for accessing the internet:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
Release your old IP address and set a new one automatically
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
If these commands do not work, try the following commands one at a time but right one after the other:
ipconfig/flushdns
nbtstat –R
nbtstat –RR
netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt
netsh winsock reset
- Change Wireless Mode on Router
This only happens when you have an old WiFi card or device installed. Hence, if you have internet access on your PC through Ethernet cable, this could mean that there is a communication barrier between these two devices. This could easily be fixed by changing the wireless mode.
There are different wireless modes on a router such as 802. 11 b or 802.11 b/g or 802.11 b/g/n. The b, g, n and ac are wireless standards and often times most wireless modes are set up to 802.11 b/g/n and often times this works well for most users. However, there are times when you are using old devices that are not compatible with the mentioned mode which could lead to network issues.
- Log into your router dashboard.
- Find Wireless mode option. This could be found under Wireless Settings.
- Select 802.11 b
- Save changes
- Restart your WiFi
- Check if this has solved the issue. If not, try 802.11 g instead.
- Obtain IP and DNS Automatically
You could try using a mobile hotspot to check if you have DNS or IP address conflict. Another method to check this out is by pinging your router on the command line. Type ping 192.168.1.1. If there is a timeout response or your destination is unreachable, it means that you are experiencing IP address conflict.
Usually you should set your network settings automatically. However, in this case, it would be recommended to assign a static IP address to your devices. This will help you fix the WiFi connected no internet access error.
If you are using windows, you will need to change your network adapter settings by:
- Clicking on the start menu and select Network and Sharing Center.
- Click Change Adapter Options
- Right click on network adapter or WiFi
- Select properties
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
- Click Properties
- Select Obtain an IP address automatically and obtain DNS Server address automatically
- Click Ok
- If it does not connect automatically, restart your PC
- Fix Network Driver Issues
Bad internet could be due to a corrupted network driver. To solve this, follow the steps provided below:
- Press Window+R
- Enter devmgmt.msc
- Expand Network adapters
- Find your Wireless Network adapter. This will be seen as Wireless Network Adapter.
- Right click on the network adapter
- Click on Update drivers’ option
- Update the driver either manually or automatically according to your choice.
- Connect your PC to your router through your Ethernet cable.
- If there are no problems, you will be able to connect
- Click search automatically for updated driver software
- If you cannot still connect, you will need to manually download the latest driver from your manufacturer’s website on another device.
- Move it to your PC
- Use browse my computer software option. This will manually install the driver software.
- Reset Router
When you reset your router, you solve almost all types of problems that are related to your router. You could also reset your router to factory settings. However, this will reset all the changes that you have set, but, this could also solve the issues.
To reset your router from its settings, just press the reset button physically. The reset button could usually be found inside a tiny hole. Hence, check the bottom of your router carefully. To reset, use a paperclip or a mobile SIM tray opener to press the button for about 5 to 15 seconds.
- Reset Your Network
This will disable and reinstall your network adapter. It will also set your other networking components into its original settings. In other words, it will forget your Ethernet, WiFi and VPN connections. We recommend this method as your last resort. However, if you wish to do this method, you will need to do the following steps:
- Type Network Reset in the Start Menu search
- Click reset now
- Restart your computer
- Call the ISP
If nothing else works from all the methods mentioned and featured above, we suggest that you call your Internet Service Provider. This is recommended especially if your router and modem were provided by them. They would be able to provide on-call service and/or instructions to solve the error.
Conclusion:
That concludes our guide on how to fix WiFi connected but no internet access error. We hope you found this article helpful.