How to Fix "Wi-Fi Connected but No Internet Access"

If your device is connected to Wi-Fi but you can’t access the internet, it can be incredibly frustrating. This issue is often caused by problems with your router, modem, or network settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you resolve it.

Step 1: Restart Your Router and Modem

A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches.

Turn off your router and modem by unplugging them from the power source.
Wait for 30 seconds, then plug them back in and turn them on.
Wait for the devices to fully restart and check if the internet connection is restored.

Why this matters: Restarting your router and modem clears temporary issues and resets the connection.

Step 2: Check Other Devices

Determine if the issue is specific to one device or affecting all devices on the network.

Try connecting another device (e.g., phone, tablet) to the same Wi-Fi network.
If the other device also has no internet access, the problem is likely with your router or modem.
If only one device is affected, the issue is likely with that device’s settings or hardware.

Why this matters: Isolating the problem helps you focus on the right troubleshooting steps.

Step 3: Run the Network Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool to diagnose and fix network issues.

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
Click Network troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.
Let Windows detect and fix the issue automatically.

Why this matters: The troubleshooter can resolve common network problems like incorrect IP settings or driver issues.

Step 4: Check Your IP Address Settings

Incorrect IP settings can prevent internet access.

Open Network Connections by pressing Windows + R, typing ncpa.cpl, and pressing Enter.
Right-click your Wi-Fi connection and select Properties.
Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Ensure both Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected.
Click OK to save changes.

Why this matters: Automatic IP and DNS settings ensure your device is properly configured to connect to the internet.

Step 5: Flush DNS and Reset TCP/IP

Corrupted DNS or TCP/IP settings can cause connectivity issues.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator by pressing Windows + X and selecting it from the menu.
Run the following commands one by one: ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns netsh int ip reset netsh winsock reset
Restart your computer after running these commands.

Why this matters: These commands clear corrupted network settings and restore default configurations.

Step 6: Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause connectivity issues.

Open Device Manager by pressing Windows + X and selecting it from the menu.
Expand the Network adapters section.
Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers and let Windows find and install the latest version.
If updating doesn’t work, right-click the adapter, select Uninstall device, and restart your computer to reinstall the driver automatically.

Step 7: Check Router Settings

Incorrect router settings can block internet access.

Access your router’s admin panel by entering its IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) in a web browser.
Log in with your username and password (check the router’s manual if you don’t know these).
Ensure the router is properly configured and connected to the internet.
Check for firmware updates and install them if available.

Why this matters: Router settings and firmware updates can resolve connectivity issues and improve performance.

Step 8: Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If none of the above steps work, the issue may be with your ISP.

Check if there’s an outage in your area by visiting your ISP’s website or calling their customer support.
If there’s no outage, ask them to check your connection and resolve any issues on their end.

Why this matters: ISPs can sometimes have technical issues or maintenance that affect your internet access.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the "Wi-Fi Connected but No Internet Access" issue and restore your internet connection. If the problem persists, consider consulting a professional or your ISP for further assistance.