Wi-Fi connected, but no internet? Start here.

A Wi-Fi connection means your device has joined a wireless network. It does not guarantee that the network can reach the internet. Before changing settings, find out whether the problem affects one device, your whole household or just one website.

1. Find the right troubleshooting path

Open two unrelated websites on the affected device. Then try them on a second device connected to the same Wi-Fi. On a phone, briefly turn off mobile data for this test so it cannot hide a failed Wi-Fi connection. Turn mobile data back on afterwards.

What happens?	Next step
Only one website fails	Check that website’s status; avoid resetting your network for a single-site failure.
Another device can browse, but yours cannot	Follow the one-device checks below.
Neither device can browse	Follow the whole-network checks below.
You are using hotel or café Wi-Fi	Check whether the network requires a sign-in page.

Keep a note of what you tried and its result. This helps you avoid repeating checks if you need support.

2. If only one device is affected

Move closer to the router, confirm that you joined the intended network, then turn Wi-Fi off and back on. Restart the affected device if it still cannot browse.

Windows 11: open Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi and check the connection. Run the Network and Internet troubleshooter in Get Help, then test the same websites again. Microsoft’s Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide explains further diagnostics.

iPhone: open Settings → Wi-Fi and check the selected network. If restarting does not help, test a different trusted Wi-Fi network when available. Apple’s connection troubleshooting guide provides the next steps.

For a managed work device, ask your IT team before changing VPN, proxy or security settings. Avoid a network reset as your first move: it can remove saved connection settings.

3. If every device is affected

Use mobile data to check your internet provider’s outage information. If it reports an outage, follow its updates before changing your equipment.

Otherwise, check that power and connection cables are seated. Restart your modem and router according to their manufacturer’s instructions. With separate equipment, let the modem reconnect before restarting the router. Everyone using the network will lose their connection temporarily.

Restart is different from factory reset. Do not press a recessed Reset button; it may erase your configuration.

When the equipment has finished starting, repeat the two-device test. If both still fail, contact your provider with the equipment model, indicator lights, error message and checks already completed.

4. If public Wi-Fi needs a login

Hotel and café networks may require a welcome screen before providing internet access. Follow the network’s legitimate sign-in instructions, and ask staff for the correct network name if you are unsure. Apple’s captive-network guidance explains how these networks work on iPhone and iPad.

For more detail, see our iPhone hotel Wi-Fi login guide.

5. Check whether the fix lasts

After one change, retry the same websites. If browsing works but the connection keeps dropping, use our Wi-Fi disconnection guide. If it works beside the router but fails in a particular room, follow our weak Wi-Fi guide.

A useful result is a repeatable working connection—or enough evidence to reach the right support team. You do not need to buy a new router simply because your device once reported “No internet.”