WiFi is a wireless networking technology that enables computers, handheld devices, and other devices to connect to the Internet. When you connect to a WiFi network, you can sometimes experience WiFi Connected But No Internet Access issue.
It may be a problem with your operating system or the router. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this problem. As for any networking problem, the first place to look is at the networking equipment (router) and the system causing the problem.
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Where do I look?
If you’re having network problems, there are normally two places to look:
- Router
- The system itself
If the Internet is not working on any of the devices connected to the network, the fault is most likely with your Router/Modem. You should also inspect the ADSL cable to see whether it is twisted or broken. If the internet is not working on one device, it is likely that there is a problem with the device’s Wi-Fi adapter, which is preventing the device from connecting with the router. Here are 10 steps to troubleshoot the Wi-Fi linked but no internet bug.
Read: WiFi Suddenly Slow? 12 Ways To Fix Slow WiFi Speed
Restart the device
I know how it feels, and I’m sure most of you have done it a lot of times, so if you’ve not, you must. Rebooting causes systems remotely to update their IP tables and reload their configuration files. Switch off the router as well as the modem (in case you have one). After that, wait 30 seconds before restarting them.
You can also restart the computer and ensure that everything is in order. Once you’ve reset all of the files, try connecting again to see how it works.
Examine the Modem Lights
Instead of the devices associated, there may be an issue with your internet access. To validate, make sure the WAN light on the router is flashing. Check that the WAN light is not always on or entirely off. In most situations, the DSL lights should really be ON or green, and the Wi-Fi warning lights should flash.
If you are unsure how to proceed, contact your ISP’s customer service department and confirm the continuing internet issue. Inquire how long it will take to resolve the problem.
The ISP is down
Check for your ISP on down detector using your mobile data. Let’s pretend your internet provider is AT&T. You can look up the most common ISPs here to see if their systems are down and that they’re experiencing an outage. This useful website maps coverage around the world, so you can search it depending on your location. To find out if it is down throughout your region of the world, select the Live Outage option.
A quick search on social networking pages such as Twitter can also assist in determining if other people are experiencing related problems where Wi-Fi is linked however there is no internet.
Antivirus or any kind of security software
In the past, antivirus software has been known to cause connection problems. Disable the antivirus and other security software for a short period of time and see how this addresses the Wi-Fi attached but no internet bug. If this doesn’t work, then I would also suggest that you run a full antivirus scan to ensure that you are not compromised with anything malicious that is causing this error.
Make use of the built-in troubleshooter
If the internet is working fine on the ISP’s end, then the problem is most likely with your Wi-Fi adapter. This can be solved using the built-in troubleshooter that comes with Windows. Right-click on the internet icon in the taskbar and select ‘Troubleshoot problems’ from the context menu.
Windows can immediately detect and resolve network issues. If it is unable to resolve the issue, it will at the very least notify you of the issue. You should look for a suggestion online or post a question in the comments section.
Flush DNS
Sometimes, a corrupt DNS cache can cause issues with your internet connection and cause Wi-Fi connected but no internet access error. You can use the flush DNS command to repair the DNS cache.
- To do so, open Command Prompt, go to the Windows start menu and press enter to type ‘cmd’ to launch it with administrative privileges.
- To empty the DNS cache, type the following command and pressing enter.
ipconfig /flushdns
Change the Router’s Wireless Mode
This is an unusual occurrence that occurs only if you have an outdated Wi-Fi card or system installed. If you connect your PC to the router via Ethernet cable and get internet access, there is likely a connectivity barrier between these two machines. And one solution is to change the wireless mode.
On a router, there are many wireless modes. For example, you might have seen things like — 802.11 b, 802.11 b/g, 802.11 b/g/n, and so on. Wireless norms b, g, n, and ac are all distinct. Typically, the wireless mode is set to 802.11 b/g/n/, which performs well for the majority of users. Often, older devices, such as smartphones, are incompatible with this mode.
Read: How to Fix WiFi Connection Failure Error in Android
Resolve Network Driver Issues
A compromised network driver will sometimes cause poor internet performance. To access the device manager, press the “Window+R” key and then type ‘devmgmt.msc’.
Now locate your Wireless Network Adapter by expanding Network Adapters. Whatever model you have, it should be prefixed with ‘Wireless Network Adapter.’
Right-click on the network interface and select ‘Update drivers.’ If you are unable to connect, you must manually import the most recent driver from the company’s website on another internet-connected system and transfer it to your PC.
Once you’ve downloaded the most recent driver, use the “Browse my machine for driver files” feature to manually install it.
Router Reset
This option is capable of resolving all router-related issues. To force reset any recent updates that could be triggering the problem, reset the router to its factory settings. This also means that you would need to set the password again to secure your router.
While you can reboot the router through its settings, pressing the actual reset button on the router itself is a more convenient option. The reset button is normally covered inside a tiny hole, so you’ll have to closely inspect the router to locate it.
When you find it, use a paper clip or handheld SIM tray opener to push the button inside and hold it for 5-15 seconds, or before all the lights flash and the device turns off.
Reset the Wireless Network
As the name implies, “Network Reset” will reset your network settings. Windows will forget all settings related to Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and VPN links. As a result, resetting the network can only be used as a last resort.
To do so search for Network Reset in the start menu. A new window will appear informing you of what will occur if your network is reset.
To proceed, click the “Reset now” button to reboot your device.
Final thoughts
There is no single solution to the issue of WiFi connected but no internet connection. The tips given above should be sufficient to resolve the majority of software-related issues. However, if there is a technical problem, such as a faulty network card or modem, you would need to call a technician.
