There are few things more irritating than an unstable internet connection, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. You may have experienced missing meetings and having to call out of important discussions, with a simple message stating “I can’t reach the internet right now”.
In the modern work from home environment, where keeping a solid connection to the internet is more vital than ever, having connectivity issues and being disconnected from the Internet can be extremely frustrating. It’s essential for all homeowners to make use of high-quality internet service plans like our own, especially with the increased use of the Internet over the past decade.
So if you’re dealing with an unstable internet connection and want to know what to do when your Internet is down, here are some steps that you can follow to get connected once again.
If you have issues with a single device such as your PC, look to see if another person's computer or mobile device is also having the same issue. If the issue is only happening on one device, the issue is probably with the device itself and its settings and configurations.
However, if you’re having the issue across multiple devices, it is much more likely that the issue is with your connection itself. This is a good way to determine what your next troubleshooting steps should be focused on.
Connectivity issues on WiFi are common, which means that there might be many reasons why you’re having a problem. Before you put through that discouraging call or text to say, “I can’t reach the internet right now,” start by examining your WiFi settings and checking if your connection is limited. A limited connection means that your device isn’t receiving information properly, which goes beyond slow speeds or not having enough bandwidth.
If you’re using multiple access points, like a second router or an extender device, you might be getting a weaker signal by connecting to an option that’s farther from you. Windows devices can modify the connection preference by right-clicking the far-away connection point and selecting “Forget Network”. For the MacBook, you can go to the system preferences in the Settings, open the Network option, pick the Advanced option and remove any extra networks beneath the column. Doing this ensures you’ll always be connecting to the optimal access point for your device.
If you’re still having issues with connection despite using the right network connection, your device’s adapter may be the cause. If you’re on a PC, you may need to restart your network adapter, and on a mobile device, you’ll need to toggle your WiFi connection off and on again to reset it. Doing this often fixes any problems in the adapter’s drivers and can minimize cases where your internet is unstable. However, if the issue persists, you might have a hardware issue that might require replacing the device entirely.
One potential reason for Internet issues is a problem with the speed of your connection. If the internet is running slower than it should be, run a speed check, commonly offered through Google or free services like fast.com. Compare the results to the speeds you should be getting with your Internet service plan. If you’re noticing speeds much slower than what they should be, contact your ISP to see if they can resolve the issue.
Note that WiFi speeds will always be slower than what you’ll get through a hardwired connection, so make sure you take this into account beforehand. If your ISP isn’t able to resolve the issue, you may want to consider upgrading your plan or even switching ISPs to a HiFi service like Rango’s.
Internet connections can be affected and even disrupted by malicious software and viruses that inadvertently interfere with the network connectivity of your device. Because of this, a key step towards troubleshooting your internet connection is to perform a spyware, virus, and malware scan using anti-virus and malware detection software, as all of those could have a significant effect on surfing speeds and performance.
Some platforms like Windows have basic malware prevention programs built into the OS, but there are several reliable and free and paid software options, such as Malwarebytes, that can offer a comprehensive scan to remove unwanted malware and improve your Internet connectivity issues.
Sometimes, connection issues might stem from your hardware itself. Troubleshooting your connection should always involve taking a look at your broadband or router; they have some LED signs that represent their connection. Your ISP can identify what the lights mean, and when some or all of them are off or flashing, you might be experiencing connection issues.
Sometimes, a fix can be as simple as restarting the modem or router, unplugging the power cable, waiting a few minutes, and then turning it back on. Reseating the cables can also help, and should be done while the device is off. Note that during the start-up process, some lights may flash as the device comes online fully. This is normal, and it's recommended to wait a few minutes at minimum before checking your internet connection again. For specific details on how your device works, refer to your device's documentation and check with your ISP for more information.
If you’ve tried all the preceding options and still have connectivity issues, the best course of action is to get in touch with your service provider so they can examine your connection. Oftentimes, there are additional tests and troubleshooting steps for connection issues that might involve remote and physical work performed by technicians. Your ISP is usually your best bet for resolving internet connection issues in the long term.
However, if you’re having consistent problems despite help from your ISP, the issue may simply lie with the service you’re getting. In situations like these, it might be a good idea to switch providers to a different brand, such as Rango, to eliminate the possibility of incompatibility or poor service quality leading to connection issues.
If you find yourself frequently stating “I can’t reach the internet right now,” the following troubleshooting steps are a great starting point to get your connecting issues resolved. However, if you’re still having issues and want to switch to a more reliable Internet provider, Rango has you covered. Contact us today to learn about how we can help you get the highest speeds and best connection quality for your needs.
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