Internet Tips and Tricks

How to Fix Connected Without Internet (On Router, Windows, Android)

cWhen using public WiFi, pinpointing the issue is more challenging since you can’t check the internet service provider (ISP) directly. However, you have all the tools to fix the Connected Without Internet problem at home.  

We’ll guide you through simple step-by-step solutions to get you back online quickly. Whether it’s a router reset, a network setting tweak, or a call to your ISP, we’ve got you covered. 

How to Fix “Connected Without Internet” on Your Router

Experiencing a “Connected Without Internet” issue can often be resolved right at your router.   

Here’s how to troubleshoot

• Reset the router. This is the first and most straightforward step. Unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. This simple action refreshes your router’s settings – often, that’s all it takes.   
• Reposition your router. The placement of your router can significantly impact your internet connection. Your router should be in a central location in your home, away from walls and metal objects that can interfere with the signal. An often overlooked yet practical tip: keep the doors open, especially if you’ve noticed a drop in signal strength when doors are closed.   
• Check your Internet bill. It might seem obvious, but sometimes the issue could be as simple as an unpaid internet bill. See if your account is in good standing to avoid service interruptions. 

If the above steps don’t work, try connecting your laptop directly to the internet using a CAT5 cable. Plug the cable into your laptop and see if you can access the internet. If this doesn’t fix broken WiFi, it’s likely a problem with your ISP.  

How to Fix “Connected Without Internet” on Windows 10 & Windows 11

Before you try to fix WiFi problems on Windows, check if other devices can connect to the internet. If they can, the problem is likely with your device. Do you use Windows? If so, you can often resolve internet issues without expert help.

Let’s explore the basic steps to diagnose and fix the “Connected Without Internet” issue: 

Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

This built-in tool is your first line of defense. It’s designed to identify and fix common local problems, such as incorrectly configured IP addresses or IP conflicts. To access it, go to “Settings,” then “Update & Security,” and select “Internet Connections” under the Troubleshoot tab. Running this troubleshooter can reset the network adapter if it detects no specific issues. 

The troubleshooter might return various responses. If it says, “Troubleshooting couldn’t identify the problem,” it means the issue isn’t immediately recognizable. Alternatively, it might report that “your broadband modem is experiencing connectivity issues,” in which case it will suggest further steps to take. 

Understand WiFi Adapters

Your WiFi adapter is a crucial component that connects your PC to the wireless network. Occasionally, issues with the WiFi adapter can lead to being connected but without internet.  

If the troubleshooter suggests an issue with the WiFi adapter, you might need to reset or update its drivers. However, before delving into advanced steps like resetting or updating the adapter, try the simpler troubleshooting methods first. 

Advanced Troubleshooting on Windows

Here’s a comprehensive guide to resetting and configuring your network adapters: 

Reset Network Adapters

When you reset your network adapters through the ‘Network Reset’ option, it reverts all your network settings to their default state. This includes WiFi, Ethernet, and other network connections. The process doesn’t remove any essential software components. 

• Go to “Settings.” 
• Navigate to “Network & Internet.” 
• Select “Network Reset.” 
• Click on “Reset Now.” 
• Wait for your laptop to restart.  

Note: This process will reset all your network adapters to their default settings but won’t delete them. Deleting the network adapters from the Device Manager can lead to a complete loss of network connectivity. Without these adapters, your device won’t connect to any WiFi or Ethernet networks. 

Reset Windows Socket API & Flush DNS Cache

Flushing the DNS cache is a standard troubleshooting step. It’s like clearing the browser history or cookies for your network connection. And don’t worry – it doesn’t affect your personal files, system settings, or installed programs

• Open the Command Prompt. 
• Right-click on it and select ‘Run as administrator.’ 
• Type the following commands one after the other, pressing Enter after each:
  netsh winsock reset
  netsh int ip reset
  ipconfig /release
  ipconfig /renew
  ipconfig /flushdns
• Restart your laptop. This process should refresh your internet connection settings. 

Navigating the Command Prompt might seem daunting, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. But rest assured, these steps are straightforward and safe to perform. 

Reinstall or Update Network Drivers

Drivers are the software components that allow your operating system to communicate with hardware devices. Over time, drivers can become outdated or corrupt, leading to internet problems

• Open “Device Manager” by searching for it in the Windows search bar. 
• Expand the “Network adapters” section. 
• Right-click on your WiFi adapter and select “Uninstall device.” 
• Confirm the uninstallation. 
• Restart your laptop. Upon reboot, Windows will automatically reinstall the network drivers. 

Alternatively, you can manually update the drivers by selecting “Update driver” instead of uninstalling. You can let Windows search for the best available driver online or, if you have downloaded a specific driver from the manufacturer’s website, choose to install it manually. 

If you run into any issues, you can always roll back the driver update. To roll back a driver, you simply go back into the Device Manager, right-click on the network adapter, choose “Properties,” go to the “Driver” tab, and select “Roll Back Driver.” 

Windows will then restore the previous version of the driver that was installed before the update. 

Check IP Configuration

Most devices obtain an IP address automatically from the network. This is known as Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). 

To check this setting on a Windows device

• Go to “Control Panel” –> “Network and Sharing Center” –> “Change adapter settings”  
• Right-click on your network connection (WiFi or Ethernet) –> “Properties” –> “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and ensure “Obtain an IP address automatically” is selected. 

Verify Key Services are Running

Certain services in Windows are essential for maintaining a stable and functional internet connection. For example, DHCP Client automatically obtains the right network settings, and WLAN AutoConfig manages your wireless networks. 

Here’s how to check if these key services are running and what to do if they’re not: 

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open the “Task Manager.” 
• Once open, navigate to the “Services” tab. This tab lists all the background services that run on your computer, some of which are vital for network connectivity. 
• Click “Open Services” at the bottom. 
• Ensure that the “DHCP Client” service is running. If not, right-click and select “Start.” 
• Also, check the “WLAN AutoConfig” service (Properties – “Startup type” should be set to Automatic). 
• Verify the “WiFi Direct Services Connection” (Startup Type should be set to Manual). 

How to Fix “Connected Without Internet” on Android Devices

Android users occasionally face the frustrating ‘Connected Without Internet’ issue. Here are some solutions. 

Reset Date and Time

Incorrect date and time settings can sometimes interfere with network connectivity

• Go to “Settings.” 
• Select “Date & Time.” 
• Ensure the date and time are correct. 
• Toggle on “Use network-provided time” or “Set time automatically.”  

Forget and Reconnect to the Network

• Navigate to the WiFi settings on your device. 
• Long-press the network you’re having trouble with and select “Forget Network.” 
• After forgetting the network, try reconnecting to it by entering the password again. 

Change IP Settings to Static

• Go to the WiFi settings and tap on the network. 
• Select “Advanced Options.” 
• Change your IP setting to “Static.” 
• Set the DNS to 8.8.8.8 (primary DNS) and 8.8.4.4 (secondary DNS). 

Treat Network as Unmetered

This solution can help if your device restricts access to the internet due to data usage settings. 

• Open “Settings.” 
• Navigate to “Network & Internet” and tap on “WiFi.” 
• Click on the gear icon next to your network. 
• Select “Network Usage” and choose the option “Treat as unmetered.”  

Configure Private DNS

• In “Settings,” go to “Network & Internet.” 
• Select “Private DNS.” 
• Choose “Private DNS provider hostname.” 
• Enter a hostname like dns.google and save the setting.  

Reset Network Settings

• Go to “Settings.” 
• Select “System.” 
• Navigate to “Reset Options.” 
• Choose “Reset Network Settings.”  

Note: This will reset all network settings, including WiFi, mobile data, and Bluetooth. 

Fix Connected Without Internet: Conclusive Thoughts

A reliable internet connection is now necessary – it’s our lifeline in an increasingly online world. Uninterrupted internet access is crucial for work, entertainment, and staying in touch. That’s why, when faced with the dreaded “Connected Without Internet” issue, know you’re not alone in solving it.  

So, while this guide provides steps to troubleshoot common connectivity issues independently, remember that your ISP is always there to suggest solutions and sometimes even remotely diagnose problems that might seem insurmountable to you.