On average, we spend about six hours and 30 minutes on the Internet every day. It’s also reported that approximately eight out of ten people use the Internet daily — that’s a lot of Google searches!
It’s clear that the Internet has become absolutely integral in the lives of modern-day users, and we rely on it more than we even realize. Not only is it a must for commercial use, but we also use it for a variety of personal purposes, including social media, streaming, news, and more.
On top of that, we live in a society that’s very focused on instant gratification. We’re used to our internet connection being quick enough to load a web page in seconds, so when it doesn’t, we get a bit frustrated, which is putting it nicely.
That’s why it’s important to know the proper steps to take if your connection is acting slow or stops working completely. Fortunately, troubleshooting internet connection issues is actually pretty simple. This week’s UGrid Network blog is here to provide you with some valuable tips.
If you’re in need of technology connection solutions, rely on the professionals at UGrid Network. We’ve got everything you need from wall plates and connectors to RF options and WiFi power systems. Read this week’s post and visit our website for more information today!
Why Is My Internet Not Working?
Before you can fix your internet connection, it’s important to establish what’s going on and why it may be failing. Take a look at the WiFi icon on the device you’re using. Does it indicate that you’re connected to the Internet? If the answer is yes, your issue likely lies with the Internet. If not, it could be the Internet or your WiFi connection causing the problem.
When you click on your WiFi icon, you should see an internet connection map which will look a bit different depending on what operating system your computer or device uses. This window will show where the issue is occurring.
For example, you’ll be able to see whether your device is picking up the WiFi signal, or whether it’s connecting to the Internet. You should be able to click on each stage of the connection to perform a troubleshoot from your computer.
What to Do If Your Internet Isn’t Working?
If by clicking on your WiFi icon, you determine that your internet connection is the issue and you’re sure you are in range of the router and have all the correct passwords and permissions, we recommend following these steps to troubleshoot your connection issues.
Test a Different Device
Before you do anything else, try connecting to the Internet using a different device, such as a smartphone or tablet to see if it will connect to your WiFi. If it does, then the problem is probably occurring specifically with the original device.
It’s also possible that using multiple devices at the same time could be interfering with your bandwidth and speed. If more than one person is using the Internet on devices, this could also be the cause of your problems. If the problem is with your device, we recommend turning the WiFi on and off.
If you try this and you’re still having issues, try rebooting your device. If this still doesn’t work, go to your network preferences and double-check that you’re signed into the correct network. If none of this works, it’s possible that the issue is being caused by your signal strength. Do you have full bars, or just one? If there are only a few bars, try moving closer to your router and try again.
We also recommend running network diagnostics and following the instructions it provides. If none of the above seems to be helping, it’s time to contact technical support. Reach out to your Internet provider and explain the issue thoroughly so they can help you determine what’s going wrong.
Look at Your Router and Modem
Your wireless router should have a series of icons on the front that each mean different things. Grab your user manual to find out what each means. You’ll want to pay particular attention to the icon that represents internet connection. If the light is out while others are flashing, that means the WiFi isn’t channeling an Internet connection. If it’s on, that means the Internet itself is not working.
Before proceeding with any other steps, restart your router and modem by unplugging them from the wall. Leave them unplugged for approximately 30 seconds and then plug it back in. If you removed any batteries, be sure to put them back in.
Reconnect to Your WiFi Network
When attempting to reconnect to your WiFi network, the first thing you need to do is ensure that your router is free of clutter. If there’s anything sitting on top of it or next to it, try moving it so that it isn’t being blocked. We recommend keeping your router and modem in an open space that provides a signal throughout your house.
Scan for Viruses
It’s possible that your WiFi has been affected by a virus. If you think this may be the case, scan for malware, which could be significantly affecting your ability to connect to your Internet. If your computer does not already have a virus scanner installed, be sure to install one yourself.
Consult a Professional
If you’ve tried all of the above and you’re still having problems, it’s time to speak to a professional. They can help you determine what the issue is and what steps need to be taken next to reestablish your connection.
Be sure to explain the problem and your observations completely, as this can help the process move smoothly and more quickly. It’s also important to note that Internet outages do occur for various reasons, so there may not be much you can do if you’re being faced with an area-wide outage.
Trust UGrid Network for Reliable Connection Devices
We have come to rely on WiFi so much that it can completely derail our day when it starts acting up. That’s why it’s essential to know how to go about fixing it. We hope these tips have been helpful.
If you’re in need of reliable network connection devices, trust the experts at UGrid Network. We understand the value of a connection you can depend on, which is why we only offer top-tier solutions.
We believe in hard work, honesty, and integrity, and we can help you evaluate your current network connection situation and provide you with solutions that make sense for your home or business. Reach out to our team to learn more about our available products or to speak with one of our experts today!