Have you ever opened your browser, got frustrated when the site you want doesn’t load even when you are connected to WiFi? Everyone who uses the internet has experienced this at least once while surfing the internet.
We all know this is very annoying. What is the point of being connected to a wifi connection if it has no access to the internet? A lot of people have encountered this problem, and most of them seek solutions to it. As a result, there are a lot of queries from people on how they can fix this problem.
We got you covered. This article is all about how this issue can be fixed. We hope you find this write-up helpful when you encounter this issue.
WiFi Connected But No Internet? What is this problem?
This problem is a statement that your computer or mobile phone is able to connect to a Wifi connection but is unable to connect to the internet. If you run into this issue, you will see the message “WiFi connected but no internet.”
This means that your mobile or computer is connected to a router that can not connect to the internet. If this happens, you might receive a notification that says something similar to this: ‘This network has no access to the internet. Do you wish to stay connected to it?’ You can wait for the router to connect to the internet, reset your router, or you can try to figure out what is preventing your adapter/router from getting internet access.
What Does It Mean When You’re Connected With No Internet?
When your Windows PC or mobile device displays the error message “Connected, no internet access” or a message that propagates a similar meaning, it means that your device is connected to a router/modem.
But that router/modem is not connected to the internet or blocked from connecting to the internet. This can be a very frustrating phase until you get internet access on the network.
The Symptoms for this error
When this happens to your Windows PC, you’ll see an exclamation mark inside a yellow warning triangle. There is a message that reads ‘WiFi connected but no internet’ for Windows 10 computers.
If this happens on a mobile device, you might see just an exclamation mark and a note that reads ‘Connected, no internet access.’’.
Some mobile User Interfaces (UI) might even ask you if you wish to disconnect from that network since it is not connected to the internet.
What are the reasons behind this Error?
There are a handful of reasons why you can’t browse the internet even when you are connected to a network. These are the possible causes why you can not connect to the internet.
- Your Wi-Fi adapter or router might be malfunctioning.
- Your antivirus may be blocking access to the internet.
- You may not have updated your Wireless Drivers.
- Your DNS server settings may have the wrong configurations.
- You might have a corrupt DNS cache.
- Your Internet provider may have run into issues.
- The wireless mode may be outdated.
- Your PC might have the wrong IP (Internet Protocol) address.
Preparing to fix the Wi-Fi connected but no internet issue
Before we get to fixing this problem, there is something we need to look at. We need to know if only one device is facing the problem or if every device that is connected to the Wi-Fi has this problem before we fix the problem.
- Only one device has this problem: If only one device has connected to a wifi network but has no access to it, while the other devices are receiving internet, the problem lies with the device and not the modem or the service provider. Your device may have incorrect configurations, a corrupt DNS, or an outdated network driver. There are also a few other possibilities.
- All the devices have this problem: If all your devices are unable to access the internet, the problem might lie with the router or might arise from the internet provider, themself. Your device could be functioning properly.
Both these prospects are possible. In rare circumstances, the fault might lie on both parties. You can also have a faulty piece of hardware, and your internet service provider may be doing a bad job.
Fixing the WiFi connected but no Internet issue
There are a lot of reasons why you are facing this problem. There are even more solutions to fix this problem. This is because each method to fix could be having the wrong configuration or setting. This is the procedure synopsis to fix the Connected but no internet issue on your devices.
Locate the source of the problem
Your first step has to be finding out where the problem began. The source could be from the outside or could be because your software or hardware could be corrupt. Only when you find out where the problem comes from will you be able to know what to do and do it to fix the problem.
1. Connect to a different Wi-Fi connection
There are chances that the problem could lie with the wifi connection you are connected to. Or this issue can come up every time you connect to a wireless network. You have to figure out the cause behind the problem to decide what to do.
If you connect to any network and do not get access to the internet, there could be something wrong with your device. The other way around, If only one Wi-Fi network causes problems for you, your router settings could be incorrect.
2. Try Connecting with a different device
Try to connect to the network which has been causing you trouble with a different device. If the trouble exists on the same device, then your wifi is faulty. If it does not, then your internet is good, but your phone, tablet, or computer is not.
3. Check if there is a range extender
A range extender, aka a WiFi repeater, can be causing trouble for your connection. If you own a repeater, Try disabling it and see if it fixes your issues. Use the wireless connection with just the router. If this works out, you can try mesh networking.
Solutions To Fix the ‘No Internet Connection’ Problem
- Troubleshoot the Problem
- Take a look at the WAN cables
- Check if your Cellular Data is on
- Restart your Devices
- Try Flushing the DNS cache
- Other Networking Commands that might be a solution
- The MAC Address Filter
- Modifying the Wi-Fi network channel
- Change your region for your Wi-Fi router
- Try disabling and re-enabling your Network
- Set your Wi-Fi Router to 802.11b\g\n
- Disable your proxy
- Reset your Network settings
- Check for Driver updates
- Update firmware for your router
- Remove Virus and other malware
- Format your Device
- Disable your VPN software
- Your router or modem might be faulty
- Talk to your internet service provider
Troubleshoot the Problem
This is the most fundamental step to fixing any problem is troubleshooting it. In this case, we have to troubleshoot the wireless network we are not able to connect to. It is quite simple. Follow these steps:
- Right-click on the network icon on the task tray on the Windows Taskbar. The network icon can be a monitor or a wifi logo, depending on the connection type. If it is not connected or if there is no access to the internet, you’ll see a globe with a barrier sign.
- In the pop-up menu, select the Troubleshoot problems option.
- You’ll see the network adapter troubleshoot window open up. In this, you’ll see a list of all the adapters which were recently connected to your Windows computer.
- Select the one connection which has been facing problems and click on the Next button.
- The diagnostics test runs for a few seconds. The next window asks you what kind of problems.
- You have to specify if you are having problems while trying to launch a website or a folder in a network. You can also select it if you have other problems. You get two different windows for the two different, possible problems
- If you have trouble with a specific site, choose the first option and enter the address of the site and click on the Next button. Another diagnosis test run and any problem that is detected is displayed.
- If you have a different problem, the troubleshooter lets you connect to this computer with other devices and connect to your workplace, using DirectAccess. From this, you can follow the instructions to find the error on your network adapter.
- Once the troubleshooter detects the error, it will fix it on its own and lets you know once it is complete.
Take a look at the WAN cables
Sometimes, you may see this problem when your ethernet cable is not connected properly, or it could be damaged. If this is your case, your router does not receive internet but creates a hotspot. This will result in you seeing the “Connected, but no internet access” message.
Take a look behind your router. Your cables could be loose or broken. Attach it properly in the respective slot. If it is damaged, you will have to get a new one.
Check if your Cellular Data is on
If you made a hotspot using mobile devices, like a smartphone or a tablet, there are plenty of chances that your mobile data is not switched on. There is not much use for the created hotspot without the mobile data being turned on. The devices which are connected to your hotspot will not receive internet till your switch on the mobile data.
Restart your Devices
Restarting the devices, you use for network connections might be a solution to your problem.
1. Reboot your router
Most modems have a reset button on their rear. Press it once to reset your router.
If this does not work, you can connect to the router’s online interface. With this platform, you can fix what could have been a bug.
This modem interface is of a very basic one; a simple press of the reboot button might fix all your problems. You can also turn the wifi off and turn it back on. This is the same as resetting it. This fix is known for fixing a lot of WAN problems.
2. Reboot your devices
You can also try rebooting your devices. This simple step can fix a lot of problems and apply the changes to your device, and not just the network problem.
Inspect your device’s Date & Time
You might find it quite unusual reading the heading of this fix but setting custom time is not a very rare reason for the issue to arise. The following fix has been known to work for early android smartphones. It is still worth giving it a shot by setting the device’s date and time as presented by the internet.
Almost every smartphone today has the “Use Network-Provided Time” setting on them. In almost all android devices, the path to the network-provided time setting is
Settings > General Management > Date & Time > Use Network-Provided time.
Enable it. The internet will sync your device date and time with that of your timezone. If this is not your solution, you will have to change your mobile device’s time and date yourself.
Some router and modem interfaces allow their users to change their time. This is also a way to correct your time.
Inspect your Antivirus software
Taking a look at your antivirus software could offer an explanation behind the “Wi-Fi-connected, but no internet” message. This is a plausible reason and to ensure that it is, the antivirus has to be disabled for a while. If you get access to the internet when the antivirus was down, you will have to disable the Network Shield or Firewall and/or remove the antivirus driver.
However, this is in no way a dedicated resolution to this issue. But, in case you got an internet connection when the antivirus was disabled, you can disable the firewall. But this can render you very vulnerable, especially when connected to a public wi-fi network connection.
Change your DNS
A tricky DNS can not only prevent you from getting access to an internet connection but also prevent a number of websites from loading in your browser, all while being connected to your wifi connection. You will see error messages on your browser, like ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED, if your DNS was corrupt.
Another symptom you might notice is that some parts of a website are, comparatively, slow while loading than other parts. You can change your previous DNS to a popular and trustworthy one. The Google DNS, Open DNS, and Cloudflare DNS are excellent DNS servers.
These are some of the attested DNS server settings addresses and their alternate (secondary)settings addresses.
If you do not know what a DNS server is and how to change the DNS settings of a connection, check this dedicated article: How to change DNS settings on your PC running Windows 10
Here’s how you can change the DNS settings on your Windows 10 computer.
1. Open your Control Panel.
2. In the Network and Internet category, select the Network and Sharing Center. Here ‘Adapter’ refers to the wireless network adapter, which brings the internet to you.
3. On the left, you’ll notice a few menus. Click Change Adapter Settings menu.
4. Select the network that provides internet service to the user’s computer and select Properties.
5. Click on the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) check box to enable it.
6. In the same window, click on the Properties menu or right-click and select Properties.
7. Under the General tab in the Internet Protocol version 4(TCP/IPv4) Properties window, you’ll see that you can change the IP address and the DNS servers. Check to Use the following DNS server address and type in the DNS servers you want to use.
8. Enter your preferred DNS server and click ok. Select Close when you are done.
This method can be used to modify your IP address. You can also use your wireless router configuration interface to change your wifi network DNS settings. This is how you can change the DNS settings
Locate the network settings on the interface. It must have a separate tab dedicated to the LAN network connection. This will have the fields where you can change the IP address and the DNS.
You might have to set your LAN connection DNS mode to Static, for you to be able to edit it. Change the existing DNS or enter new DNS settings in the respective blank field.
Try Flushing the DNS cache
To Flush your DNS cache means removing the existing DNS and programming the computer to use an automatically obtained DNS address. This procedure can be a solution to our Connected, no internet access problem. This is what you have to do, in order to flush DNS.
- Open the Run tool. You can search for this in the search bar or press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to launch it.
- In the Open field of the Run tool, type in cmd and hit the enter button. The command prompt window opens. It is recommended that the command prompt is launched as the administrator.
- Type in the following command: ipconfig/flushdns.
- This will refresh your DNS resolver cache on your Windows 10 computer. Restart your computer to apply the new changes.
There are many known cases of this procedure fixing the no internet connection problem on Windows-based computers.
Other Networking Commands that might be a solution
There are other commands besides the ipconfig/flushdns, which is used to clear out the DNS cache, that might be a solution to this issue. You have to open the Command Prompt and enter these commands.
- netsh winsock reset
- netsh int ip reset
The above commands are used to reset the DNS server and the IP address of the wifi adapter, respectively. Once these are reset, the networks obtain an IP address automatically and obtain DNS server address automatically of their own for the network and not a custom set DNS or IP address. If the above commands turn out to be inefficient, try these commands.
- ipconfig/release
- ipconfig/renew
These commands help in releasing and getting a new IP address for your network, with the help of the network router. Enter these commands in the given order, one by one, in the command prompt window and press enter, after each command.
The last and following command is well-known; The ipconfig/flush dns. It clears the cache for the DNS server and improves its performance. It is essential that you restart your computer. The above commands can save your computer from network-related problems.
The MAC Address Filter
Some routers might use the Media Access Control (MAC) address filter. If your router does, you may be unable to access the internet. But you can connect with the internet if the MAC address is permitted to get an IP address of its own.
There are two options you can choose from. The MAC address filter has to be disabled or your devices have to be whitelisted.
The physical address in the picture is the MAC address.
Modifying the Wi-Fi network channel
If there are quite a number of wireless network connections around your hotspot, the network traffic can block your devices from receiving the internet, causing an internet error. You will have to open the online interface for your router and change the wifi settings.
Change your region for your Wi-Fi router
If your wifi router has the wrong region settings, this can affect your network’s internet access. There can be two consequences for this. You can have your wifi connected and not have connectivity.
Or you can have a slow and choppy network. You will receive 404 errors on your browser. You can change this setting in the router interface’s time settings by changing the time zone.
Try disabling and re-enabling your Network
Just like how most wireless network problems are solved when you reset the modem or router, disabling your network and enabling it back again, can solve the problem of “Error: wifi connected, but no internet access on your computer.
This is how you can disable the network on a Windows 10 computer.
- Open the Control Panel on your computer.
- Click on the Network and Sharing Center to open it.
- You will see the wifi connected to the computer. Open its properties by clicking on Wi-fi connection in the connections section.
- In the Properties window, select Disable. You can also right-click on the network in the adapter settings and select Disable.
- In the Network and Sharing Center, select Change adapter settings. You will see that your wireless network adapter has been disabled, causing an internet error.
- Right-click on the network and select Enable.
This is yet another solution to fix the no internet error for a computer network.
Set your Wi-Fi Router to 802.11b\g\n
It is recommended that the 802.11 b/g/n wireless mode setting be selected for your browser. The 802.11n mode for your router lets it perceive the network but not connect to the internet connection itself.
This might not be good for earlier devices that do not support the N standard mode.
Disable your proxy
An internet proxy can be used as a front by malware for fake websites. This proxy can be blocking your internet access. If the proxy is the reason, you might see the following symptoms.
- You will get the connection but no internet issue on your device.
- Websites take a lot of time to load.
- An unusual number of ads appear on websites.
You can check if your proxy is active or not in the Local Area Network settings on your Windows settings.
If you want to change the same settings on your mobile, you can use a third-party app or even the settings.
Note: The ads that appear can redirect you to illegal or explicit websites. This is the same for pop-ups that appear on these sites.
Reset your Network settings
Reset your Network settings on your devices. This may solve this problem. You just have to locate the reset wifi network settings on your device and then reset it. This setting is located in the Connectivity settings of your mobile device.
This is how you reset the network settings on your Windows 10 PC or Windows tablet.
- Open the Windows Settings and select the Network and Internet menu.
- In the Status sub heading, select Network reset at the bottom of the window.
- In the Network reset window, click on the Reset Now button.
Check for Driver updates
You may have an outdated wifi driver on your Windows PC. Updating these drivers on your computer can fix a lot of internet-related problems, like the ‘Connected but no internet issue. To update your drivers, this is what you have to do.
- Open your Device Manager. You can simply, type in Device manager in the search bar of your Start menu.
- The device manager window opens. You will see a list of all the devices which are used by your system to function and provide services. Click on them to see all the drivers which are used.
- Open the Network adapters driver list, by clicking on it. You’ll see the wifi adapter you want.
- Right-click on the wireless driver and select update driver from the pop-up menu.
- In the window that appears, you are asked to choose between searching your Windows 10 computer automatically for drivers or manually browse to choose a previously downloaded update to apply to the driver.
If you choose Search automatically for drivers, Windows 10 locates the latest driver available on your computer and applies it. If you have downloaded an update and wish to select it yourself, you have to select Browse my computer for drivers.
Once you select one of the options, the computer checks for the update and installs it. Updating your network adapters’ driver software might get you an internet connection.
Update firmware for your router
Firmware is used to help a driver or the router contact other drivers and hardware to function. In this case, the router and modem firmware are important and are the ones with are dealing with, to fix this issue.
You can check the website of your router and see if there are any updates for it. If an update is available, download it and install it. It is wise to be up to date on every driver and software. This can fix the “wifi connected, no internet access” problem on your device.
Remove Virus and other malware
Not only can removing malware help protect your computer, but it can also help solve the “Error: Wifi connected, but no internet” problem. This is because malware on your computer can be blocking internet access to your device.
You will get this problem, even when all your system settings are correct because the malware can mess with your connectivity. You can use good antivirus software to remove this.
But make sure the antivirus does not interfere with your internet connection. This option is also applicable for mobiles. There are a lot of excellent mobile antiviruses.
Even if it does not grant you internet access, running a scan to detect and remove viruses is always recommended for the safety of your computer or mobile.
Format your Device
A factory reset of your phone, tablet, or computer can help you access the internet. You can get a practically new phone with a fresh User Interface (UI), clean storage, and the default settings, which could be helpful to your wifi network connecting to your device.
This is how you reset your android device.
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Find the system settings and click on the Factory Reset option.
- You have to enter your phone password. It will take a while to reset your computer.
If your Windows PC has problems, you can follow these steps to factory reset your computer.
- Open the Windows settings on your Windows 10 computer.
- Select the Updates and Recovery menu.
- In the Recovery sub-heading, under the Reset this PC section, click on the Get Started button.
- In the Choose an option window that opens, choose to Remove files or Keep files.
- Confirm that you want to reset your computer.
After your Windows 10 PC is finished setting up, connect to an internet connection and see if you receive the internet.
Disable your VPN software
If you have VPN software on your device, to change your IP address, it might be the cause for the wifi connection but no internet issue. This is a possible reason for your wireless network to not connect to the internet. If disabling it works, you can uninstall it.
Your router or modem might be faulty
You can also face this problem if your router is not functioning properly or is damaged. Check with the dealer who sold you your router or contact the modem manufacturer for information. If it is faulty, you will have to get a new modem.
Talk to your internet service provider
Sometimes the problem could be with the side of the internet service provider. If there are maintenance breaks or damages to the fiber/cables that bring the internet, there will be the wifi connected but no internet problem.
The problem could be from the side of your internet service provider. There could be a maintenance break or a damaged component, which could mean that you won’t have an internet connection but get the wifi connection to your device.
Conclusion
All of us have been through this very hard phase of being on a wifi connection to a network and not getting internet. It can get very difficult while your activities are dependent on your wifi. Stop playing the dinosaur game, that appears on your browser when there is no internet for your wifi or any other wireless hotspot.
Because there are a lot of solutions to this internet error. This issue can arise due to many reasons and therefore, there are a lot of fixes that work to fix this problem. You can fix your network adapter, use commands, check your wifi router, take a look at your wifi modem, and more.
No more waiting for this issue to be resolved by a technical expert. You can put an end to this problem yourself, with the help of the instructions in this article.
