Router Blinking But No Internet

Steps to fix it

1. Identify which light is blinking, and whether it's on the router or the modemMost homes have two boxes: a modem (connects to your provider's line — cable, fiber, or phone jack) and a router (creates your Wi-Fi network), sometimes combined into one device. Routers have separate lights for power, internet/WAN, and Wi-Fi. If the problem light is on a separate modem box rather than the router, that points to your internet provider's side rather than your home Wi-Fi — check the modem's manual for what its lights mean, or contact your internet provider directly, since modem issues usually aren't something you can fix from the router's settings.
2. Restart both the modem and the router, in that orderUnplug the modem first, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in and let it fully reconnect, then restart the router. Restarting them together or in the wrong order often doesn't clear the issue.
3. Check the physical cable between the modem and routerThis is the ethernet cable — it looks like a wide phone cable with a clear plastic clip-in connector on each end. Make sure it's firmly clicked into both the modem and router, and try unplugging and replugging it. A loose or damaged cable between the two is a common, easy-to-miss cause of a persistent "no internet" light.
4. Check for an outage with your internet providerMany providers post outage information on their app or website — a blinking light that won't resolve after restarting often means the problem is upstream, not in your home.
5. Look for an overheating routerRouters running hot for extended periods can behave erratically, including dropping connection intermittently. Make sure it has open space around it and isn't stacked with other equipment.
6. Try a factory reset as a last resortLook on the back or bottom of the router for a small, recessed button labeled Reset — it's usually set into a pinhole so it doesn't get pressed by accident. With the router powered on, press and hold it (a straightened paperclip or SIM tool works) for about 10-15 seconds until the lights flash or turn off, then release. The router will reboot on its own after a minute or two. This clears out any corrupted configuration, but also erases your Wi-Fi network name and password, so you'll need to set those up again afterward. To do that: log into your router's admin page (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a browser while connected to the router, or through the manufacturer's app), find the Wireless or Wi-Fi settings section, and enter a new network name (SSID) and password there — then reconnect all your devices using the new details.
7. Consider whether your modem or router is at end of lifeModems and routers do wear out — if this happens repeatedly even after resets and your equipment is several years old, replacing it is often more effective than continuing to troubleshoot an aging device.

Common questions