Internet not working: most common causes and solutions

Has it ever happened to you that you’re calmly browsing the internet and suddenly… boom! You lose your connection?

Yes, it’s happened to all of us at some point. Having your internet stop working is one of the most frustrating things in everyday life. But don’t worry—no need to panic. In this post, we’ll explain the main causes and solutions for when your internet isn’t working.

Let’s get to it.

My home internet isn’t working: first steps

Before anything else, if your internet isn’t working, try these steps:

Try another device

The first thing to do is rule out a device-specific issue. Try connecting from another device, such as your phone, tablet, or computer. If the connection works on other devices, the problem is likely with the first one you tested.

Check mobile data and WiFi

You may have accidentally turned off mobile data or WiFi. Make sure both are enabled on your device. Also check that Airplane Mode isn’t switched on by mistake.

Open a different website

Sometimes the problem isn’t your internet connection, but the website itself. Try visiting another site to confirm whether the issue is general or limited to a specific page.

Check the router

Make sure your router is switched on and that the indicator lights are behaving normally. If they aren’t, the router itself may be faulty.

Restart the router

If the router appears to be working, try restarting it. Unplug it from the power supply, wait a few seconds, then plug it back in. Give it a couple of minutes and check again. Very often, this simple step fixes the problem.

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Main reasons why the internet isn’t working

If you’ve tried the steps above and your internet still doesn’t work, it may be due to one of the following causes:

Network infrastructure issues

One of the most common reasons for internet outages is a problem with the network infrastructure. There may be an issue with cabling, local exchanges, or maintenance work that temporarily affects the service.

Network congestion

During peak hours, when many users are connected at the same time, the network can become congested. This may cause very slow speeds or a complete loss of connection, usually at specific times of the day.

Operator-related issues

Another frequent cause of internet outages is problems on the operator’s side. Sometimes there are widespread service disruptions that affect many users for a period of time.

ISP interruptions

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) occasionally carry out scheduled maintenance, which can lead to brief service interruptions. These are usually announced in advance.

Network security issues or hacking

Although less common, internet problems can be caused by someone gaining unauthorized access to your network. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to learn how to protect your WiFi network.

Weather conditions

Severe weather or intense electrical storms can also cause internet outages due to damage to power lines or broadband infrastructure. Since cables are often underground, repairs can take longer.

My internet still isn’t working — what can I do?

If your internet definitely isn’t working, we recommend contacting your provider. They can run diagnostics, identify the exact cause of the issue, and tell you how long it will take to fix.

Keep in mind that with modern broadband connections, issues are usually resolved faster than with older technologies, as broadband is more stable and reliable.

At Olin, we offer ultra-fast broadband connections with maximum reliability, so you can always enjoy the best browsing experience. Check your coverage and switch to Olin broadband—you won’t regret it.

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