{"id":78530,"date":"2026-03-13T14:25:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T21:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.maketecheasier.com\/troubleshoot-a-router\/?update=20260313"},"modified":"2026-03-13T14:25:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T21:25:00","slug":"troubleshoot-a-router","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/troubleshoot-a-router\/","title":{"rendered":"Having a Bad Wi-Fi Connection? Your Router Is Likely the Culprit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Usually, we connect to the Internet and never think twice. But, when you&#8217;ve tried connecting all your various devices with no luck, it&#8217;s time to troubleshoot your router. Without your router, your Internet life is over, but troubleshooting gets you back online quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n<nav class=\"content-toc-wrapper relative lazyblock-toc-Z18wH66 wp-block-lazyblock-toc\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\"><div id=\"content-toc-header\" class=\"content-toc-header flex cursor-pointer items-center justify-between\">\n                <span class=\"text-sm font-semibold\">Table of Contents<\/span>\n                <span class=\"toc-caret\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"chevron\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\"><use xlink:href=\"#icon-chevron\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n            <\/div><div class=\"content-toc hidden w-full\"><div class=\"toc\"><ul class=\"toc-content font-semibold\"><li><a href=\"#check-service-provider\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">Check Your Service Provider First<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#check-router-lights\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">Check Your Router&#8217;s Lights<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#restart-router\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">Restart the Router<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#switch-to-ethernet-cable\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">Switch to Ethernet Cables<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#change-router-wi-fi\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">Change Router Wi-Fi Channel<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#reset-router\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">Reset Your Router<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#upgrade-router-firmware\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">Upgrade Router Firmware<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#diagnostic-tools\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">Diagnostic Tools<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#get-back-online-quickly\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">Get Back Online Quickly<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/nav>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"check-service-provider\">Check Your Service Provider First<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you blame your router, I suggest checking for any issues with your service provider. For me, 99 percent of the time, it&#8217;s my ISP. The easiest way to is to use your favorite search engine to search for &#8220;<em>providername<\/em> outage map.&#8221; Some don&#8217;t have outage maps and require you to use their chatbots to verify an outage. Use mobile data or someone else&#8217;s Wi-Fi to check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"check-router-lights\">Check Your Router&#8217;s Lights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Those flashing lights on your router aren&#8217;t for decoration. Instead, they show the working status of the router.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use the lights to find out if your router is having issues. Light meanings vary based on your router brand, so check the manual to make sure. It&#8217;s usually on the manufacturer&#8217;s site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"434\" src=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/how-to-troubleshoot-router-router-lights-800x434.jpg\" alt=\"Example of router lights.\" class=\"wp-image-858639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/how-to-troubleshoot-router-router-lights-800x434.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/how-to-troubleshoot-router-router-lights-400x217.jpg 400w, https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/how-to-troubleshoot-router-router-lights.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image source:<a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/white-and-black-modem-router-with-four-lights-syCXK9WndqQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For many models:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Green &#8211; Current process or normal function<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>White &#8211; Connected to the Internet or firmware update<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Orange &#8211; Idle, firmware update, or connection issue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Red &#8211; Connection error or router failure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Another thing to keep in mind is the meanings vary based on whether the light is solid or blinking. I always check lights immediately when troubleshooting router issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"restart-router\">Restart the Router<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I know it&#8217;s an incredibly simple way to troubleshoot a router, but it&#8217;s also one of the most efficient options. Unplug the power cable to your router for at least 30 seconds and plug it back in. This helps with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Slow performance from corrupted temporary data in your router&#8217;s RAM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resets the connection with your ISP<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stops a DDoS attack (rare circumstance)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clears any outdated routing data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"switch-to-ethernet-cable\">Switch to Ethernet Cables<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, physical cables aren&#8217;t that convenient. But, using an Ethernet cable helps you see if the problem is with the Wi-Fi itself or the router. If an Ethernet cable connected directly from your router to your device still doesn&#8217;t work, it&#8217;s the router.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re already using Ethernet cables, try a new cable. In my experience, Ethernet cables get damaged way too easily. Plus, simply using a new cable or reconnecting the old cable helps reset the connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"change-router-wi-fi\">Change Router Wi-Fi Channel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re still connecting to Wi-Fi, but <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/fix-slow-wi-fi-connection\/\">it&#8217;s slow and unreliable<\/a>, the problem might be your Wi-Fi channel. Conflicting traffic from other Wi-Fi users slows connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"726\" height=\"639\" src=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-troubleshoot-a-router-channel.jpg\" alt=\"How To Troubleshoot A Router Channel\" class=\"wp-image-305518\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"change-wi-fi-channel\">Manually change your Wi-Fi channel through your router&#8217;s settings. Access your router&#8217;s settings with its IP address. This is usually 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.254 or similar (check out our <a data-lasso-id=\"19542\" href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/cheatsheet\/router-ip-addresses\/\" class=\"ek-link\">cheatsheet here<\/a>). Enter it into your browser in the address bar. Here&#8217;s <a data-lasso-id=\"19543\" href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/find-router-ip-address-on-any-platform\/\" class=\"ek-link\">how to find your router&#8217;s IP address on any platform<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If prompted for a login, check the router itself or the user manual. Or, use whatever login you created to better secure your router. If you never changed, search for your router model along with &#8220;default login&#8221; to get the default login details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not sure which Wi-Fi channel to pick? I suggest reading our guide on <a data-lasso-id=\"19544\" href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/find-best-wifi-channel\/\" class=\"ek-link\">how to find the best Wi-Fi channel for your network<\/a> to make this easier. And, try this <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/best-wifi-channel-for-5ghz-frequency\/\">guide for the best 5GHz Wi-Fi channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some ISPs require you to download a separate app to manage your settings and perform any Wi-Fi and router troubleshooting. If so, you&#8217;ll see a prompt on how to download the required app. Also, for ISP-owned routers\/modems, some settings\/options in this post may not be available to you, such as with Verizon router troubleshooting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"reset-router\">Reset Your Router<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, resetting your router is not the same as restarting the router. If nothing else works, you might want to reset the router to its default settings and <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/set-up-router\/\">start the setup from scratch again<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"744\" height=\"365\" src=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-troubleshoot-a-router-reset.png\" alt=\"Troubleshoot router by resetting it in the router's settings.\" class=\"wp-image-305517\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Steps vary depending on your router, but usually involves either pressing a physical button on the router itself or opening your router&#8217;s settings and searching for a reset option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"upgrade-router-firmware\">Upgrade Router Firmware<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Router firmware doesn&#8217;t have to be upgraded often, so it&#8217;s easy to forget about. But, firmware often takes care of pesky connection issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Upgrade router firmware by going into your router&#8217;s settings. Yes, the router does need to be connected to the Internet, even if it&#8217;s not passing that connection onto you. The exact location of the firmware upgrade varies. For instance, with NETGEAR router troubleshooting, it&#8217;s located in the Home section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"305\" src=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/how-to-troubleshoot-a-router-firmware.jpg\" alt=\"Router troubleshooting a NETGEAR router by updating the firmware.\" class=\"wp-image-420562\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternately, if your router&#8217;s not working and won&#8217;t connect to the Internet, try the offline method. First, download the firmware directly from the router manufacturer&#8217;s site. Use someone else&#8217;s connection for this. Next, put the firmware on your computer and connect directly to your router via an Ethernet cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every router brand uses a different method. Some don&#8217;t allow manually updating at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you hate the firmware you have, <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/dd-wrt-vs-tomato-vs-openwrt-router-firmware\/\">try an alternative router firmware<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"diagnostic-tools\">Diagnostic Tools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ve found that router and network diagnostic tools also make it easier to troubleshoot a router. These help me <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/smart-home\/get-rid-of-dead-spots-smart-home\/#testing-your-home\">uncover dead spots<\/a> and other connectivity issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to avoid third-party tools, check your router manufacturer&#8217;s site for diagnostic and router troubleshooting tools. They&#8217;re not always as comprehensive, but may solve the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Third-party diagnostic tools help you create a stronger home network by finding dead spots and suggesting router placement. They quickly help you see if your router is indeed the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A few third-party tools to try include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a data-lasso-id=\"19545\" href=\"https:\/\/www.netspotapp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">NetSpot<\/a> &#8211; Get detailed Wi-Fi troubleshooting and analysis for macOS and Windows.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a data-lasso-id=\"19546\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nirsoft.net\/utils\/index.html#network_utils\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">NirSoft<\/a> &#8211; While only for Windows, NirSoft provides a variety of network diagnostics tools. Even when you&#8217;re not having router issues, some of these are ideal to have for monitoring traffic and general network health.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a data-lasso-id=\"19547\" href=\"https:\/\/support.microsoft.com\/en-us\/windows\/fix-wi-fi-connection-issues-in-windows-9424a1f7-6a3b-65a6-4d78-7f07eee84d2c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">Windows network connection command prompts<\/a> &#8211; Test your connection and help pinpoint issues with Windows built-in tools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"660\" height=\"304\" src=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/how-to-troubleshoot-a-router-command.jpg\" alt=\"Troubleshooting router issues with Windows network tools.\" class=\"wp-image-420590\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a data-lasso-id=\"19548\" href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/guide\/mac-help\/use-wireless-diagnostics-mchlf4de377f\/mac\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">macOS Wireless Diagnostics<\/a> &#8211; Run a report to test network health on macOS.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"get-back-online-quickly\">Get Back Online Quickly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you troubleshoot your router with no luck, it may be time for a new one, though there are <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/reuse-old-routers\/\">uses for old routers<\/a>. When shopping, make sure you know the <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/difference-between-modem-and-router\/\">difference between routers and modems<\/a>, though the two are often one device now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your PC shows you&#8217;re connected to Wi-Fi, but you have no Internet and your router is fine, <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/fix-wi-fi-connected-with-no-internet-windows\/\">try these fixes<\/a>. Also, if you&#8217;re using a MiFi device, <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/troubleshoot-mifi-connection-issues\/\">try these steps to troubleshoot connection issues<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re struggling to get a fast, reliable connection, learn how to troubleshoot your router to fix any connection issue you have.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15234,"featured_media":858740,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[505,3225],"class_list":["post-78530","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hardware","tag-router","tag-troubleshooting"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Troubleshoot a Router (And Find Out If You Need a New Router)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you\u2019re struggling to get a fast, reliable connection, learn how to troubleshoot your router to fix any connection issue you have.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/troubleshoot-a-router\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Having a Bad Wi-Fi Connection? Your Router Is Likely the Culprit\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you\u2019re struggling to get a fast, reliable connection, learn how to troubleshoot your router to fix any connection issue you have.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/troubleshoot-a-router\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Make Tech Easier\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MakeTechEasierMTE\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-03-13T21:25:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/troubleshoot-router-featured.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"720\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Crystal Crowder\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@ccrowderwrites\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@maketecheasier\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/maketecheasier.com\\\/troubleshoot-a-router\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/maketecheasier.com\\\/troubleshoot-a-router\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Crystal Crowder\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/maketecheasier.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/4248a73468f740784990f04ad481d9f0\"},\"headline\":\"Having a Bad Wi-Fi Connection? 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