Use this guide when one phone or computer says it is connected to Wi-Fi but apps or websites cannot reach the internet. If all devices are affected, start with no internet triage. Do not change router settings or enter manual DNS or IP addresses.
1. Check another device
Check whether the issue is limited to one device. Try a familiar website or app on another device using the same Wi-Fi.
If the second device works, continue with the affected device. If both fail, follow the all-devices branch in no internet triage.
2. Confirm your Wi-Fi network
Confirm the selected network. Check the Wi-Fi name on the affected device and make sure it is the intended home network, not a guest or nearby network.
If it is wrong, select the intended network and test again. If it is right, continue.
3. Forget and rejoin Wi-Fi
Forget and rejoin the saved Wi-Fi network. Use the device's Wi-Fi settings to remove/forget that network, then select it again and enter its password.
For current steps, see Windows Wi-Fi guidance, Android Wi-Fi guidance or Apple device Wi-Fi guidance. Menu names vary by operating-system version and device maker.
If it works, stop; if it still fails, continue.
4. Restart the affected device
Restart the affected device using its normal restart option. Reconnect to the intended Wi-Fi and test again.
If internet access returns, stop; otherwise, continue.
5. Test other websites and apps
Check whether other internet services work. If some apps or websites work but one site does not, use websites that will not load.
If nothing works on this device but other devices do, record the device model, operating-system version, exact error and the steps already tried.
6. Refresh the Windows DNS cache
Windows only: if websites fail but other devices work, refresh the local DNS cache. Open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /flushdns, then test again.
This clears cached name-lookup entries; it does not change DNS settings. If the problem is not limited to particular sites, skip this step and continue.
7. Check previously changed IP and DNS settings
Check IP and DNS settings only if you or an administrator previously changed them. Do not guess addresses.
If the device is managed by work or school, ask its administrator before changing settings. Otherwise, use the device maker's current instructions to restore the prior or automatic setting.
8. Check for a Windows network-driver update
If one Windows device still fails, check for a network-driver update using Windows Update or the computer/adapter maker's current instructions. Do not download drivers from unfamiliar third-party sites.
If the issue remains, record the device details and seek device-specific help.
Avoid a full network-settings reset as an opening step: it can remove saved Wi-Fi networks and other network settings. Treat it as a last resort and follow the current instructions for your device. Record the results and seek device-specific help if this device alone still cannot connect.