How to Fix Wi-Fi and Internet Connection Problems (Step-by-Step Beginner Guide)

Internet & Wi-Fi problems can be extremely frustrating — especially when you need to work, browse, or chat online and nothing is loading.

At Smsmobile24.com, we make tech fixes simple.

I’ve personally experienced situations where my Wi-Fi suddenly stopped working on my phone, and this same step-by-step process helped me restore the connection quickly. I’ve also helped many people fix similar network issues without needing a technician.

This complete guide will walk you through everything, even if you are a total beginner.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do when your internet is slow, disconnecting, or not working at all.

Common Signs of Internet & Network Problems

Before fixing anything, let’s identify the problem.

Here are the most common issues people face:

  • Wi-Fi is connected but no internet access
  • Internet is very slow
  • Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting
  • Some apps work but websites do not load
  • Only one device cannot connect
  • Router lights are blinking strangely

Once you know the symptom, fixing becomes much easier.

Step 1: Restart Your Phone or Computer First

This sounds simple, but it works often.

What to do:

  1. Turn off your phone or computer completely
  2. Wait for 10 seconds
  3. Turn it back on
  4. Try reconnecting to Wi-Fi again

This clears temporary network bugs.

Step 2: Restart Your Router Properly

Router reboot fixes most home internet problems.

Follow these exact steps:

  1. Locate your Wi-Fi router
  2. Unplug the power cable
  3. Wait for 30 seconds
  4. Plug it back in
  5. Wait 2–3 minutes for full restart
  6. Try connecting again

This refreshes your network connection.

Step 3: Check If the Problem Is From Your ISP

Sometimes, the issue is not your router.

How to confirm:

  • Ask a neighbor using the same network provider
  • Check your ISP’s Twitter/X page for outage reports
  • Try mobile data to see if internet works elsewhere

If the ISP is down, you only need to wait.

Step 4: Forget and Reconnect to Wi-Fi (Best Fix)

This is one of the most effective solutions.

On Android:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Tap Network & Internet
  3. Tap Wi-Fi
  4. Select your network name
  5. Tap Forget
  6. Reconnect by entering the password again

This fixes wrong saved network settings.

I used this method recently on my Infinix device, and it worked immediately.

Step 5: Turn Airplane Mode ON and OFF

This resets wireless connections quickly.

Steps:

  1. Swipe down from the top of your screen
  2. Tap Airplane Mode
  3. Wait 10 seconds
  4. Turn it OFF again
  5. Reconnect to Wi-Fi

Step 6: Move Closer to the Router

Weak signal can cause slow or unstable internet.

Try this:

  • Stand in the same room as the router
  • Test speed again
  • Avoid walls and thick obstacles

If speed improves, your issue is signal strength.

Step 7: Check for Too Many Connected Devices

Routers slow down when overloaded.

What to do:

  1. Disconnect unused phones, TVs, laptops
  2. Restart router again
  3. Test your connection

A simple reduction in devices often improves speed.

Step 8: Change DNS Settings (Advanced but Powerful)

DNS issues can block websites.

Use Google DNS:

  1. Go to Wi-Fi Settings
  2. Tap your connected network
  3. Tap Advanced Settings
  4. Change DNS to:
  • DNS 1: 8.8.8.8
  • DNS 2: 8.8.4.4

This improves browsing reliability.

Step 9: Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)

If nothing works, reset network settings.

On Android:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Tap System
  3. Tap Reset Options
  4. Select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth
  5. Confirm reset

This fixes hidden network configuration errors.

Step 10: When You Should Contact a Technician

Call for help if:

  • Router shows red warning lights
  • Internet never works on any device
  • Cable connection is damaged
  • ISP confirms no signal to your area

Frequently Asked questions (FAQ)

Why does my Wi-Fi say connected but no internet?

This usually happens due to ISP outage, DNS problems, or router misconfiguration.

What is the fastest way to fix Wi-Fi problems?

Restarting the router and forgetting/reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network fixes most issues.

Why is my Wi-Fi slow even with full signal?

Too many connected devices, network congestion, or ISP throttling can slow down Wi-Fi.

Should I reset my router to factory settings?

Only do this if all other troubleshooting fails, because it erases saved settings.

Does changing DNS really help internet speed?

Yes, switching to faster DNS like Google DNS can improve browsing and stability.


Final Thoughts (Important)

Internet and Wi-Fi issues are common, but the good news is that most of them can be fixed in just a few minutes with the right steps.

If you follow this guide carefully, you will solve the majority of network problems without stress.

These tutorials are written to help everyday users, and the methods shared here are the same fixes I’ve used personally and recommended to others successfully.

Written by Akindele Akinfenwa — Founder of Smsmobile24.com.

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