How to Fix Wi-Fi Connected But No Internet Access (Step-by-Step Beginner Guide)

One of the most confusing internet problems is when your phone or laptop shows:

✅ Wi-Fi Connected
…but websites and apps refuse to load.

I’ve personally faced this issue before, and it can feel frustrating because everything looks normal — yet nothing works.

The good news is:

This problem is very common, and in most cases, you can fix it yourself in a few simple steps.

Let’s go through the exact process step by step.

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Step 1: Confirm the Problem Is Really the Internet

First, make sure the issue is not only one app.

Do this:

1. Open Google Chrome
2. Try visiting:

• google.com
• youtube.com
• any other website

If all fail, the Wi-Fi truly has no internet access.

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Step 2: Turn Wi-Fi Off and On Again

This is a simple refresh that often works instantly.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Wi-Fi
3. Switch Wi-Fi Off
4. Wait 10 seconds
5. Switch Wi-Fi On again

Then test your internet.

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Step 3: Restart Your Router Properly

This fix worked for me at home when my Wi-Fi was connected but dead.

Steps:

1. Unplug the router from power
2. Wait 30–60 seconds
3. Plug it back in
4. Wait 2–3 minutes

Routers often get stuck and need a clean restart.

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Step 4: Check If Your Data Works (ISP Confirmation)

To know if the problem is your internet provider:

Do this:

1. Turn off Wi-Fi
2. Turn on Mobile Data
3. Open a website

If mobile data works fine, the issue is with your Wi-Fi/router.

If mobile data also fails, your ISP may be down.

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Step 5: Forget the Wi-Fi Network and Reconnect

Saved network settings sometimes become corrupted.

Steps:

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

I’ve helped many people solve the problem instantly with this step alone.

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Step 6: Check Date and Time Settings

Wrong time settings can block secure internet connections.

Fix:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Date & Time
3. Enable:

• Automatic date & time
• Automatic time zone

Then retry your connection.

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Step 7: Disable VPN or Proxy Settings

VPN apps can cause internet failures even when Wi-Fi is connected.

What to do:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap VPN
3. Turn off any active VPN

Also check proxy:

1. Tap your Wi-Fi network
2. Scroll to Proxy
3. Ensure it is set to None

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Step 8: Reset DNS Settings (Fix Browsing Issues)

DNS problems are a major cause of “Connected but no internet.”

Use Google DNS:

• 8.8.8.8
• 8.8.4.4

Android Private DNS Fix:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Network & Internet
3. Tap Private DNS
4. Select Private DNS provider hostname
5. Enter: dns.google
6. Save

This improves browsing and restores access in many cases.

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Step 9: Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)

If nothing works, reset all network configurations.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap System
3. Tap Reset options
4. Select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth

After resetting, reconnect to Wi-Fi again.

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Helpful Internal Guides (Recommended)

For deeper troubleshooting, these resources will help:

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

Fix messaging issues caused by poor internet:
How to Fix SMS & WhatsApp Messaging Problems (Step-by-Step Mobile Guide)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts (Important)

When Wi-Fi says “Connected” but there is no internet, the issue is usually caused by:

• Router glitches
• DNS problems
• VPN interference
• ISP outages

The good thing is that most fixes are simple and beginner-friendly.

I’ve personally used these steps, and they’ve helped many users get their internet working again without stress.

Written with care by Akindele Akinfenwa — Founder of Smsmobile24.com.