Why does my Internet keep disconnecting

Wi-Fi signal problems and internet disconnections that are unpredictable can be frustrating and confusing. In addition, these issues can come and go at random, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause.

However, it is possible to find solutions if you know where. This is a problem I have encountered many times as a former broadband technician. This guide will assist you in resolving your internet disconnect issues.

We begin with standard solutions that can be applied to multiple problems. These are the best solutions for most situations. I have additional solutions and troubleshooting tips for you if you need them.

We recommend taking a look at our article on Why is my download speed so slow where we've covered various issues related to the topic.

Now, here are the most quick solutions to your problem.

Restart your Wi-Fi router

If you are experiencing internet problems, the first thing to do is restart your router and modem. It is super fast, super simple, and highly effective. This can often resolve the problem.

The process of restarting a modem or router (modem/router combination unit) is the same. So, to fix your Internet disconnecting issue, try the following:

Step 1: Unplug the power cable from the back.

Step 2: Wait 60 seconds.

Step 3: Connect the power cable again.

Step 4: Let the equipment restart.

Check how strong your Wi-Fi signal is

Your internet connection may be cut off if you are too far away from your router. Wi-Fi signals will struggle to reach your device if your router is too far away. Obstructions between your router and device can also cause intermittent disconnections.

To see where your Wi-Fi signal drops or disconnects, pay attention to the Wi-Fi signal meter on your device. Pay attention to the areas that you are unable to connect while you move around, and note any areas where your router cannot reach you. For example, walls and furniture can block Wi-Fi and cause problems with your connection.

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Verify that your device auto-switches between Wi-Fi networks

You may experience a temporary loss in signal when your device jumps between Wi-Fi networks. Your device might automatically search for stronger signals if Wi-Fi signals become weaker.

You can disable any Wi-Fi auto joining and auto-switching functions from the affected devices. Then, connect to your preferred Wi-Fi network manually.

Check if there are ISP problems with your connection

You may experience internet problems if your modem stops communicating with your ISP. This could be due to an update or a change of compatibility. Suppose something goes wrong with your registration, for example. In that case, the modem and ISP might constantly try to authenticate each other, leading to slowdowns. These problems are more common if you provide your modem.

Your ISP should address these issues. They will check that the modem is working correctly, that it is compatible and registered, and if it has successfully checked in and updated. Unfortunately, sometimes customer service representatives won't be able to perform the necessary test. In this case, you can request a technician to visit your problem or escalate it up the tech support ladder.

This step can only be completed if you have the answers to these questions.

1. Is my modem registered?
2. Is my modem compatible with the service?
3. Does my modem communicate with the network correctly?

Verify that the cables are properly installed

If the network cabling inside your home is damaged, loose, or poorly configured, it can cause your internet connection to disconnect. Here are some things to pay attention to:

1. Check your cables for damage. Inspect all of your cables for signs and symptoms of deterioration. Check for tears, chew marks, and kinks. Also, inspect the Ethernet cable that connects your modem to the router.
2. Check for loose cables. Coaxial cables should be fastened securely, and Ethernet cables should sound an audible click once fully inserted.
3. Because loose cabling can cause intermittent internet problems, the signal can be lost. The signal could go out entirely if there is additional stress, such as when the cable moves slightly.
4. Look for active but unattached coaxial lines in your home. An open coaxial cable can act as an antenna and introduce radio interference to your home's network. Always ask your technician to close any open coaxial ports if you have a professional install.

It is difficult to determine if your active coaxial line has been unused without professional equipment.

It can be challenging to fix cabling problems yourself due to the special tools, materials, skills, and knowledge required. Hence, it is best to have a professional visit your ISP if you suspect that there may be a problem with cabling.

Check if your Wi-Fi channel is overcrowded

Your router broadcasts Wi-Fi on specific radio frequency channels. If too many networks use the same track, they can become crowded. This is particularly true in apartments and other areas where multiple routers broadcast within proximity.

An Android smartphone or tablet can be used to analyze Wi-Fi usage and see the available channels. You can log into your router settings to check if your internet drops to change the Wi-Fi channel.

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Make sure to update your antivirus software

Your network's gatekeeper is your antivirus software. Your antivirus software is responsible for blocking dangerous internet traffic. However, it must distinguish between good and bad traffic to do this. This means that you will need to keep your network updated. Therefore, we recommend that antivirus software has an auto-update feature, which we recommend you keep on.

Try to disable your antivirus

Although we don't recommend you spend too much time surfing the internet unprotected, it is the best way to determine if your antivirus is the problem. Your antivirus program could block your internet connection.

Note: to protect yourself on the Internet, you don't necessarily need an antivirus software, which is mostly is used to trick people they need it. Just don't download suspicious files.

If the problem is solved by turning off antivirus software, you can turn it back on again and get in touch with tech support. However, it may be necessary to uninstall the incompatible program or process or install a new antivirus as soon as possible.

Intermittent internet disconnections can be caused by programs that check-in or update frequently with servers in the background. Be on the lookout for cloud services or program suites with the update and licensing clients (such as Adobe).

Check that your router and modem have the most recent firmware

Your router and modem need to be updated regularly to function correctly with your ISP. Your internet could occasionally be disconnected if your equipment has outdated firmware.

Although your ISP will automatically update your modem, it is worth checking to ensure the most recent firmware has been installed. In addition, you should make sure your router is up-to-date if it isn't available from your ISP.

Logging into the router's interface using a web browser is a good way to check for updates. Then, for each modem or router, follow the steps below:

Step 1 - Open your web browser.

Step 2 - Enter your equipment's IP or login URL. This can be found on most equipment's stickers.

Step 3 - Enter your username and password. These are usually printed on stickers that attach to the back of the equipment or the bottom.

Step 4 - Locate the firmware version number. This is often displayed in the upper right corner of the equipment's initial settings pages.

Step 5 - To ensure that your firmware version number matches the most recent update, you can do a web search. It is often as easy as simply going online and entering your equipment's model number and manufacturer followed by "latest update".

Update your network adapter drivers

Drivers will automatically update unless you disable auto-updates, your computer's network adapter (sometimes known as a network card). It's still worth checking to be sure.

These steps will allow you to update your network adapter driver in Windows 10.

Step 1: Type "device manager" in the Windows search bar and enter.

Step 2: Select "Network adapters", from the list of devices.

Step 3: Right-click on your network adapter to open the expanded dropdown menu and choose "Update Driver Software."

Step 4: In this dialog box, choose "Search automatically to update driver software."

Step 5: Continue to follow the on-screen instructions for the complete update.

Step 6: Restart your computer.

Reset the network settings on your computer

Sometimes, a clean network slate can fix disconnection problems and other issues that are hard to diagnose. However, this is a serious decision. It will cause your computer to lose all of its network settings. To reconnect to your home network, you will need to reinstall your network software, such as antiviruses and VPNs. Before proceeding, make sure that you have all of your login credentials.

Reset your network settings in Windows 10.

Step 1: Click on the Start button.

Step 2: Click Settings.

Step 3: Click Network, Internet.

Step 4: Select Network Reset from the Status tab.

Step 5: Go after the instructions on the screen to complete the reset.

Step 6: Restart your computer.

Use the built-in network troubleshooter on your computer (Windows PCs)

Windows computers have built-in network troubleshooter applications. These utilities are designed to help you quickly diagnose and fix internet connectivity problems on your computer.

Windows 10's network troubleshooter can be used

Step 1: Navigate To Settings By Typing "settings" in the Windows search bar.

Step 2: Select the Network & Internet option from the Settings menu.

Step 3: Select Network Troubleshooter under the Advanced Network Settings heading.

Step 4: Follow the prompts to help the troubleshooter diagnose the problem.

Open Network Utility for Mac OS:

Step 1: Start the spotlight search by pressing command+space.

Step 2: Type "network utilities" and hit the enter key.

Examine the background processes of your computer

Sometimes, some running process on your PC/laptop may slow down your Internet connection. For example, if a program takes up too much bandwidth or interferes with your firewall, this can occur. Notable troublemakers include cloud backup programs, third-party utilities, and auto-updater clients (think Adobe).

Windows 10 allows you to see background programs by clicking on the up arrow at the lower-left corner of the taskbar.

All your background processes can be viewed in the task manager.

1. Press Alt + Ctrl + Delete
2. Select Task manager from the menu
3. Go to the Processes tab.
4. Click on the Network column to arrange the processes according to network usage.
5. Examine suspicious processes by right-clicking on them and selecting properties.

You can close the host program if you find something causing problems. For example, you've probably seen the problem if your internet disconnections cease.

Check your router log

The router logs all significant events that occur on your network. This information can help you pinpoint the root cause of your internet connectivity issues.

Logging in via a web browser to access the log of your router allows you to view it. Different routers will have different locations for the record.

Step 1: Type your router's IP or login URL into a browser. It is usually found on a sticker at the bottom or back of your router. For more information, see our guide on logging in to your router.

Step 2: Log in with your router administrator name and password. These are usually on the same sticker that the IP address. Therefore, your password and admin name are likely to be the same as your IP address.

Step 3: navigate the router log. This step can be labeled "network log" or "system log", but is often found under an "advanced" tab.