One of the most frustrating things is seeing a blue light on the router but not being able to access the internet!
The good news is that there’s a relatively quick fix and several other things you can try to rectify the issue.
If your router is on, as indicated by the blue light, but you can’t access the internet, the best way to resolve the issue is to perform a hard reset. This process clears all caches, refreshes the RAM, and restarts the router. In most instances, it resolves the problem and gets you back online.
Read on to find out how to perform a hard reset and to learn what you need to know about maintaining high-speed access to the internet at home.
What Does a Blue Light on the Router Mean?
The color-coding of the lights on a router depends on the provider, but in most cases, a stable blue light indicates that you are connected to the internet.
If the blue light blinks, the router is trying to connect to the internet, and you will need to wait until it’s solid before access is complete.
On some routers, the light is green, and the same system applies as described above. What’s more, if a red light appears on most routers, it means an issue with your connection.
So, if your router displays a solid blue light, it indicates that you are connected to the internet.
But what happens if you can’t load a browser and, despite the light, you can’t connect to the internet?
Why is My Internet Light on But No Internet?
There are several reasons why your internet light is on, even though you can’t get online, including:
- Your internet provider has a temporary outage, meaning you can’t get back online until they rectify the issue.
- The internet has temporarily dipped or stopped due to a signal issue.
- There’s a caching issue that requires a hard reset.
- You have used up your allocated bandwidth, or your data bundle has expired (if you’re not on an unlimited plan).
Fortunately, you can quickly fix this issue by performing a hard reset, and your internet should be back up and running in no time.
However, if there is an outage, you have no choice but to sit and wait until the internet is back on.
How to Perform a Hard Reset for the Router?
Performing a hard reset on your router returns it to its default factory settings. Doing this has many benefits, as it clears the device’s memory and prevents malware attempts.
But it also removes the internet cache and helps to improve your router’s connectivity.
Here’s how to reset your router:
- Begin by unplugging each of the cables from the back of the router. You should disconnect it for at least two minutes before reinserting the cables and connecting to your PC. If this solves the problem, you don’t need to proceed with the next step.
- If unplugging the router doesn’t work, you can perform a hard reset by opening your router’s software and proceeding with a reset or restart. This wipes all of the data from your router, meaning you will need to log in afresh when it reboots.
- Next, update the router’s firmware, which is the software that is crucial to its operation. How you access the firmware depends on your router provider, but you can find the necessary information by accessing the router on your desktop.
The above three tips should work to keep your internet running as quickly as possible, enabling additional functions such as setting up local hotspots and home servers.
However, if the issue persists after performing a hard reset, you will need to contact your internet provider to check if there are general connectivity issues and for further troubleshooting.
How Often Should You Reboot Your Router?
While there’s no hard and fast rule when rebooting a router, it’s best practice to do so once a month.
This is because rebooting your router clears out its memory and refreshes your connections, which improves its general performance.
It’s essential, however, not to confuse rebooting your rooter with resetting it.
Rebooting is turning the rooter off and disconnecting the ethernet cables while resetting it restores it to factory settings. This is a necessary step when you are having issues with the router.
You only need to restore it to factory settings if there’s a problem, and doing so once a month would provide you with the unnecessary hassle!
So, to keep things running smoothly, reboot your router once a month and only reset it should you encounter connectivity issues.
When to Contact Your Internet Provider?
Although routers certainly aren’t flawless, they shouldn’t cause common issues. While it’s normal to have a reset once in a while, doing so every other week indicates that your router might have a problem.
So, if you regularly have problems with your router, it makes sense to contact your internet service provider directly to report the issue.
They will ask questions to troubleshoot the problem and improve your home connection.
If they suspect your router is faulty, they will ask you to send it to them and issue you a replacement.
This can resolve your issues and might be necessary if you’ve recurring problems with your home internet.
Conclusion
The blue light showing on your router without access to the internet can usually be fixed with a hard reset.
But if you have been experiencing frequent issues with your router, you should report them to your service provider.
But generally speaking, following the tips above should help you rectify the issue and get you back online in no time.