When the internet goes down everyone blames the router. Sometimes that's right. Often it isn't. Here's a two-minute diagnostic that identifies where the problem actually is.
WORK FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Can your device see the router?
Check WiFi connection or ethernet link light. No connection at all means the problem is local.
Log into your router admin panel
If WAN status shows "Connected" with an ISP-assigned IP, your router is working. The problem is upstream.
Check modem status lights
Most modems have an upstream connectivity indicator. If it's off or red, it's an ISP or line issue — not your equipment.
Check for ISP outages
Downdetector.com. Your ISP's status page. If your cellular-connected phone can't reach the ISP's website, it's a widespread outage.
✅ If your router shows a valid WAN IP but pages won't load, try manually setting DNS to 1.1.1.1 in your router settings. ISP DNS servers fail more often than people realize.
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