Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Most everyday glitches happen to everyone: the internet disappears, Wi-Fi barely works in the far room, the phone refuses to record video. Here are simple checks in the order that makes them easiest to do. No commands and no special software, only what you can see on the screen and on the router itself. If the checks don't help, the end of the section tells you when it's time to call a professional.
Before changing anything, write down what exactly isn't working and since when. It will save time for both you and your provider's support team.
How this section works: it collects checks that are safe to do yourself and that don't require taking equipment apart or changing complex settings.
No internet
Find out who is affected
Check several devices. If only one isn't working, restart it and turn its Wi-Fi off and on. If nothing works, the problem is with the router or the provider's line.
Inspect the cables
Make sure the router is switched on, the provider's cable clicks fully into place and the socket or extension lead is working.
Restart the router
Unplug the power, wait a little and plug it back in. A full start-up can take several minutes, so don't jump to conclusions.
Connect with a cable
If you have a computer with a network port, connect it directly to the router. If it works over the cable but not over Wi-Fi, the problem is in the wireless network.
Check your provider account
Use mobile data to check your balance and any notices about maintenance on the line.
Contact your provider
Call the number from your contract or official website. Explain what you have already checked; that keeps the conversation short.
Slow Wi-Fi
Compare rooms
Test the speed next to the router and where it is slow. If it's fine near the router, the cause is coverage, not your internet plan.
Move the router
A router works best in the centre of your home, raised up, not inside a cupboard and not behind a mirror or a fish tank.
Choose a band
In far rooms 2.4 GHz is more stable because it passes through walls better. Close to the router, 5 or 6 GHz is faster.
Check who is connected
Large downloads, updates and video on several devices at once share the total speed. The router's admin panel shows a list of connected devices.
Update the router
Check whether a new firmware version is available for the router. If your home is large and moving the router didn't help, consider a mesh system.
Your phone says storage is full
See what is taking up space
Your phone's settings have a storage section showing how much space photos, videos, apps and messages use.
Save photos and videos
Before deleting anything, copy it to the cloud or a computer and make sure the files open.
Delete what you don't need
Duplicates, failed shots, long videos that are already backed up and apps you don't use.
Clean up messaging apps
Forwarded videos and pictures from group chats often take up the most space. Turn off automatic saving of media.
Restart the phone
After a clean-up, a restart helps the system clear temporary files and install any postponed updates.
Related sections
- Comparisons
Wi-Fi generations, the 2.4 and 5/6 GHz bands and where to keep a backup, in easy-to-read tables.
- Tools
What helps at home for your network and your data: router, mesh system, external drive, cloud, password manager.
- FAQ
Short answers about home internet, devices, backups and online services.
Sources
- Wi-Fi Alliance
- IEEE 802.11
- CISA (backup guidance)
Service features, device settings and password requirements change over time. Before taking an important step, check the official help pages of the manufacturer, your internet provider or the government service.