Why Your Router Keeps Going Out and How to Stop It

Start by working out what is actually dropping

“My router keeps going out” can mean a few different things, and the fix depends on which one you have. Before changing any settings, check these two questions:

• Do wired devices lose the internet too? If a laptop plugged in with an Ethernet cable also loses the connection, the problem is probably between the router and the internet (the modem, the cables, or your provider). If only Wi-Fi devices drop, the problem is more likely the wireless signal or the router’s Wi-Fi settings.
• Is it every device or just one? If only one phone or laptop drops, the cause is often that device (an outdated Wi-Fi driver, a power-saving setting, or a stale saved network). If everything drops together, look at the router, modem or line.

It also helps to note what the router’s lights do when the connection fails. If the internet or WAN light changes colour or goes out, the router has lost its link to the internet. If the lights look normal but devices cannot load pages, the problem may be with the Wi-Fi or with how addresses are being handed out. Light colours vary by brand, so check your router’s manual for what each one means.

Common causes of router dropouts

Most dropouts fall into a handful of groups.

Temporary software glitches

Routers run for weeks or months without a break, and like any small computer they can become unstable. A restart often clears the problem for a while. If you find you need to reboot every few days, that suggests something else is going on, such as a firmware bug, overheating or a failing unit.

Wi-Fi interference and signal problems

Wi-Fi shares the air with neighbours’ networks and with household devices. The 2.4 GHz band is generally more crowded than 5 GHz, though it tends to travel through walls better. Thick walls, floors, mirrors and large metal objects can all weaken the signal. A router in a cupboard or at the far end of the house is a common reason for devices that drop only in certain rooms.

Outdated firmware

Manufacturers release firmware updates that fix stability bugs. If your router has not been updated in a long time, checking for an update is a reasonable step. Back up your settings first if the router lets you, and do not power the router off during an update.

Overheating or an ageing router

Routers placed in enclosed spaces or stacked on other warm equipment can run hot. Make sure the vents are clear and there is room around the unit. Older routers may also struggle with many connected devices. There is no exact lifespan, but if your router is several years old and dropouts are getting more frequent, replacement becomes a reasonable option.

Loose or damaged cables

A loose coaxial, phone or Ethernet cable can interrupt the connection. This is easy to check and cheap to fix.

Modem or internet provider problems

Sometimes the router is working fine and the connection itself is being interrupted. This is more likely if the modem’s own lights show problems at the time of the dropout, or if neighbours report outages too.

Fixes to try, in a sensible order

1. Restart properly. Turn off the modem and router, wait about 30 seconds, then turn the modem on first and let its lights settle before turning on the router. Our article on why a Linksys router stops connecting shows what this looks like on a specific brand.
2. Check every cable. Reseat the cable from the wall to the modem and from the modem to the router’s internet (WAN) port. If you have a spare Ethernet cable, try swapping it.
3. Test the modem directly. If you can, plug a computer straight into the modem. If that connection also drops, contact your provider rather than changing router settings.
4. Improve placement. Move the router to a central, open, raised position away from microwaves, cordless phone bases and large metal objects.
5. Update the firmware. Use the router’s admin page or the manufacturer’s support site. Brand-specific advice is in our guide to ASUS routers dropping the internet connection.
6. Try a different Wi-Fi channel or band. If you suspect interference, switch the router to a less busy channel, or move a device to the 5 GHz band. Some routers combine both bands under one name (often called Smart Connect or band steering), and turning that off can help certain devices stay connected.
7. Update the device. Update the Wi-Fi driver on a laptop, or “forget” the network on a phone and reconnect.
8. Check address assignment. If devices connect to Wi-Fi but never get a working connection, the router may not be handing out addresses properly. See router DHCP not working.
9. Reset to factory defaults as a last resort. This erases your settings, including the Wi-Fi name and password and any provider login details, so make a note of them first.

When to contact your provider or replace the router

Contact your provider if the problem shows up on a wired device connected straight to the modem, if the modem’s lights show errors, or if the dropouts follow a pattern such as evenings or bad weather. Ask them to check the line and the signal levels on their side.

Consider replacing the router if you have already tried the steps above, the router is old, it gets very hot, or it needs frequent restarts. Before buying, check whether your provider supplies a replacement. If you do buy one, our compatibility guide explains what to check.

Quick reference

If your router still has a Wi-Fi network but no internet behind it, our article on what a wireless router can still do without internet explains what to expect.