LightAtom

Wi-Fi Connected but No Internet: 10 Fixes (Mac First)

Your device has joined Wi-Fi, but traffic doesn't get past the router. Work through these fixes from most to least likely.

The Wi-Fi icon shows you're connected, but web pages and apps can't reach the internet.

  • Wi-Fi shows full bars but pages won't load.
  • macOS shows a “No internet connection” warning under the network in Wi-Fi settings.
  • Other devices on the same Wi-Fi may or may not work.

Quick fix

Restart the router and modem (unplug 30 seconds). Then on your Mac: System Settings › Network › Wi-Fi › Details › TCP/IP › Renew DHCP Lease. If pages still don't load, set DNS to 1.1.1.1 in the same Details window.

Why it happens

The router lost its connection to the ISP or needs a restart.Most likely
DNS isn't working, so names don't resolve.Most likely
Your device has a bad or self-assigned IP address.Sometimes
A public Wi-Fi login page (captive portal) hasn't been completed.Sometimes
A VPN, proxy or content filter blocks traffic.Sometimes
MAC filtering or parental controls on the router.Rarely

Fixes

  1. 1. Restart the router and modem

    1. Unplug both for 30 seconds; start the modem first, then the router.

  2. 2. Check whether only DNS is broken

    1. In Terminal: ping -c 3 1.1.1.1. Replies mean the internet works and only names fail; go to step 3.

  3. 3. Change DNS servers

    1. System Settings › Network › Wi-Fi › Details › DNS: add 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8, remove others.

  4. 4. Renew the DHCP lease

    1. Details › TCP/IP › Renew DHCP Lease. An address starting with 169.254 means DHCP failed.

  5. 5. Complete the captive portal

    1. On public Wi-Fi, open http://captive.apple.com to bring up the login page.

  6. 6. Disconnect VPNs and proxies

    1. Turn off VPNs; check Details › Proxies for proxies you don't use.

  7. 7. Forget and rejoin the network

    1. System Settings › Wi-Fi › ⋯ next to the network › Forget This Network, then join again.

  8. 8. Check Private Wi-Fi Address and MAC filtering

    1. If the router allows only known devices, set Private Wi-Fi Address to Fixed or Off in the network's Details.

  9. 9. Flush the DNS cache

    1. sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.

  10. 10. On Windows and phones

    1. Windows: ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew, ipconfig /flushdns, then restart.
    2. iPhone: Settings › Wi-Fi › ⓘ › Renew Lease; Android: forget and rejoin the network.

Still not working?

If every device has no internet after a router restart, and the modem's internet light is off, the problem is your line or ISP. If only one device fails after all ten steps, try creating a new network location or resetting its network settings.

Check it now

Takes about 5 seconds.

See it in the app

LightAtom's connections view shows whether any app manages to connect, and where, while you work through the steps.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my Mac say connected but no internet?

Your Mac reached the router, but the router isn't passing traffic to the internet, DNS isn't working, or your Mac didn't get a proper IP address. Restart the router, then renew DHCP and change DNS.

Why do other devices work but not my Mac?

Something on the Mac: a VPN or proxy, a stale DHCP lease, custom DNS, or a content filter. Renew the lease, remove VPNs and forget and rejoin the network.

What is a captive portal?

A login or terms page on hotel, airport and café Wi-Fi. Until you accept it, you're connected but have no internet. Opening any http:// site brings it up.

Related

LightAtom team

The people who build LightAtom, a network monitor for macOS.