Ethernet Connected But No Internet — How to Fix

by Marcus Reed Updated Apr 12, 2026

If your Ethernet connection shows as connected but you have no internet access, the issue could be the cable, router, network settings, or ISP.

Figure 1 — Ethernet Connected But No Internet — How to Fix

Step-by-Step Guide

Try a different cable — Ethernet cables can fail. Swap it out.
Try a different port — use a different LAN port on your router.
Restart router and device — unplug both for 30 seconds.
Check IP settings — make sure your computer is set to obtain IP and DNS automatically.
Release/renew IP — run ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew.
Update Ethernet driver — in Device Manager, update your network adapter driver.
Check router LAN settings — login to router and verify DHCP is enabled.

Related Guides

Video Tutorial

For more information, see Microsoft Windows Support.

Pro Tip: 80% of WiFi problems are solved by a simple router restart. Before doing anything complex, unplug your router for 30 seconds.

Key Takeaways

Restart your router first — this fixes 80% of issues
Test with Ethernet to determine if the problem is WiFi-specific
Check your DNS settings if websites won't load
Contact your ISP if all devices are affected — it may be their issue

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Ethernet connected but no internet?

Common causes: faulty cable, wrong router port, DHCP disabled on router, IP conflict, or ISP outage.

Is Ethernet faster than WiFi?

Yes. Ethernet provides faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections. It's ideal for gaming, streaming, and work computers.

About Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed is a network technician and technical writer who has configured and troubleshot routers and modems across thousands of home and small business installations for major ISPs including Comcast, AT&T, and Spectrum. That field experience across different hardware, firmware versions, and ISP environments gives him a practical command of what goes wrong and why. At RouterHax, he covers brand-specific router setup guides, ISP modem compatibility, and step-by-step troubleshooting tutorials.