There are several reasons a Linksys router won’t connect to the internet, including outdated drivers and the wrong login information, and they can all be fixed through steps like power cycling the device, moving it to a better spot, or updating the firmware.
I’ve been working with, using, and operating different routers and internet setups for most of my life. That knowledge of the devices, combined with special attention paid to Linksys and their machines, allowed me to properly cover the following sections.
In this article, I go over the possible reasons your Linksys router might not be connecting to the internet, as well as the various options you have to fix it.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Linksys routers aren’t often able to connect to the internet due to their position in relation to wireless devices, problems with their software, or login issues.
- Two of the easiest ways to fix a bad connection is to power cycle your router or check for any loose/unstable cables.
- Updating your router’s firmware or keeping your drivers up to date are both ways to get a spotty router back online.
Figuring Out Linksys Connection Issues
Linksys is a large company known for its reliability. They make a lot of strong, well-constructed products made to last a long time. Even so, that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. Their routers are great, but they can suffer from connection issues every now and then.
Though that’s an annoying problem, it’s also one that can be easily patched up. However, before that it’s critical to identify why your router is experiencing problems. There are several reasons it might not be able to connect, and you don’t want to cast a wide net.
Simply trying different fixes is a long and arduous process that will often lead to no results. Rather, you need to figure out exactly why your router can’t operate as intended and then work on a fix from there.
The most common reason Linksys routers can’t get on the internet is that they are too far away from your wireless devices. The machines only have so much range. If you’re working on the other side of your house or outside, you may not be able to tap into the network.
On top of that, certain devices may be interfering with your signal. There are plenty of common products, including cordless phones, furniture, and microwaves, that dampen your wireless connection. Try to get your router somewhere open and free of obstacles.
It’s also a good idea to double check your login. Wrong wireless keys and passwords are often a reason users can’t get on their internet. Such issues typically come about after a settings change, and they can be easy to overlook.
If you aren’t sure your login is correct, go to your router’s web-based setup page, navigate to WiFi settings under router settings and look at them on the wireless tab.
Fixing a Spotty Linksys Router
If you can’t get online through your Linksys router, there are several fixes at your disposal. Before trying more in-depth methods, first power cycle your device. While that process doesn’t always work, it can save you a lot of work on the backend.
To power cycle, turn your router off and then wait about thirty seconds before plugging it back in. Wait for the Linksys logo on the device to turn white and then attempt to reconnect.
If that doesn’t work, it’s also a good idea to check your cables. Loose or unplugged cords can be the cause behind your connection issues. A quick look at all of your plugs is another easy fix that can prevent a lot of additional work.
VPNs can mess with your internet as well. If you’re using one, it’s a good idea to temporarily disconnect from it and then try to get online.
Firmware and Software
Another big reason your Linksys might not connect is due to outdated software. Always keep your drivers up to date and make sure to update your firmware. Both of those fixes will severely limit any bugs to keep your internet working as smoothly as possible.
If you want to update your network drivers on a Windows device, open “device manager” and go to the “network adapters” section. Right click on your network adapter and choose the “update driver” option. Select “search automatically for the driver” and restart your PC.
If you’re interested in upgrading your router’s firmware, first download the router’s file on the Linksys support page by entering your router model number and clicking the “get support” button. Next, hit “downloads/firmware” to get the latest version.
Plug your computer into your router with an ethernet cable, go to your web browser, and visit “192.168.1.1.” Put in your login details, click the “administration” option and choose “firmware upgrade.” You can then hit the “browse” button and select your downloaded file.
All you have to do from there is hit “start upgrade” and click continue once it’s over. Just be sure to never turn off your router while updating it, as that can lead to permanent damage.
FAQs
This section tackles a few of the most asked questions about connecting a Linksys router.
How Do I Manually Connect to My Linksys?
If you want to set up the connection yourself, turn your modem on and then plug in an ethernet cable to the internet port. From there, wait until the power light is solid blue and you should be good to go.
How Do I Connect My Linksys Router After a Reset?
Once you’ve held the reset switch for between 10 and 15 seconds, disconnect and reconnect the router’s power adapter. After the reboot is done, you can use the username and password to connect the device.
What is the Default Password for the Linksys Router?
Linksys router’s use “admin” for their default password. While that might be easy to remember, it’s important to change it to something much more complex after setting everything up.
Final Words
As trustworthy as Linksys is, their devices aren’t perfect. There are several issues that can plague a router and stop it from connecting to the internet. If you’re experiencing problems, the above solutions should get you back on in no time.
Have you had issues connecting to your Linksys router? If so, how did you fix them? Let us know in the comments below!
