Why Does My Internet Keep Going Out? Common Causes & Fixes
Key Takeaways
- Weak WiFi signals are one of the top causes of dropped connections, especially when distance, walls, furniture, or interference from devices like microwaves and Bluetooth speakers gets in the way.
- A simple router reboot fixes most temporary connection issues. Unplug your modem/router for 30 seconds and plug it back in to clear memory errors — but if you're rebooting more than once a week, your hardware may need replacing.
- Too many devices can overload your home network, maxing out bandwidth during simultaneous streaming, gaming, video calls, or large uploads — especially on older routers or lower-speed plans.
- Sometimes the issue isn't on your end. Your ISP may be doing scheduled maintenance, repairing equipment, or experiencing a local outage — always check your provider's outage map before deeper troubleshooting.
- Start troubleshooting with a wired Ethernet test to determine whether the problem is your WiFi signal or your overall connection. Use a Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a cable for accurate Gig-speed results.
- If wired speeds are fine but WiFi keeps dropping, the issue is likely wireless interference or weak signal range — try the 5 GHz band, reposition your router, or add a mesh system or extender.
- Overheating and outdated firmware can cause random drops. Keep equipment in a cool, ventilated location, clear dust from vents, and check for firmware updates in your router's settings.
Why Your Internet Keeps Dropping & How to Fix It
When your internet cuts out in the middle of a work call, movie night or online game, it’s more than just an inconvenience — it’s a disruption to your day.
You’re not alone, either. In 2024, Censuswide interviewed 2,000 adults across the U.S. in a nationally representative study. About 28% of those interviewed said they experienced internet disruptions more than once a week.
A brief outage, like a planned maintenance window or a minor signal hiccup, may be acceptable if it only happens every once in a while. But if you’re seeing disruptions on a regular basis, there’s usually an underlying issue that can be fixed or prevented, which is why it’s worth investigating.
In this guide, we’ll show you some of the most common reasons internet connections fail, from weak WiFi signals to old equipment or service provider hiccups, along with practical, step-by-step solutions. By the end, you’ll be equipped to diagnose the problem quickly, take action and get your connection back on track.
Common Causes of Internet Disconnections
At EPB, we work with customers every day to help them get the best possible internet performance. When someone is experiencing frequent outages, we’ve found that it’s usually caused by one of the following common issues:
1. Your WiFi signal is weak or unstable.
Your WiFi signal gets weaker the farther you are from your router, and obstacles like walls, floors and furniture can make it even worse. Electronics such as microwaves, cordless phones and even Bluetooth devices can also interfere with your connection. The weaker your WiFi signal, the more likely you are to experience slow speeds or sudden disconnections.
2. Your router (or modem) is glitching.
Like any device, your router and modem need occasional resets to clear temporary memory errors or minor software hiccups. Over time, they can also overheat or get bogged down from handling constant traffic, which can cause your connection to drop.
Unplugging your equipment for 30 seconds and plugging it back in can often restore service instantly. If you find yourself rebooting your router more than once a week, it could be a sign that your equipment needs an update.
3. Your network is overloaded.
If too many devices are using your internet at once, they can max out your available bandwidth. This is especially common on lower-speed internet plans or with older routers that can’t handle multiple high-demand connections at the same time. When that happens, you might notice slower speeds or temporary drops until the network load decreases.
This is likely what’s going on if your internet slows down every time you and other household members are simultaneously streaming, making video calls, playing online games or uploading large files.
4. Your internet service provider (ISP) is experiencing issues.
Sometimes, the problem is out of your hands. Your ISP may be performing scheduled maintenance, fixing technical problems or experiencing an unexpected outage in your area. Or, the equipment outside of your home may need to be rebooted, repaired or upgraded. In this case, it’s critical to contact your ISP and let them know what’s going on.
To save time on troubleshooting, check your provider’s outage map or status page to see if the issue is more widespread and get an estimated time for when service will be restored.
🧑💻EPB Tech Pro Tip: EPB customers can view fiber outage updates and report outages here or in the MyEPB app.
Checking Your Internet Connection
The first step is figuring out where the issue is coming from: your home network, your equipment or your ISP. You can save a lot of time by performing a few quick checks that will help you identify the source of the problem early in the process.
1. Run an internet speed test.
Start by measuring your connection speed. Free tools like Speedtest.net and Fast.com can check your download and upload speeds, as well as your latency (or ping). Compare the results to the speeds included in your internet plan. If your speeds are much lower than expected, especially when using a wired connection, it may point to a problem with your equipment or your ISP’s network.
🧑💻EPB Tech Pro Tip: If you’ve never tested your internet’s speed, check out our quick guide to learn more about what internet speed tests actually do and why they’re useful.
2. Restart your modem and router.
Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh start. Unplug the power cable from your router (and your modem, if you have one). Wait about 30 seconds before plugging it back in. This helps clear temporary memory errors, resets connections and often resolves minor connectivity issues immediately.
🧑💻 EPB Tech Pro Tip: If you find yourself needing to reboot your router more than once a week, it may be a sign the hardware is outdated or overheating.
3. Check for service outages.
If your speeds look fine and your connection continues to disconnect even after rebooting your router, check your ISP’s outage map or status page to see if there’s a known issue in your area (EPB customers can view fiber outage updates and report outages here or in the MyEPB app). You can also visit DownDetector to view crowd-sourced outage reports.
WiFi vs. Wired: What’s Causing the Issue?
Once you’ve confirmed there’s no service outage and your equipment is working, the next step is to figure out if the issue is with your WiFi signal or your direct internet connection. This can help you narrow it down even further and focus your troubleshooting on the right fix.
Step 1: Start by using an Ethernet cable to test your connection.
Plug your device directly into your modem or router using a reliable Ethernet cable. For the most accurate test, use a newer Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat6a cable. These can handle Gig-speed internet connections without slowing you down.
Avoid using cables that are labeled Cat5 or lower, or cables that don’t have any markings at all. Older cables may cap your speeds and give you inaccurate results.
Once your Ethernet cable is plugged in, disable your device’s WiFi so that it’s forced to use only the wired connection. Then run a speed test using Speedtest.net or Fast.com. Compare speeds with the results you got earlier and with the speeds advertised in your internet plan.
- If your wired speeds are fast and stable, the problem is likely with your WiFi signal. Try steps 2 and 3 next.
- If your wired speeds are also slow or dropping, the issue may be with your equipment or your ISP’s network. Skip steps 2 and 3, and move to the next section, Router & Modem Issues That Cause Internet Drops.
🧑💻 EPB Tech Pro Tip: If your device doesn’t have an Ethernet port, you may be able to use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter for testing.
Step 2 (If it’s a WiFi problem): Check for wireless interference. Step 2 (If it’s a WiFi problem): Check for wireless interference.
WiFi uses radio frequencies to send and receive data. Radio signals can be disrupted by other electronics like microwaves, cordless phones, Bluetooth speakers, baby monitors and even neighboring WiFi networks. These devices can cause interference, leading to slower speeds or brief disconnections. If possible, keep your router away from these devices or switch to the 5 GHz band, which is less prone to interference than 2.4 GHz.
🧑💻 EPB Tech Pro Tip: To learn more about optimizing your home’s WiFi network, check out our comprehensive related guides:
- 9 Simple Ways to Fix a Weak WiFi Signal
- WiFi Woes? Your Guide to Fixing an Unstable Connection
- The Best Place to Put Your Router
Step 3 (If it’s a WiFi problem): Check your WiFi range. Step 3 (If it’s a WiFi problem): Check your WiFi range.
WiFi strength decreases with distance. Try moving closer to your router to see if the connection improves. If you have dead zones in your home, consider adding a WiFi extender, upgrading to a mesh WiFi system or repositioning your router to a more central location for better coverage. You can also check with your ISP to see if they offer a professionally installed and maintained WiFi service (such as EPB Smart Net Plus).
🧑💻 EPB Tech Pro Tip: Want to learn how to extend the range of your WiFi? Here are a few of our related guides that provide simple explanations and step-by-step solutions:
Router & Modem Issues That Cause Internet Drops
If your wired speed test showed slow or unstable results, and you’ve already ruled out a service outage, the next step is to check your router and modem. These devices are the backbone of your home network, and when they have problems, your connection will too.
1. Older or Overloaded Router
Older or budget routers can struggle to keep up with the demands of modern internet use, especially in homes with many connected devices. If your router doesn’t support WiFi 6 (also called 802.11ax) or mesh networking, it may not be able to handle multiple high-demand activities at once, leading to frequent drops.
- What to try: Check the manufacturer’s website or your ISP’s recommendations for compatible, high-performance models. If your router is more than five years old, upgrading could improve both speed and stability.
2. Overheating or Faulty Equipment
Like any electronics, routers and modems can overheat, especially if they’re in enclosed spaces or surrounded by dust. Heat buildup can cause them to slow down, reset unexpectedly, or drop your connection entirely. Hardware can also wear out over time, leading to intermittent failures.
- What to try: Make sure your devices are in a cool, ventilated location, away from direct sunlight. Gently clean dust from vents with a soft brush or compressed air. If problems persist, test with a different modem or router (borrowing one from a friend or your ISP) to see if the issue disappears.
3. Outdated Firmware
Routers run software (also called “firmware”) that controls how they operate. Outdated firmware can cause instability, security vulnerabilities or compatibility problems with newer devices.
- What to try: Log into your router’s settings and check for available updates. You can usually figure out how to do this by reading instructions that are printed on your router’s label or in your user manual. If you don’t have either of these on hand, you may be able to find instructions for your specific router online. Search for your router’s make and model followed by ‘firmware update’ to find official instructions. Many newer routers can update automatically when connected to the internet, but if yours doesn’t, manually installing the latest version could fix the problem.
Network Congestion & ISP Throttling
Even the most reliable internet connections can feel slower at certain times of the day. That’s because internet traffic works a lot like rush hour on the highway: the more people online at the same time, the more “traffic” your ISP has to manage. In most cases, these slowdowns are temporary and can be fixed with a few adjustments.
1. Your network may be congested.
Internet usage typically spikes during evenings and weekends when more people are streaming, gaming and video chatting at the same time. In areas where bandwidth is shared across many customers, this can create network congestion. This “rush hour” effect can cause slower speeds or even brief disconnections if the network is overwhelmed. While EPB’s 100% fiber optic network is designed to avoid these slowdowns, some providers may struggle to maintain speeds during peak times.
🧑💻 EPB Tech Pro Tip: With EPB’s 100% fiber optic network, every home gets its own dedicated fiber connection, meaning your speeds won’t drop just because your neighbors are online. However, if your internet speeds aren’t keeping up with your household’s collection of devices, it may help to upgrade to a plan with faster speeds.
2. Your ISP may be throttling your data.
Some internet providers intentionally slow down (or “throttle”) speeds for certain customers or activities, especially after you’ve reached a data cap or during times of heavy use. If you notice slowdowns at the same time each day or after using a lot of data, it’s worth reviewing your provider’s data policy. EPB customers never have data caps or throttling, so your speed stays consistent no matter how much you use.
🧑💻 EPB Tech Pro Tip: With EPB FiSpeed Internet, we’ll never cap your data or throttle your speeds. Learn More.
3. Your plan may be too slow for your usage.
If your household’s internet usage is consistently pushing your current plan to the limit, it may be time for more bandwidth. For example, if you regularly have multiple people streaming in 4K, gaming online and working from home, all at the same time, a higher-speed plan can help prevent slowdowns and keep everyone connected without interruptions.
🧑💻 EPB Tech Pro Tip: Before upgrading, run a wired speed test during your busiest usage time to see if you’re consistently hitting the upper limits of your plan’s speed. If you are, it’s probably time for an upgrade. If you’re an EPB customer, our Tech Pros can help you find the perfect plan for your household’s usage. We recommend a minimum speed of 1 Gig for most households as technology continues to evolve.
Fixing Internet Disruptions for Specific Activities
Sometimes your internet works fine for casual browsing but struggles with certain activities that demand more speed, stability, or low latency. Here’s how to fine-tune your connection based on what you’re doing.
1. Streaming & Video Calls: If your movie keeps buffering or your video call is freezing, you may need to give your network a quick tune-up:
- Reduce the number of active devices. Pause large downloads, stop background streams or temporarily disconnect devices you’re not using.
- Switch to a wired connection. Streaming devices, smart TVs, gaming consoles, desktop computers and work laptops often run more smoothly when plugged directly into your router with an Ethernet cable.
- Adjust your video quality settings. Lowering from 4K to 1080p (or from 1080p to 720p for calls) can reduce buffering and help maintain a steady stream.
2. Gaming: Online gaming relies on quick, stable communication between your device and the game server. Even a fraction of a second of delay can impact your gameplay. You can boost the performance of your network for gaming by doing the following:
- Enable Quality of Service (QoS). Many routers let you prioritize certain devices or types of traffic (like gaming) so they always get enough bandwidth. Check your router’s manual or settings page for instructions.
- Use Ethernet whenever possible. A wired connection almost always provides a more stable, low-latency connection than WiFi.
- Limit competing traffic. If someone else is uploading large files or streaming 4K while you’re gaming, you may notice lag. Pausing high-demand activities during gaming sessions can help.
- Remote Work: Working from home can strain your connection, especially if you rely on video conferencing, cloud apps or remote server access. Follow these tips to boost your connection for working remotely:
- Disable unnecessary background apps. Cloud backups, file-syncing services and streaming apps can eat up bandwidth without you realizing it.
- Ensure VPN stability. If your job requires a VPN, make sure it’s updated to the latest version and try reconnecting if speeds drop. In some cases, switching VPN servers can improve performance.
- Go wired for reliability. Connecting your work computer directly to your router ensures the most stable connection for video calls, file transfers and remote access.
🧑💻 EPB Tech Pro Tip: If you regularly stream, game and work from home at the same time, consider a Gig-speed plan or higher to keep everything running smoothly without slowdowns.
When to Contact Your ISP for Help
If your internet is still unstable, and you’ve already tested your connection with an Ethernet cable, checked your WiFi for interference and optimized your networking equipment, it may be time to contact your ISP to see if they can help you.
Here are a few signs the issue may be on their end rather than yours:
1. Frequent outages with no clear cause.
If your connection keeps dropping despite restarting your router, checking for interference and confirming your equipment is in good shape, the problem could be with your ISP’s network infrastructure. They may need to send a technician to inspect outside lines or equipment.
- What to tell your ISP: Let them know you’ve tested your connecting using Ethernet, restarted your router, and ruled out WiFi interference. Tell them your internet is still dropping frequently, and ask them to check for any issues on your network or with the lines connected to your home.
2. Possible modem or router compatibility issues.2. Possible modem or router compatibility issues.
Some ISPs require specific modem or gateway models, especially for higher-speed plans. If you purchased your own equipment, check to make sure it’s fully compatible with your provider’s service. Using unsupported equipment can cause random disconnections or prevent you from getting your plan’s full speed.
- What to tell your ISP: Tell them you’re using your own modem or router and want to make sure it’s fully compatible with your plan and their network. If it’s not compatible, ask them which models they recommend (or whether they have ones you can rent) so you can avoid connection issues.
3. Consistently slow speeds below your plan’s rate.
If your wired speed tests never come close to the speeds your plan advertises, even during off-peak hours when no one is online, contact your ISP. They can check for line issues, adjust your account settings or recommend an upgrade that better fits your needs.
- What to tell your ISP: Explain that you’ve run several wired speed tests using a Cat6 Ethernet cable and your results are consistently below your plan’s advertised speeds, even during low-traffic hours. Ask them to check for any network issues or account settings that might be limiting your speed.
🧑💻 EPB Tech Pro Tip: Have your test results, troubleshooting steps, and equipment details ready when you call. It can speed up the process and help the technician pinpoint the problem faster.
FAQ: Why Does My Internet Keep Going Out?
Still have questions? Here are some quick answers to the most common issues people run into when their internet keeps dropping and what you can do about them.
1. Why does my WiFi keep disconnecting, but my wired connection is fine?
A stable wired connection with frequent WiFi drops typically points to an issue with your router or wireless signal — not your internet service. It could be caused by interference from other electronics, crowded WiFi channels or a weak signal due to distance or obstacles. Improve performance by placing your router in a central, elevated location, switching to the 5 GHz band for less interference or changing your WiFi channel in your router’s settings. If your router is several years old, upgrading to a newer model can greatly improve signal strength and stability.
2. Can too many devices cause the internet to drop?
Yes — having too many devices online at once can overload your network, especially if you have an older router or a lower-speed internet plan. Each connected device shares your available bandwidth, so streaming, gaming, video calls and large downloads that are happening at the same time can slow down your speeds or cause temporary dropouts. If this happens a lot, try disconnecting devices you’re not using, scheduling large uploads or downloads during off-peak hours or upgrading to a faster router and internet plan that can handle more connections at the same time.
4. Why does my internet cut out for a few seconds randomly?
Brief, random outages can occur when your ISP performs network maintenance. They could also be caused by temporary network congestion or hardware that’s overheating. If it happens often, check your router’s location and make sure it’s getting plenty of airflow. Reboot your equipment to clear minor errors, and run a wired speed test to confirm your connection. If the problem persists, contact your ISP to see if there’s an issue on their end.
5. How do I stop my internet from disconnecting at night?
If you notice your internet drops at roughly the same time each night, your ISP may be performing scheduled maintenance during off-peak hours. You can confirm this by contacting their customer support or checking their outage or status page. If maintenance isn’t the issue, you may have a device in your home that only runs at night and is causing signal interference, such as an automated vacuum cleaner, security system, air filter or baby monitor.
6. How do I check if my ISP is throttling my speed?
One way to test for throttling is to run a speed test twice: once normally and once while connected to a Virtual Private Network (VPN). If your speeds are significantly faster with the VPN, your ISP may be slowing (or “throttling”) your connection for certain types of traffic. Keep in mind that VPNs can also slow your speed, so compare results carefully. If you suspect throttling, contact your ISP to discuss your plan details or explore alternative providers.
Final Fixes: Ensuring a Stable Internet Connection
Frequent internet dropouts can be frustrating, but in most cases, they come down to a few common culprits:
- A weak or unstable WiFi signal
- Outdated networking equipment
- Network overload (or too many devices using bandwidth at once)
- Temporary ISP issues
The key is to troubleshoot step by step, starting with simple checks like running a speed test, rebooting your router and confirming there’s no outage in your area before moving on to more involved fixes.
If you’re still dealing with unreliable service, it may be time to upgrade your equipment. Routers and modems more than 3–5 years old may not keep up with modern speeds and devices, and replacing them can make a noticeable difference. It’s also worth reviewing your ISP’s policies and making sure your plan matches your household’s needs, especially if the number of connected devices in your home has grown over time.
For stubborn issues that troubleshooting doesn’t solve, contact your ISP and share the steps you’ve already taken. This helps them quickly narrow down the problem and check for any issues with your connection. If outages and slow speeds remain a regular problem, it may be worth considering a more reliable provider.
