Why is my NETGEAR router not connecting to Internet?

Problems similar to NETGEAR router not connecting to internet:

• Internet access lost even after it was working previously.
• Unable to go online regardless of wired and wireless devices.

Your NETGEAR router may not be working because of the following reasons:

• You have a DSL gateway, a combination router and a modem (like the DG834 series).
• You are using an Internet program that may be interrupting your network.
• The wireless router can connect to the Internet only through a wired connection.
• Your ISP provided you with a modem using Network Address Translation (NAT). Contact your ISP and enquire about how you can set your modem to Bridge mode.

Follow the steps below to troubleshoot NETGEAR router not connecting to internet issues:

Note: If you are switching from dial-up to cable or DSL, keep in mind that some applications may not operate when both types of settings are present. While configuring your new connection, your dial-up connection may become inoperable. You may need to set your computer to connect in one of two ways.

• Disconnect your router and connect your PC to your modem directly.
• Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) if you cannot connect to the Internet.
• If you can connect to the Internet, reconnect your router and go to Step 2.

Log in to the router. For instructions on router login, see either your router user manual or visit ‘How do I access my NETGEAR home router login page?‘.

1. If you cannot log into the router, check the following:

• Check that any cords connected to the router and PC are safe.
• The Internet LED is turned on. 
• Refer to the router documentation to troubleshoot the light status if the Internet LED is not illuminated.
• Confirm that the LEDs for the ports with cables are lighted if you use a device connected to the router through an Ethernet connection.
• If a port LED with an Ethernet connection is not illuminated, transfer the cable wire to a different port on the router’s rear. If a port LED continues to be dark, see the router’s handbook.
• In case you’re using a wireless device, make sure the LED on the wireless adapter is turned on. 
• If the wireless adapter LED is not illuminated, do not proceed with this article. Instead, see your adapter’s user manual for assistance.
• Turn your router off and then switch it on.
• If you still cannot log onto the router, conduct a factory default reset. Visit Restoring a NETGEAR home router to the factory default settings.

2. If you can log in to the router, run the router’s Smart Wizard and take one of the following actions:

• Proceed to Step 3 if a dynamic IP address is detected.
• If PPPoE is found, configure your router with the username and password supplied by your ISP. Proceed to Step 3 by clicking Apply.
• If a static IP address is identified, configure your router with the router’s IP address, the ISP’s DNS address, and the default gateway address. This information was supplied to you by your ISP. Proceed to Step 3 by clicking Apply.

Follow these steps if the Smart Wizard does not find an IP address:

• Switch off the router.
• Turn off the modem.
• Power on the modem.
• Switch on the router.
• Perform Step 2 again.

To reach the NETGEAR online test page, click the Smart Wizard Test button.

1. You have Internet connectivity if the page appears. If the page does not display, visit No Internet with new router – MAC spoofing.
2. Confirm that the router has a valid IP address under Router Status. See your router’s user manual for further information.
3. If there is no legitimate IP address, please do a network power cycle; and for that, visit: How to Power Cycle Your Home Network?.