Linksys Router Not Connecting? Try These Simple Solutions

Is your Linksys router refusing to connect to your devices? We know it’s frustrating when you’re sending a “super important” work mail and your internet begins to buffer.

Whatever the problem is with the connection, you’re at the right place. We’re here to help you with the connectivity problems with your Linksys device with some of the easy-to-follow solutions. Let’s get started.

Basic checks Initially

Majority of times the issue isn’t with your router. Therefore, it is important to make these necessary checks as well:

• Is the internet service itself down? (The problem can be at your ISP’s end)
• Is the cable plugged in properly and in proper condition? Not halfway hanging? Also make sure the cable is not damaged in some way.
• Did someone accidentally unplug the modem or router? Yes, this happens.

If everything looks normal and still the Linksys router not working issue continues, read further.

Reset: Quick Power Cycle the Device

This tends to solve majority of problems with your device

• Switch off router and modem.
• Unplug both the devices from the power socket.
• Wait for around 20–30 seconds.
• Now, plug in the modem first and later the router. Allow the Led lights to stablize.

Try connecting with the internet. If you still face Linksys router not working, move ahead with next step.

Check the Wi-Fi Itself

Sometimes the Wi-Fi is working but your device didn’t get notified. Therefore, to resolve this:

• Toggle Wi-Fi OFF & ON, in your phone or laptop.
• Forget the network on your device and reconnect fresh.
• Make sure you’ve entered the right password.

Also, check if you’ve accidentally hid the SSID while experimenting with settings.

Try Connecting using a Wire

Find a LAN cable.

• Connect your laptop directly to the router using the cable.
• Check if the internet loads

If wired works it indicates there is Wi-Fi configuration issue

If wired also fails, router isn’t reaching the internet

No matter whatever the problem is, you’ll find a solution, read ahead.

Log into the Router’s Dashboard

This part sounds technical but trust us, its easy.

Enter “192.168.1.1” in the address bar. You’ll reach the login screen.

Now, enter the default credentials (if you’ve never changed them):

• Username: admin
• Password: admin

(Or you can also check the label on the device, appropriate credentials are mentioned on that as well.)

After you reach inside the dashboard:

• • Check if the router is able to detect internet
  • See WAN settings, if it says Disconnected or No IP, then that’s the real cause of the problem.

You can tap Refresh / Reconnect here.

Placement Issues: Physical Placement Matters

You might find it strange, but thick walls and giant steel cupboards hinder the internet network connections.

If your router is:

• • • Placed on the floor
    • stuffed behind the TV
    • next to a microwave
    • under a staircase

Move it somewhere open. Higher position. Fewer obstacles.

Firmware Upgrade

Sometimes the router is working on just an outdated software.

Navigate to the dashboard (for this follow the steps given above), then go to admin and now Firmware Upgrade

Let it update. Don’t unplug the device now. Your router will restart, come back stronger.

Check MAC Filtering

If someone toggled this on and forgot, the router will block devices. Therefore, to resolve this, disable MAC filtering:

Open wireless settings, then, MAC Filter and press disable

Reset Network Settings on Devices

This is the major issue with the phones especially.

On iPhone: Open settings, click general, then transfer or Reset and Reset Network Settings

On Android: Open settings, click system, navigate to reset options and from there reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth

You’ll reconnect fresh. But you’ll have to re-enter passwords.

If Nothing Works: Factory Reset the Router

Last Option. But a powerful one.

• • • Find the tiny reset button (usually at the back of the device)
    • Long press and hold 10 seconds using a pin
    • Lights begin to blink indicating the router restarts, and has restored its default state

Then set things up again.

We know it sounds annoying but honestly, this wipes out hidden configuration mess-ups.

Bonus Tips

Here are some additional settings you can look forward to:

• • • Disable VPN if using one, as it can block gateway access
    • Don’t plug router into an extension board that’s damaged
    • Internet drops every hour? May be Channel Interference
      • Choose Channel 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4GHz in settings
    • Too many devices connected? Router will choke

Maybe disconnect your cousin’s PS5 for a while

Also, heat can worsen the router’s performance. If it’s too hot to touch, change it placement and place the device in an open area.

When You Should Call the ISP or Replace the Router

Sometimes the hardware just gives up.

Call ISP if:

• • • Modem isn’t giving internet signals to ANY router
    • Service light on modem is red/off

Replace router if:

• • • Random disconnections happen all the time
    • Frequent overheating
    • Wi-Fi signal weaker than before
    • It’s more than 5–6 years old

Wrap Up

We hope, you’ve resolved your connectivity issue with the solutions provided above. And it was easy to do so. But if you’re tried all these and still seeing: “Linksys router not working”

Feel free to reach out to us. We’re used to such networking problems. And stable Wi-Fi isn’t luxury now, it’s survival. You deserve the smooth version of the internet.