How to learn about Cox is down right now
Cox's own status page is the fastest way to check. Go to cox.com/status and enter your zip code or service address. The page will tell you whether Cox has reported an outage in your area, how many customers are affected, and when they expect service to return.
If Cox's status page shows no outage but your internet is still not working, the problem is likely on your end — your modem, router, or the line running into your house. If the page confirms an outage, Cox is already working on it and you do not need to call.
Key Takeaways
- Cox's status page at cox.com/status shows real-time outages by zip code and tells you when service should return.
- If Cox reports no outage but you have no internet, restart your modem and router before calling support.
- Third-party outage trackers like Downdetector show complaints from other users but cannot confirm whether Cox has identified the problem.
- Cox's phone line (1-800-234-3993) is fastest if the status page is down or you need immediate help, but expect long waits during major outages.
- A modem that will not power on or a router with no lights usually means a power or hardware problem, not an outage.
What Cox's status page actually tells you
The Cox status page shows outages that Cox has officially confirmed and is tracking. It does not show every single service interruption — only the ones affecting enough customers that Cox has opened a ticket. A brief hiccup that lasts seconds may not appear there.
The page also shows estimated restoration time, which Cox updates as technicians learn more. Early estimates are often wrong, so do not treat the time as a promise. If the page says service will return in two hours but nothing changes after four, call Cox's support line to ask whether the estimate has shifted.
When the status page shows no outage but you have no internet
Start by restarting your modem and router. Unplug the modem, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Once all the lights on the modem are steady (not blinking), unplug the router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This fixes most connection problems that are not outages.
While the modem restarts, check that the cable running from the wall into your modem is hand-tight. A loose connection can look like an outage. Also check whether your modem's power cable is fully plugged into both the modem and the wall outlet.
If the modem still will not power on after you plug it back in, or if it powers on but has no lights at all, the modem itself may be broken. Call Cox at 1-800-234-3993 to report a dead modem. Cox usually sends a replacement at no charge if the modem is still under warranty.
Using third-party outage trackers
Sites like Downdetector and Outage.Report collect complaints from users and show where people are reporting problems. These can be useful if Cox's status page is down or slow, but they are not official. A spike in complaints does not mean Cox has confirmed an outage — it means people are noticing their internet is gone.
Third-party trackers are most useful for seeing whether the problem is widespread or just your neighborhood. If Downdetector shows thousands of complaints in your city, an outage is almost certainly happening. If it shows only a few, the problem is more likely on your end.
Calling Cox support during an outage
If Cox's status page confirms an outage, you do not need to call unless you have a specific question — Cox already knows about it. But if you need to report a problem, call 1-800-234-3993. During major outages, wait times can be 30 minutes or longer.
Have your account number or service address ready when you call. Cox's automated system can sometimes tell you the outage status without connecting you to a person, which saves time. If you reach a representative, they can tell you whether your specific address is affected and give you a more accurate restoration time.
What to check on your equipment
Before assuming an outage, look at your modem and router. The modem should have a steady light (usually green or white) that shows it is connected to Cox's network. If that light is off or red, either Cox's service is down or your modem is not connecting.
The router should have lights showing power and internet connection. If the router has power but no internet light, the problem is between the modem and router — check the cable connecting them. If the modem has no lights at all, check whether it is plugged in and whether the outlet has power.
If you have a Cox-provided modem and router combo unit, look for a light labeled "Internet" or "Online." A steady light means you are connected to Cox. A blinking light means the modem is trying to connect. No light at all means either no power or no connection to Cox's network.
What happens after an outage ends
When Cox restores service, your modem should reconnect automatically within a few minutes. You do not need to restart anything. If your modem does not reconnect after five minutes, unplug it, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
After a major outage, some customers experience slower speeds for a few hours as Cox's network stabilizes. This is normal and usually clears on its own. If speeds are still slow after 24 hours, restart your modem and router again, then call Cox if the problem persists.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Cox is down or if it's my modem?
Check Cox's status page first. If it shows an outage in your zip code, Cox is down. If it shows no outage, restart your modem and router. If you still have no internet after restarting, the problem is likely your equipment or the line into your house, not Cox's network.
Can I get a refund if Cox has an outage?
Cox's service agreement usually includes a credit for outages lasting more than a few hours, but you have to request it. Call Cox support after the outage ends and ask about a service credit. They may apply it automatically or require you to submit a request through your account.
What if Cox's status page is down?
Call Cox at 1-800-234-3993. The automated system can tell you whether there is an outage in your area even if the website is not working. You can also check third-party trackers like Downdetector to see whether other people in your area are reporting problems.
Why does my internet keep dropping even though Cox says there's no outage?
Intermittent drops are usually caused by a loose cable, a failing modem, or interference with your Wi-Fi signal. Check that all cables are hand-tight, restart your modem, and try moving your router away from other electronics. If drops continue, call Cox to have a technician check the line into your house.
How long do Cox outages usually last?
Most outages last between 30 minutes and two hours. Larger outages affecting multiple neighborhoods can last four to eight hours. Cox's status page shows an estimated restoration time, but this can change as technicians work on the problem. Check back every 30 minutes for updates.