How to tell if AT&T internet is actually down

Before you assume AT&T's network is the problem, you need to rule out issues on your end. Start by checking your modem and router: look for lights on the front. A solid green light usually means everything is working. If lights are off or red, unplug the modem for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait two to three minutes for it to fully restart.

If your modem looks normal but you still have no internet, try connecting a device directly to the modem with an ethernet cable instead of using WiFi. If that works, the problem is your router, not AT&T. If it doesn't work, the issue is likely with AT&T or your modem.

To confirm AT&T is actually down, use your phone's cellular data (not WiFi) to check AT&T's official status page at att.com/support or search "AT&T service status" in a browser. AT&T also posts outage information on their social media accounts, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). You can also text "INFO" to 611611 from an AT&T phone to get status updates, though this only works if you have any cellular signal at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your modem's lights first — a solid green light means it is working, and a restart (unplug 30 seconds, plug back in) fixes most connection problems.
  • Connect a device directly to your modem with an ethernet cable to tell whether the problem is your router or your internet connection itself.
  • Visit att.com/support or search "AT&T service status" using your phone's cellular data to see if AT&T has reported an outage in your area.
  • If AT&T is down, there is no fix on your end — you will need to wait for them to restore service, though you can contact them to report the outage.

What to do if AT&T confirms an outage

Once you have confirmed that AT&T is down and not your equipment, contact AT&T to report it. Call 611 from an AT&T phone if you have any signal, or use the AT&T mobile app to report the outage. If you have no phone signal and no internet, you will need to use a neighbor's phone, a friend's phone, or go to a public WiFi location like a coffee shop or library to contact them.

When you call, have your account number or phone number ready. AT&T will ask for your service address to confirm the outage affects your area. They can tell you how many customers are affected and usually provide an estimated time for restoration. Write down the ticket number they give you — you may need it later if the outage lasts longer than expected.

AT&T does not automatically credit your account for outages, but you can request one. If the outage lasted several hours or more, ask the representative whether you are may have access to to a credit. Some outages may have access to automatically; others require you to ask.

Temporary ways to stay connected during an outage

If you need internet while AT&T is down, switch to your phone's cellular hotspot. Open your phone's settings, find "Personal Hotspot" or "Mobile Hotspot," and turn it on. Other devices can then connect to your phone like a WiFi network. This uses your phone's data plan, so be aware of any data limits you have.

If you do not have much cellular data left or your phone signal is weak, find a nearby location with public WiFi. Coffee shops, libraries, grocery stores, and fast-food restaurants usually offer free WiFi. Libraries often have the most reliable signal and the longest hours.

For work or school that cannot wait, a public WiFi location is usually your best option. If you work from home and need to stay productive during an outage, ask your employer whether you can work from a coffee shop or library, or whether they will let you take the time as a break.

Why AT&T outages happen and how long they usually last

AT&T outages fall into a few categories. Weather — heavy rain, lightning, ice storms, or high winds — can damage cables or equipment and is the most common cause. Accidents like construction crews hitting underground cables or car crashes damaging poles also cause outages. Less often, equipment failures or software problems at AT&T's facilities cause widespread outages.

Most outages last between 30 minutes and a few hours. AT&T's repair teams are usually dispatched quickly, especially if many customers are affected. Outages that last more than four hours are less common but do happen, particularly after severe weather when multiple areas are damaged.

If an outage lasts longer than 24 hours, AT&T is usually dealing with significant damage — a downed pole, cut fiber line, or major equipment failure. In those cases, the company typically provides daily updates on their status page and through customer service.

Preventing future problems with your AT&T connection

While you cannot prevent AT&T outages, you can reduce the chance that equipment problems will make your outage worse. Keep your modem and router in a cool, dry place — not in a closet, cabinet, or near a heat source. Overheating shortens their lifespan and can cause them to fail during an outage when you need them most.

Restart your modem and router once a month, even if everything is working fine. Unplug both for 30 seconds, plug the modem back in first, wait for it to fully restart (usually two to three minutes), then plug in the router. This clears temporary problems that build up over time.

If you have frequent outages in your area, ask AT&T whether they have plans to upgrade infrastructure in your neighborhood. Some areas have older equipment that fails more often. Knowing whether upgrades are planned can help you decide whether to stay with AT&T or explore other providers.

When to consider switching providers

If you experience outages more than once a month in your area, or if a single outage lasts more than 12 hours, it is worth exploring other options. Check whether cable internet (Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum) or fiber internet (Verizon Fios, local providers) is available at your address. Different providers use different infrastructure, so an outage affecting AT&T may not affect them.

Before you switch, compare prices and speeds. Sometimes a more reliable provider costs more, and sometimes it costs less — it depends on what is available in your area. Use a site like BroadbandNow.com to see what providers serve your address and what speeds they offer.

If you are locked into a contract with AT&T, check the terms. Some contracts allow you to cancel without penalty if service is unreliable, though this varies by state and by the specific contract you signed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the outage is just in my neighborhood or citywide?

AT&T's status page shows outages by area. When you visit att.com/support, enter your zip code or address to see outages near you. If multiple neighborhoods are listed, it is a larger outage. If only your address or a small area is listed, the problem may be localized to your building or block.

Can I get a refund or credit for an AT&T outage?

AT&T does not automatically credit accounts for outages. You must contact them and request a credit. Whether you receive one depends on how long the outage lasted and AT&T's policies at the time. Outages lasting several hours or more are more likely to may have access to, but you have to ask.

What if my modem is blinking red and I cannot reach AT&T?

A blinking red light usually means your modem cannot connect to AT&T's network. Restart it by unplugging for 30 seconds and plugging back in. If it stays red after restarting, AT&T is likely down. Use your phone's cellular data to check their status page, or wait 15 minutes and try restarting again.

Is there a way to get internet during an outage without using my phone's data?

Not through AT&T. Your only options are your phone's hotspot (which uses cellular data), public WiFi at a library or coffee shop, or a neighbor's internet if they use a different provider and are willing to share. Some people keep a backup mobile hotspot device, but that requires a separate data plan.