How to learn about your internet is down across your neighborhood or just your connection
When your internet stops working, the first thing to know is whether the problem is in your home or in your provider's network. If it's an outage affecting your whole area, your provider already knows and is working on it — and you'll want to know how long to expect to wait. If it's just your connection, you have steps you can take right now.
The fastest way to check is to visit your internet provider's outage map or status page using your phone's mobile data. Most major providers — Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, AT&T, Charter Spectrum, Cox, and others — maintain a live map showing where outages are happening. You can also call your provider's customer service line, which will tell you immediately whether service is down in your area.
If you don't know your provider, check your monthly bill or log into your router's admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 in your browser). The router label also shows your provider's name.
Key Takeaways
- Your internet provider's outage map or status page is the most direct source — use your phone's mobile data to check it.
- Third-party sites like Downdetector and IsItDownRightNow show reports from other users in your area but are not official sources.
- Calling your provider's customer service line will confirm whether an outage exists and when service is expected to return.
- If no outage is reported but your internet is down, restart your modem and router before contacting support.
- Some providers offer text or email alerts for outages if you sign up in advance through your account settings.
Check your provider's official outage map
Every major internet provider maintains an outage map you can access from any device with internet connection — which is why using your phone's mobile data is important if your home internet is down. Enter your address or zip code, and the map will show whether service is disrupted in your area.
Here's where to find the outage map for the largest providers:
- Comcast Xfinity: xfinity.com/support/status or the Xfinity app
- Verizon Fios: verizon.com/support/status or the My Verizon app
- AT&T: att.com/support/status or the AT&T Mobile app
- Charter Spectrum: spectrum.com/support/status
- Cox: cox.com/support/status
The map will show you the outage area, when it started, and often an estimated time for restoration. Some providers also display the cause — weather, equipment failure, construction damage — though they may not have that information immediately.
Use third-party outage tracking sites
Downdetector and IsItDownRightNow are websites that collect reports from users experiencing outages. They're useful for spotting patterns — if dozens of people in your zip code report internet down in the last hour, something is likely happening — but they are not official sources and sometimes show false reports.
These sites work best as a second check. If Downdetector shows many reports in your area but your provider's map shows no outage, call your provider directly. The official map is always more reliable because it comes from the company managing the network.
Downdetector also has a mobile app, but the website works just as well. Search for your provider's name, enter your location, and scroll through recent reports to see if others nearby are affected.
Call your provider's customer service line
Your provider's phone line will confirm an outage faster than checking a map, especially if you're not sure which provider you use or if you're having trouble accessing the website. The automated system usually tells you immediately whether service is down in your area and gives an estimated restoration time.
The customer service number is on your bill or on the back of your modem. If you can't find it, search "[Your Provider Name] customer service" on your phone. When you call, the automated system will ask for your phone number or account number — have your bill handy if you have it.
If you reach a representative, they can also tell you whether the outage is affecting just your neighborhood or a wider area, and sometimes they can offer a credit to your account for the downtime.
Restart your modem and router if no outage is reported
If you've checked your provider's outage map and no outage is showing, the problem is likely with your home equipment. Before calling support, restart your modem and router — this fixes most connection problems.
Unplug your modem (the device that connects to your internet line) and wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in and wait for all the lights to stop blinking and settle into a steady pattern — usually 2 to 3 minutes. Then unplug your router (the device that broadcasts WiFi) and wait 30 seconds before plugging it back in. Wait another 2 to 3 minutes for it to fully restart.
Try connecting to the internet again. If it works, you're done. If it doesn't, check that all cables are firmly plugged in — the coaxial cable from the wall to the modem, and the ethernet cable from the modem to the router if you have one.
Set up outage alerts from your provider
Most providers let you sign up for text or email notifications when outages happen in your area. This way you'll know immediately rather than discovering the problem when you try to use the internet.
Log into your provider's account online or through their app and look for "Outage Alerts," "Notifications," or "Service Alerts" in the settings. You'll usually choose whether to receive texts, emails, or both, and confirm your phone number or email address. Some providers send alerts automatically to your account email without requiring signup.
These alerts typically arrive within minutes of an outage being detected and include an estimated restoration time. They're especially useful if you work from home or rely on internet for important tasks.
What to do while you wait for service to return
If an outage is confirmed, your provider is already working to restore service. Most outages last between 30 minutes and a few hours, though severe weather or equipment damage can take longer.
Use your phone's mobile data to stay connected while you wait. If you need to work or attend a video call, find a location with WiFi — a coffee shop, library, or friend's house — or use your phone as a hotspot if you have enough mobile data. Some providers offer temporary mobile hotspot credits during major outages, so ask when you call.
Avoid unplugging your modem or router during an outage. When service returns, your equipment needs to reconnect to the network, and unplugging it can delay that process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if the outage is just my house or my whole neighborhood?
Your provider's outage map will show the affected area — sometimes just a few blocks, sometimes a whole city. If the map shows no outage but your internet is down, the problem is in your home. Call your provider's support line if you're unsure; they can tell you whether service is working in your neighborhood.
Can I get a refund or credit for an outage?
Most providers offer credits for outages lasting more than a few hours, though policies vary. Call customer service after service is restored and ask about a credit. You may need to provide the outage date and time. Some providers apply credits automatically for major outages.
Why does my provider's map say service is working but I still have no internet?
The outage map shows whether the provider's network is working, not whether your individual connection is working. If the map is green but you have no internet, restart your modem and router. If that doesn't work, call support — the problem may be with your equipment or your line specifically.
What if I can't access my provider's website to check the outage map?
Use your phone's mobile data to visit the outage map, or call your provider's customer service line. The phone line works even if the website is slow or unreachable. You can also ask a neighbor if their internet is working to confirm whether the outage is widespread.
Do I need to do anything when service comes back?
Usually no — your modem and router will reconnect automatically. If you don't have internet within a few minutes of service being restored, restart your modem and router. If service still doesn't return, call your provider.