Sometimes your home internet might stop working or start going slow. Here are some things you can do to try to fix your NBN or home Wi-Fi connection.
Is your internet not working at all?
Check your device is connected to your home internet
Check that your device has Wi-Fi turned on in its settings. Make sure it is connected to the correct internet account and the password was entered correctly.
If you are unsure, look for a sticker on your Wi-Fi router or in the information that your internet provider sent you.
Top tip: If your smartphone can connect to the internet using mobile data but not the Wi-Fi, it is more likely to be a problem with your home internet.
Is there a blackout?
If the power is out, your home internet won’t work! The Wi-Fi should turn on again when the lights and fridge come back on.
Check for outages
Search for internet outages happening near you using a mobile internet connection (eg through your smartphone). You may be asked to type in your location to get information for your area.
Top tip: Your telco’s official website or app is a good place to look for more reliable information on outages and how to contact them.
Turn your router off and on
Turning your internet off and on again at the wall can help to refresh your connection. Follow these three steps:
- Turn off your Wi-Fi router at the powerpoint.
- Wait 30 seconds and then turn the powerpoint back on.
- Check all the lights on your router. Only the Wi-Fi light on your router should be flashing.
Top tip: Push in any loose cables on your router while you’re there.
Is your internet slow
Check your internet speed
Your home internet plan comes with a speed limit.
Top tip: Internet speed is how fast your internet connection is
Check your internet speed to make sure it is not slower than what it should be:
- Pause any downloads or videos on all your devices
- Search the internet for a free “internet speed test” website. For example, you can use a website like speedtest.net
- Compare your speed test results. Does it match your internet plan?
If your internet is slower than it should be, try our other tips below!
Turn your router off and on
Turning your internet off and on again at the wall can help to refresh your connection. Follow these three steps:
- Turn off your Wi-Fi router at the powerpoint.
- Wait 30 seconds and then turn the powerpoint back on.
- Check all the lights on your router. Only the Wi-Fi light on your router should be flashing.
Top tip: Push in any loose cables on your router while you’re there.
Is an old Wi-Fi router slowing you down?
If your router is more than 5 years old, think about updating your home internet set up. Contact your internet provider to find out more.
Look for things blocking the connection
Your Wi-Fi works best when it is in an open space (not hidden away in a cupboard!). Make sure it’s far away from things like microwaves, brick walls and fish tanks! Take a look around the house and see if you can move the router to where you use the internet most.
Oh no! It still doesn’t work!
If your internet is still not working properly, contact your internet provider.
Keep learning
The Good Things website has more information on getting connected.
Our thanks to our Get Online Week 2025 Supporting Partner NBN for their collaboration on these tips. For more information about the NBN and how it works, go to: https://www.nbnco.com.au/learn/optimisation
Use the button below to download and print out an A4 version of this tipsheet.