CenturyLink Internet Not Working? Here’s What to Do.

Recommended Plans
Plan
Price
Download speed
Data cap
Details
Simply Unlimited Internet 100 Mbps$50.00/mo.*Up to 100 MbpsUnlimited
CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit$70.00/mo.Up to 940 MbpsUnlimited
Data effective 12/07/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
* Speed may not be available in your area. Paperless billing or prepay required. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply. Get the fastest internet speed available at your location (max speed is up to 100 Mbps).
Speed may not be available in your area. Maximum download/upload speed of up to 940 Mbps via a wired connection. Paperless billing required. Taxes and fees apply. Offer details. Offer includes professional installation at customers eligible location
Tyler Abbott
Staff Writer, Mobile & Wireless
Read More
December 12, 2021
3 min read

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Few things are more annoying than a buggy internet connection, especially when you want to stream a favorite show or when you actually have a chance to win a Fortnite match. Thankfully, fixing your CenturyLink internet can be easier than you think. Let’s get you back to streaming Netflix ASAP!

If you’re ever in over your head fixing your CenturyLink internet, you can always chat with technical support online, or call them directly at +1-866-642-0444.

Is it time for a new internet provider? Look for internet service available near you.

Why do I have no internet connection?

If your CenturyLink internet or Wi-Fi isn't working, the problem is most likely one of these two scenarios:

  1. CenturyLink internet is down in your area. You can check here if CenturyLink internet is down in your area. If it is down, there’s not much you can do except wait until CenturyLink gets everything back up and running.
  2. Something is wrong with your modem. Let’s dig into how you can fix your CenturyLink modem. Thankfully, many of these fixes can be pretty simple.

How to fix your CenturyLink modem

First of all, go and grab your modem. It should look like one of the two modems shown below:

CenturyLink Modem

Source: CenturyLink

There are a bunch of flashing lights that probably seem intimidating at first glance. The first thing we want to check is whether or not your modem is getting any power. On the far left side of the box, you’ll see the power light. It will look something like this:

CenturyLink Modem

Source: CenturyLink

We want to see a green power light, but your power light could be red, amber, or off altogether.

Red or amber light

You’ll see a red or amber power light when the modem tests its own hardware. Hopefully the light will stay red for about 30 seconds and then transition to green. If it stays red, then here are some possible reasons:

  • You're using the wrong cord for power supply. Make sure you use the one they gave you.
  • Your modem has overheated. Move your modem to a spot where it gets better air circulation.
  • You’re not getting enough power from your power strip or surge protector. Try plugging your modem directly into an outlet.

If nothing else works, you can reset your CenturyLink Wi-Fi router. You can do this by using a paperclip to press the reset button until the lights go out. This will reset your modem to factory defaults.

No light at all

If the power light isn’t turned on, then you’ll want to check the power cord and make sure it’s plugged in. If it’s plugged in and you’re still not getting power, then it’s possible that no power is coming through the outlet. If there’s no power in the outlet, then you’ve got a bigger problem than an internet outage, friend. I’d call an electrician.

DSL, internet lights, and Wi-Fi lights

Source: CenturyLink

If your power light goes to green, the rest of the lights on your modem box should start to light up green as well. Here is a quick checklist of everything you need to make sure every other light goes green as well:

  • For the DSL light, you want to make sure you have an Ethernet cord plugged in to your box. If an Ethernet cord is plugged in and the port still isn’t turning green, you should try a new Ethernet cord.
  • The internet icon will turn solid green once your modem connects to the internet. If that icon flashes red or amber, it’s either because your login information is incorrect, or the internet is down in your area. This would be a good time to get in touch with technical support.
  • Your Wi-Fi light will be turned off if you don’t have it enabled. Here’s how you can set up your CenturyLink Wi-FI:
    • Open a web browser and go to http://192.168.0.1.
    • Select Wireless Setup.
    • Select Basic Settings.
    • Select Enable next to Wireless Radio.
    • Select Apply to save changes.

Long story short, if you have double-checked that everything is plugged into your modem correctly, and the internet isn’t down in your area, your internet should work reliably.

Want to speed up your internet connection?

It’s possible that your internet speeds are so slow that it feels like your internet just shut down altogether. You can always check your internet speed and see what you’re working with. There are a few other things you can do to speed up your connection to speed up your connection right now, like moving your router to a place with less interference. But if you’re experiencing constantly slow internet speeds, or internet connection at all, it might be time to consider moving to a better internet service provider.

Recommended internet providers
Provider
Monthly price
Download speeds
Learn more
XfinityXfinity Internet$19.99$70751200 Mbps
ATTAT&T Internet$55^75100 Mbps
Cox Authorized RetailerCox Internet$49.99$109.99°1001000 Mbps
ViasatViasat Internet$59.99$159.99**12150 Mbps
Verizon Authorized DealerVerizon Fios Home Internet$49.99$119.99††3002300 Mbps
Data effective 12/06/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
Pricing for some packages are for the first 12 months. Some packages require a 1- or 2-year contract.
^ Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not be available in your area.
° Prices exclude taxes, surcharges, usage-based charges, certain equipment, and other fees or charges, which are subject to change.
** Offer available to new qualifying customers. One-time standard installation fee may be due at checkout. Minimum 24-month service term required. Equipment lease fee is $12.99/mo. Taxes apply. Service is not available in all areas. Offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time.
†† Price per month with Auto Pay & without select 5G mobile plans. Fios plan prices include taxes & fees

You can enter your ZIP code below to see what internet service providers are in your area.

Is it time for a new internet provider? Look for internet service available near you.
Now that you know, here are your next steps.

Want to compare the best internet providers? Check out our top-ranked ISPs.

Interested in easy ways to boost your internet speed? Read our guide for 10 ways to improve your connection.

Tyler Abbott
Written by
Tyler Abbott
Tyler has been obsessed with watching sports as efficiently as possible since the creation of the DVR. He is always on the lookout for the best tech in TV and wireless so he can watch all the sports and still have enough time to hang out with his baby. He has written about streaming, wireless, and TV for over three years. He hopes the Lakers will eventually get better.

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