Restart Your Router and Computer

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 98 views

WIFI Working but Ethernet is Not? A Comprehensive Guide to Troubleshooting Your Network Connection

Are you experiencing a frustrating issue where your WiFi connection is working fine, but your Ethernet connection is not? You're not alone. Many users have encountered this problem, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. In this article, we'll delve into the possible causes and provide step-by-step solutions to help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Symptoms

Your WiFi connection is working fine, but your Ethernet connection is not.
You're getting an "unidentified network" error message.
Your Ethernet connection doesn't have a valid IP configuration.

Troubleshooting Steps

Restart Your Router and Computer

The first step in troubleshooting any network issue is to restart your router and computer. This simple step can often resolve connectivity problems. Unplug your router from the power source, wait for 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. Also, restart your computer and try connecting to the Ethernet network again.

Check Your Ethernet Cable

Make sure your Ethernet cable is securely connected to both your router and computer. Try swapping the cable with a different one to rule out any issues with the current cable.

Check Your Network Settings

Ensure that your network settings are correct. Go to your computer's Network and Sharing Center (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac) and check the following:

IP Address: Make sure it's set to obtain an IP address automatically.
Subnet Mask: Ensure it's set to obtain a subnet mask automatically.
Default Gateway: Verify that it's set to obtain a default gateway automatically.
DNS Server: Ensure it's set to obtain DNS server addresses automatically.

Disable and Re-enable Your Ethernet Adapter

Disable your Ethernet adapter and then re-enable it. This can often resolve connectivity issues.

Update Your Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers can cause connectivity problems. Go to your computer's Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (Mac) and update your network drivers.

Check for Conflicting Network Settings

If you have multiple network adapters (e.g., Ethernet and WiFi), ensure that they're not conflicting with each other. Go to your computer's Network and Sharing Center (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac) and check the following:

Network Adapter Order: Ensure that your Ethernet adapter is set as the primary adapter.
Network Adapter Settings: Verify that your Ethernet adapter is set to obtain an IP address automatically.

Reset Your Router

Resetting your router can often resolve connectivity issues. Unplug your router from the power source, press and hold the reset button for 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.

Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it's possible that there's a problem with your ISP's network. Contact your ISP's customer support and ask them to check their network for any issues.

Using the Command Prompt

If you're comfortable using the Command Prompt, you can try the following commands to troubleshoot your Ethernet connection:

ipconfig /release: Release your current IP address and obtain a new one.
ipconfig /renew: Renew your current IP address and obtain a new one.
netsh int ip reset: Reset your IP configuration.

Using the Network Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in Network Troubleshooter that can help you identify and resolve connectivity issues. To access the Network Troubleshooter, follow these steps:

Go to your computer's Control Panel.
Click on Network and Sharing Center.
Click on Troubleshoot problems.
Select Network Adapter and follow the on-screen instructions.

In conclusion, a non-working Ethernet connection can be frustrating, especially when your WiFi connection is working fine. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue. Remember to restart your router and computer, check your Ethernet cable, and update your network drivers. If none of these steps resolve the issue, it's possible that there's a problem with your ISP's network. Contact your ISP's customer support and ask them to check their network for any issues.
WIFI Working but Ethernet is Not? A Comprehensive Guide to Troubleshooting Your Network Connection

Q: Why is my Ethernet connection not working, but my WiFi connection is?

A: There are several reasons why your Ethernet connection may not be working, but your WiFi connection is. Some possible causes include:

Faulty Ethernet cable: Try swapping the cable with a different one to rule out any issues with the current cable.
Incorrect network settings: Ensure that your network settings are correct, including your IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server.
Outdated network drivers: Update your network drivers to ensure they're compatible with your operating system.
Conflicting network settings: If you have multiple network adapters, ensure that they're not conflicting with each other.

Q: How do I troubleshoot my Ethernet connection?

A: To troubleshoot your Ethernet connection, follow these steps:

Restart your router and computer: This simple step can often resolve connectivity problems.
Check your Ethernet cable: Ensure that it's securely connected to both your router and computer.
Check your network settings: Ensure that your network settings are correct, including your IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server.
Disable and re-enable your Ethernet adapter: This can often resolve connectivity issues.
Update your network drivers: Outdated network drivers can cause connectivity problems.
Check for conflicting network settings: If you have multiple network adapters, ensure that they're not conflicting with each other.

Q: What are some common errors I may encounter when trying to troubleshoot my Ethernet connection?

A: Some common errors you may encounter when trying to troubleshoot your Ethernet connection include:

"Unidentified network" error: This error message indicates that your computer is unable to identify the network.
"No valid IP configuration" error: This error message indicates that your computer is unable to obtain a valid IP address.
"Network adapter not found" error: This error message indicates that your computer is unable to find the network adapter.

Q: How do I reset my router?

A: To reset your router, follow these steps:

Unplug your router from the power source: This will disconnect power to the router.
Press and hold the reset button: The reset button is usually located on the back or bottom of the router.
Wait for 30 seconds: This will allow the router to reset its settings.
Plug the router back in: Once the router has reset, plug it back in and wait for it to boot up.

Q: What are some advanced troubleshooting steps I can take to resolve my Ethernet connection issue?

A: Some advanced troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve your Ethernet connection issue include:

Using the Command Prompt: You can use the Command Prompt to troubleshoot your Ethernet connection by running commands such as ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew.
Using the Network Troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in Network Troubleshooter that can help you identify and resolve connectivity issues.
Checking for firmware updates: Ensure that your router's firmware is up to date, as outdated firmware can cause connectivity problems.

Q: What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps resolve my Ethernet connection issue?

A: If none of the troubleshooting steps resolve your Ethernet connection issue, it's possible that there's a problem with your ISP's network. Contact your ISP's customer support and ask them to check their network for any issues.