Is there ever a convenient time for your AT&T internet to go out? Of course not.

Whether you're using the internet for gaming or streaming, a frequent drop in internet connection brings everything to a depressing halt. While there is not much you can do about this issue, troubleshooting and resolving the occasional service disruption can be pretty quick and straightforward.

But what causes AT&T internet connectivity issues in the first place?

Common Causes of AT&T Internet Connectivity Issues

When you feel your AT&T internet connection is falling short of expectations, and you are not getting the speed you pay for, you must try to find out the reason for the disruption in connectivity. Here are some of the most common factors that contribute to AT&T internet outage:

Modem/router malfunctions
Inadequate equipment or speeds
Hacking or network issues
Inclement Weather
ISP network congestion and service outages

Narrowing Down the Exact Issue

Well, this can take a bit of your time and effort. A good approach is to verify the connection issue isn't exclusive to a specific device, server, or website.

Let’s say, you are subscribed to one of AT&T data plans and have lost your Amazon Prime connection halfway through a movie. The first thing you must do is check to determine if other streaming platforms are still functional and accessible. If so, the issue likely exists with Amazon Prime and not your internet connection. If you're experiencing problems connecting to other streaming platforms, it could be that your streaming device or smart TV is the culprit. In such a situation, try streaming on another device to find out exactly what’s affecting your internet connection.

Check Your Device(s)

If you feel the problem lies within an individual device, such as a cell phone, laptop, or TV, try this quick fix:

Turn off Wi-Fi on the device you are trying to connect to AT&T Internet, and then turn it on again after about a minute.
Relocate that device to a new place, preferably near the AT&T internet equipment. And also, away from metal objects, electronic devices, brick walls, and other things that may hinder wireless signals.
Restart the device. And check if your internet connection has been restored.

Conduct Preliminary Checks

If restarting the device doesn’t fix the issue, use this checklist and take the next few steps towards fixing your AT&T internet issues:

Make sure all cables that are part of your AT&T internet setup are properly plugged in.
Check that your AT&T equipment is powered on and all wires are in good condition.
Verify that you are using the correct network credentials to connect to your in-home AT&T Wi-Fi.

Easiest Way to Fix Your Internet Connection

It is quite frustrating to lose your internet connection when you need it the most. If you don’t find anything amiss with the checkpoints listed above, one of the easiest ways to restore your internet connection is to reboot your router.

Routers, modems, or router-modem combos are basically little computers—mostly capable to run 24/7 without a problem. That said, the longer these equipment run without a break, the higher the chances they will develop software errors—causing a disconnection.

Now, it may sound like a cliché, but when your internet stops working, the miraculous trick you should try is to reboot your equipment. You will be surprised to find out how this quick tip could fix and prevent most minor problems.

Reboot AT&T Router

Follow these simple steps to reboot your AT&T equipment:

Power off the modem & router by unplugging the power cord that is plugged in at the back of your gateway or modem.
If you have an internet battery backup, detach it first.
Once disconnected, all status indicator lights must go off.
Wait for 20 seconds at least
Then put the internal battery back in. And, reconnect equipment to the power source.
If you have DSL, reconnect the phone cord
Wait for 10 minutes. Let all broadband lights on the device(s) turn solid green. AT&T gateway or modem may take a good few minutes to reboot, so be a little patient.

Once your AT&T equipment has properly rebooted, go ahead and test your internet connection to check if internet connectivity issue has been fixed.

Even if you have not faced any internet disruption, it's a good idea to periodically restart your AT&T internet equipment—gateway or modem. As this not only helps keep your connection working but also lowers the chances of losing internet at an inopportune time. Once every two months works great for most internet users. And, if you think you may forget the task, try to set reminders.

There You Are!

Who doesn't want a seamless in-home connectivity experience along with well-functioning equipment AT&T internet offers? Of course, we all wish to have a reliable internet connection to meet our daily internet consumption needs.

That said, nothing can be more awful than not being able to take full advantage of the AT&T internet speed you are paying for—just because of some glitch in your AT&T fiber modem. For this reason, we would recommend you reboot AT&T router whenever you experience frequent internet connection disruptions or you feel your home is not properly covered in wireless internet signals.

And if you need any technical assistance, like guidance to troubleshoot AT&T connectivity issues or help with the installation of AT&T equipment, speak to an AT&T Tech Support representative at 1-800-288-2020.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I reset my AT&T router?

We would suggest you do this once every two months to easily maintain a stable internet connection and get rid of router impairments, if any.

What happens if I reset my AT&T router?

Resetting your home router will restore it to the condition it was in when you first bought it home. Do this when you are facing connectivity issues or not getting the speeds you’re paying for.

Will resetting my router mess up my internet?

Not really. Resetting your router simply allows you to set it from scratch where it will function at optimal levels.

Why is my AT&T Fiber Internet not working properly?

The following are some of the most common reasons why you may be facing AT&T fiber issues:

AT&T modem/router issues
Hacking or network issues
Inclement weather
AT&T service outage

Why does my AT&T Wi-Fi keep disconnecting?

Most probably, it is your Wi-Fi router causing the issue. If a reboot doesn’t help, you may have to look for other possible causes, such as firmware upgrade, faulty hardware, etc.

Does AT&T give you a free router?

Your AT&T internet subscription comes with a gateway (router/modem) device, which includes Wi-Fi. If you wish, you can use your own AT&T compatible router too if connected behind the gateway—which is always required.