How to Fix Ethernet Not Working

Step by step

1. Check the ethernet cable and connections

   Examine both ends of the ethernet cable for bent pins or damage. Ensure the cable clicks securely into both your computer's ethernet port and your router or modem. Try a different ethernet cable if available to rule out cable failure.

   Note: Look for blinking LED lights near the ethernet ports on both devices — steady or blinking lights indicate a physical connection.

2. Verify the ethernet port status

   Check if your computer recognizes the ethernet adapter. On Windows, open Device Manager and expand Network adapters. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network and look for Ethernet in the left panel. On Linux, run 'ip link show' in terminal to list network interfaces.

   Note: A yellow warning triangle in Device Manager indicates driver issues, while a missing ethernet adapter suggests hardware failure.

3. Reset your network adapter

   On Windows, open Command Prompt as administrator and run 'netsh winsock reset' followed by 'netsh int ip reset'. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network, select Ethernet, click the gear icon, and choose Make Service Inactive, then reactivate it. Restart your computer after making these changes.

4. Update or reinstall network drivers

   Download the latest ethernet adapter drivers from your computer manufacturer's website or the network card manufacturer's site. On Windows, you can also right-click the network adapter in Device Manager and select Update driver. Uninstall and reinstall the driver if updating doesn't work.

   Note: Use a USB-to-ethernet adapter or Wi-Fi connection to download drivers if your built-in ethernet isn't working.

5. Configure IP settings manually

   Set a static IP address if automatic configuration fails. On Windows, go to Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings, right-click Ethernet, select Properties, then Internet Protocol Version 4. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network > Ethernet > Advanced > TCP/IP and set Configure IPv4 to Manually.

   Note: Use an IP address in the same subnet as your router — if your router is 192.168.1.1, try 192.168.1.100 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0.

6. Test with a different device or port

   Connect another device to the same ethernet port on your router to verify the port works. If available, try connecting your computer to a different ethernet port on the router. This isolates whether the problem is with your computer or the network infrastructure.

7. Power cycle your network equipment

   Unplug your modem and router for 30 seconds, then plug in the modem first and wait for it to fully boot. Connect the router and wait for all status lights to stabilize. Finally, restart your computer and test the ethernet connection.

   Note: Wait at least 2 minutes between each device restart to ensure proper network initialization.