Ethernet not working after a move: how to get your wired internet back

When a wired internet connection stops working after a move, the cable and computer are usually fine. The common causes are a cable in the wrong port, a wall jack that is not connected to anything, a modem that has not been activated at the new address, or Windows or Mac still holding settings from the old network. Work through these in order and stop as soon as you are back online.

Steps

1. Check the cable at both ends. Push each end in until it clicks. One end goes in the computer, the other in a numbered LAN port on the router (often yellow), not the port marked WAN or Internet.
2. Look at the little lights. On the computer port and the router port there is usually a green or orange light. No light at all means the cable, the port or the wall jack is not making a connection. Try a different cable and a different router port.
3. Do not trust the wall jack yet. In a new home or apartment, a jack in the wall may not be wired to anything. Plug the computer straight into the router with one cable to test.
4. Check that the internet itself is on. Look at the modem lights. If the Internet or Online light is off or red, the service at the new address may not be active yet. Call your provider from the number on your bill or their official website, not from a search ad.
5. Restart in the right order. Unplug the modem and router for one minute. Plug in the modem first and wait until its lights settle, then the router, then restart the computer.
6. On Windows 11, click Start, then Settings, then Network and internet, then Advanced network settings, and choose Network reset. Restart when it asks. On a Mac, open System Settings, then Network, select Ethernet, and click Details then TCP/IP and choose Renew DHCP Lease.
7. If you use a USB to Ethernet adapter, unplug it, plug it into a different USB port on the computer itself, and restart. Adapters often need a fresh start after a move.
8. If Wi-Fi works but the cable does not, the cable or port is the problem. If neither works, the modem or service is the problem.
9. Never call a phone number from a popup or a search ad that claims to be your internet provider, Microsoft or Apple. Real support will not ask you to install remote access apps or pay with gift cards.

Common questions

The cable is plugged in but it says no internet. What now?

The computer is connected to the router but the router is not reaching the internet. Restart the modem and router, and check that your service is active at the new address.

Which port on the router do I use?

Use one of the numbered LAN ports. The single port marked WAN or Internet is only for the cable that comes from the modem or the wall.

Can an old cable go bad from a move?

Yes. A bent or pinched cable, or a broken clip on the plug, can stop it working. A new Ethernet cable is cheap and is often the fastest fix.

Do I need to call my provider after moving?

If the modem Internet light is off, yes. Moving the modem to a new address often needs the provider to activate it there.

Can Ellis help me with this?

Yes. Ellis can talk you through each step by phone while you sit at your own computer, and will never ask for your passwords or bank details. Ellis is an AI assistant, and it will tell you so.

Ellis is an AI tech support assistant from 5 Star Consultants, a division of Adore LLC. Privacy Terms