How do I fix cable TV and internet that stopped working at the same time?
Answer
When TV and internet fail together, check power at the outlet, confirm coax and Ethernet cables are tight, then look for modem lights or a tripped breaker. If the modem stays dark on a known-good outlet, contact the internet provider for a line or outage check.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Use care at the breaker panel; if breakers keep tripping, stop and consult an electrician.
Follow these steps
Check power at the outlet
Plug a lamp or phone charger into the same outlet used by the modem or cable box. If that device has no power, try another outlet and check the breaker panel for a tripped breaker—fully switch it off, then back on.
You should see: You know whether the outlet and breaker are supplying power.
Reseat coax and Ethernet
Tighten the coax cable from the wall to the modem or cable box by hand until snug. Also reseat any Ethernet cable between the modem and router, and confirm HDMI to the TV box if you use one.
You should see: All main cables are fully connected without loose fittings.
Confirm modem lights on a working outlet
With the modem on a known-working outlet, wait two to three minutes and note which lights turn on (power, downstream, online, Wi‑Fi). Tell your provider which lights stay off if service does not return.
You should see: The modem shows a normal light pattern, or specific lights stay dark.
Power-cycle modem and router
Unplug the modem (and router if separate) for 60 seconds, plug the modem in first, wait until online lights stabilize, then plug in the router and retest TV and internet.
You should see: Internet and TV service return, or only one service recovers.
Contact the provider if both stay down
If cables and power check out but modem lights never go online, contact your internet/cable provider through the official app or phone number on your bill and report a combined TV and internet outage.
You should see: The provider confirms an outage or schedules a line check.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Modem or cable-box lights, whether other devices on the same outlet have power, and any provider outage notice in your area.
Before you change anything: Note which lights are on the modem and cable box before unplugging anything. Check whether a lamp or charger works on the same outlet. Have your account number ready if you need the provider. Do not pay a stranger who calls claiming they can restore service for a fee.