Simple Ways to Keep Your Internet On During Power Outages (2024)

Extreme weather can strike anywhere, anytime, and this summer may be one of the worst on record. Heat waves in particular can wreak havoc on already strained power grids, resulting in temporary blackouts.

When bad weather knocks your power out, it could disrupt your internet. There are a few ways, however, to restore and maintain your online connection, even if the power is still out.

If you’re reading this, your power may be out and you need to restore your internet connection quickly. In that case, I’ll get right to it: Here’s how to stay connected to the internet when you lose power.

Quick fix: Mobile hotspot and tethering

Activating a mobile hotspot on your phone essentially turns the device into a router, broadcasting its mobile internet connection for other devices to use. It’s not the same as your home Wi-Fi -- speeds are likely to be much slower and will only support a limited number of devices -- but it should get you by.

Read more: How to Use Your iPhone or Android Phone as a Mobile Hotspot.

Locating local internet providers

Tethering is similar in that it shares your phone’s internet data with other devices, but it does so via a wired (USB or Ethernet) or Bluetooth connection rather than Wi-Fi.

A few things to keep in mind when using a mobile hotspot or tethering:

  • The connection only works until your phone dies. Consider charging it in your car (if you can safely access it) if your battery starts to run low before the power comes back on.
  • Having the mobile hotspot function on your phone doesn’t necessarily mean the service is included with your cellular plan.
  • You’ll be using your phone’s data. If you have a cap, using a mobile hotspot can put you over the limit, which can result in added fees or throttled speeds. Even if your cellular plan offers “unlimited” data, there may be a soft cap or a limit specific to mobile hotspot use.

Contact your cellular service provider to find out if mobile hotspot use is included in your plan and if any data limits apply. If you have a data cap, check out CNET’s guide to managing your data use.

Automatic fix: Cellular internet backup

Select internet providers offer a separate cellular plan or service add-on to keep you online. Xfinity’s Storm-Ready Wi-Fi and T-Mobile’s new Home Internet Backup plan provide equipment and a cellular connection, for example, when your standard connection goes down.

Storm-Ready Wi-Fi is available to Xfinity Internet customers for $7 a month for 36 months or a one-time fee of $252 for the rechargeable 4-hour battery backup. When the power goes out or your cable internet connection is lost, internet service automatically switches to a 4G LTE cellular connection with unlimited data.

T-Mobile offers a 5G home internet connection (where available) but with a data cap and a slightly higher monthly fee. The Home Internet Backup plan includes 130GB of data and free equipment starting at $30 a month or $20 for T-Mobile voice customers.

You will need power to the T-Mobile router, however, so if you intend to use your Home Internet Backup service during power outages, you may want to invest in a battery backup or other portable power device.

Long-term fix: Generators or other power sources

Getting power to the modem or router may be all you need to keep your internet going when the power goes out.

In many cases, a local power outage doesn’t stop internet service from coming to your home. Wireless and fiber internet don't need power to travel, though a power outage at the point of distribution may cause a temporary outage.

Cable internet requires power to the nodes (connection points that send internet service along), but many ISPs will have a backup power source, enabling them to keep your internet service going.

So the problem isn’t necessarily getting internet service to your home; it’s how to use it. Without power to your modem or ONT device, you can’t connect to the internet and without power to your router, there’s no Wi-Fi.

Portable power stations and generators are ideal for continuously powering things like your refrigerator, heaters, fans or internet equipment. Here are some helpful links to finding the right power device for your home and needs.

  • Home Generator Buying Guide
  • Best Generator Deals
  • How Big of a Home Generator Do You Need?
  • Best Tested Portable Power Stations in 2024

What about battery backups or a UPS?

Rechargeable battery backups will keep your internet equipment running for a few hours at best before needing to be recharged. Without a power source, this can be difficult, but a solar battery may be the solution.

As for a UPS, or uninterruptible power supply, most devices aren’t designed to last more than 15 minutes or so. That's long enough to save your work or send any last-minute emails before losing your connection, but not much more.

Keep connected and stay safe

Maintaining your internet connection is important when the power goes out, particularly if you're using it for information or communication, but safety comes first. Always use caution when dealing with electrical equipment, and avoid tampering with any internet lines coming into your home.

For more tips on how to make the most of your home internet connection, check out the CNET Home Internet hub page. Be sure to visit the CNET Home Energy and Utilities page for more info related to your home’s power supply.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Internet On During Power Outages (2024)

FAQs

Simple Ways to Keep Your Internet On During Power Outages? ›

Stay online during a power outage by using a mobile hotspot or connecting your modem and router to a backup power source.

How to keep Wi-Fi on during power outage? ›

You can use a generator to power your modem, router, or gateway, to get online during a power outage. ISPs install generators and backup batteries to keep networks operational during a power outage.

How to get internet when there is no power? ›

Fixes for a long-term power outage

Use a mobile broadband device. This works like tethering, but instead of using your phone, a dedicated device gives you a connection via a mobile signal. You can buy a prepaid plan with Verizon, for example, for its 4G LTE Jetpack. Other wireless services, like AT&T, also offer them.

How do you stay connected during a power outage? ›

Ways to Stay Connected During a Power Outage
  1. Make alternate plans before an outage. ...
  2. Keep a backup charger or battery pack handy. ...
  3. Use your cellphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot. ...
  4. Connect online with your cellular data. ...
  5. Sign up for outage alerts.

How to use wifi router during power cut? ›

Connect the Power Bank: Plug the power bank into the router's power input using the appropriate cable. Turn On the Power Bank: Switch on the power bank, and it should start providing power to your router.

What device keeps router on during power outage? ›

Protecting Your Router During Power Outages: Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Invest in a UPS for your router and networking equipment.

How do I get Wi-Fi while off the grid? ›

The easiest way to get internet off grid is to use your local cell carrier, given you have reception even in remote locations. You don't need to buy any additional devices and can continue using your cell plan without extra costs. You can use your smartphone to create a hotspot to share the data with other devices.

Is there Wi-Fi that works without power? ›

What is Storm-Ready WiFi? Storm-Ready WiFi from Xfinity includes a Storm-Ready device and battery backup to help keep your home online for up to 4 hours through network and power outages with unlimited cellular data on a 4G LTE cellular network. What is included in the box with Storm-Ready WiFi?

How to get internet when there is no service? ›

How to Get Internet Where There Is No Service
  1. Wi-Fi Hotspots. ...
  2. Public Wi-Fi Networks. ...
  3. Mobile Hotspots. ...
  4. Coffee Shops and Other Retail Locations. ...
  5. Important Factors to Consider. ...
  6. Access the Internet with Limited or No Service.

How do I connect to the internet after a power outage? ›

The solution is simple: Restart your equipment by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds or so, plugging it back in and allowing it to reboot. More often than not, this will resolve your Wi-Fi outage.

Does a cell phone work during a power outage? ›

Cellular “service could be less reliable during prolonged power outages as backup power to towers is depleted.

How do you communicate when power is out? ›

Walkie talkies or multi-pack handheld radios may be an option to communicate short distances. Satellite phones are an expensive but reliable way to communicate when power is out and can be purchased online.

What should you unplug during a power outage? ›

Unplug appliances with electronic components, such as microwaves, televisions and computers. This will help to eliminate damage to your appliances from voltage surges when the electricity is restored. Wait a few minutes before turning on these appliances when the electricity is restored.

How do I keep my Wi-Fi during a power outage? ›

Stay online during a power outage by using a mobile hotspot or connecting your modem and router to a backup power source. Extreme weather can strike anywhere, anytime, and this summer may be one of the worst on record.

How to make a router work without electricity? ›

Use an External Backup Battery

You can plug your router into an external backup battery. You can then plug the external backup battery into a wall outlet via the original power adapter. If the power goes out, the external backup battery will keep it running.

How to get an uninterrupted internet connection? ›

Keep your router in a central location, preferably in a high place, to ensure maximum coverage. Avoid placing your router in closed spaces or near walls, as this can cause signal interference and reduce the speed of your internet connection.

How do I keep my Wi-Fi from turning off? ›

  1. Update your network adapter drivers. ...
  2. Reset your computer's network settings. ...
  3. Try your computer's built-in network troubleshooter. ...
  4. Make sure your modem and router have the latest firmware. ...
  5. Check your router log.
Jun 17, 2024

Does Wi-Fi go off when power goes off? ›

Wireless internet access relies on devices that require power such as our towers in the field or routers in the home. When the power goes out, those devices stop working, which means you'll lose your connection.

Will my Wi-Fi work without electricity? ›

For your internet to function properly, your router, ONT (optical network terminal), and any devices you want to use must all be connected to a power source, or in the case of laptops, have a charged battery. During an outage, this is usually a battery backup, also known as an uninterruptable power supply (UPS).

What to do with router when power goes out? ›

You can plug your router into an external backup battery. You can then plug the external backup battery into a wall outlet via the original power adapter.

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