Looking for easy solutions when CenturyLink 5G not working? This guide will come in handy!
We can understand that having a poor internet connection can be very frustrating, especially in this fast internet era. Fear not.
Whether you’re experiencing slow internet speeds or a complete loss of 5G service on your CenturyLink, we’ll help you get out of this fuss in a matter of minutes!
If your CenturyLink 5G network is not working correctly, first verify that the 5G is enabled on your modem and then perform a power circulation.
Furthermore, you need to inspect the wiring setup and CenturyLink 5G settings before troubleshooting your router/modem!
Let’s keep reading!
Why is CenturyLink 5G WiFi Not Working?
There are quite a few possible issues for downtime in the CenturyLink 5G WiFi network:
Let’s jump straight into troubleshooting!
7 Easy Ways to Fix When CenturyLink 5G Not Working?
Tip: Follow the steps in chronological order!
1. Reboot the CenturyLink WiFi Router!
If you are experiencing connectivity issues with your CenturyLink WiFi router, a good first step is to perform a power cycle.
Sometimes the CenturyLink router may experience temporary issues due to overloading, overheating, or simply because of no valid reason.
Here is how to reboot the CenturyLink WiFi router:
Method #1 Reboot the Router – Via Power Cycling!
- Power off and unplug your CenturyLink modem.
- Then, disconnect the power cord from the back.
- Wait for at least 2 minutes for a power cycle.
- Reconnect the power cord back into your router.
- Finally, plug your router directly into a wall outlet.
Method #2 Reboot the Router – Via CenturyLink App!
- First, open the CenturyLink mobile application.
- Log in to the app using your account details.
- Press on the Services from the bottom menu.
- Navigate to the Internet tab to configure settings.
- Tap Restart Modem from the top of the screen.
- OR tap on Reboot Modem under Equipment.
Reminder: Don’t forget to test whether the 5G CenturyLink network is now working!
2. Inspect the Router Wiring Connections
One of the reasons why CenturyLink 5G is not working can be a loose or damaged DSL cable connection because it can disrupt the signal transmission.
This is why you need to inspect the connection and verify that it’s securely connected to your CenturyLink router.
Here is how to inspect the CenturyLink router wiring connections:
- Look for the DSL cable on your CenturyLink unit.
- Carefully disconnect the DSL cable from the router.
- Disconnect the other DSL end from the wall jack.
- Ensure that the cord is not damaged (cuts or bends).
- Then, firmly plug the DSL cable back on both sides.
You need to make sure that the wall jack you are using for your CenturyLink modem is not faulty and that the DSL cable connects freely.
Otherwise, your 5G CenturyLink network will not work.
3. Check the CenturyLink 5G Settings!
It’s possible that your CenturyLink router’s network settings are incorrect, which prevents your devices from connecting to the WiFi.
To fix this, you’ll need to access and configure your router’s admin settings to make sure it’s set up for 5GHz.
How to Check the CenturyLink 5G Settings?
- Go to your computer and open a web browser.
- Enter “192.168.0.1” into the web address field.
- Log in to your modem using admin credentials.
- Go to the Main Menu and choose Wireless Setup.
- Set 5GHz in the sidebar and enter “Radio Setup”.
- Next, click on Channel and set it to “Auto Detect”.
- Then, set the Wireless Channel Width to 20 MHz.
- In the 802.11 mode, select 802.11n or 802.11ac.
- Finally, tap on Apply to save the recent changes.
Note: We recommend rebooting your CenturyLink modem when you’re done with the steps!
4. Clear the Interference & Obstructions!
If you only have trouble with the wireless connectivity of your CenturyLink 5G connection, then it’s likely possible that you’re facing some type of interference or obstruction.
In such cases, attempt connecting to your 5G WiFi as close as possible to the router for a stronger WiFi signal.
The following factors can cause and impact the CenturyLink 5G WiFi connection:
- Thick walls or furniture can prevent the 5G WiFi from spreading.
- RF interference can impact WiFi – baby phones or microwaves.
- Reflective mirrors or large metal objects or surfaces impact WiFi.
- Cordless phones, IR receivers, or TF transmitters slow the signal.
Tip: We recommend setting up your CenturyLink router at a centralized location at your home and within 20 feet away from other devices.
5. Check for the Software Update
Sometimes outdated router firmware can lead to compatibility issues and performance problems and that’s why manufacturers keep releasing the latest updates to resolve such issues.
So, simply check to see if there are any updates available for your router to update its software.
Here is how to check for the CenturyLink software updates:
- Turn on your computer and open any web browser.
- Enter “192. 168.0.1” into the browser URL address.
- Type your Admin Username and the Password.
- Tip: Enter “admin/admin” or “admin/password”.
- Next, locate and press on the Utility menu option.
- Then, find and tap on the Upgrade Firmware tile.
- Check the software upgrade status:
- If the status is N/A, there are no pending firmware updates available.
- If the status is Upgrade Firmware, then press the “Download” button.
Once the installation process ends, then open the software upgrade file on your device, and wait a few minutes until the update file completely installs to the router.
When your CenturyLink modem is updated, then check for the 5G internet.
6. Run a CenturyLink Troubleshooter!
If you have tried all of the above manual troubleshooting steps but still CenturyLink 5G internet is not working, then use the CenturyLink troubleshooter tool.
This software tool will perform automatic troubleshooting on your CenturyLink router to resolve any 5G connectivity issues!
The tool will automatically track, diagnose, and repair your internet!
All you have to do is to visit the CenturyLink Troubleshooter Page and then answer the on-screen questions to best describe your router problem.
The tool itself will diagnose and resolve the problem within 10 minutes.
Tip: Remain patient while the tool diagnoses your issue!
7. Check for CenturyLink 5G Outages!
In case the 5G network appears to be offline, check for CenturyLink Service Outages from the official source, to find out whether the issue is on your side or not.
When you follow the link, you will be sent to a page, where you need to input your address and click on the “Check” button.
If you see “Service Outage in Your Area” the issue is not on your side!
If there is an outage, you can only wait until the services are restored from CenturyLink.
In case, however, there are no reported outages, continue with the next solution!
8. Reset the CenturyLink Network Settings
When you have tried every step but still your CenturyLink 5G internet is not working, then simply proceed with performing a factory reset as a last resort.
This is a process that will revert all of the CenturyLink router settings to default, and provide you with a fresh start with no bugs!
Note: You might need assistance from CenturyLink support so perform the reset on a weekday when the support is available.
Here’s how to reset the CenturyLink network settings in easy steps:
- First, plug your CenturyLink modem into the power supply.
- Look for the Reset button pinhole on the device’s back.
- Using a paperclip, needle, or toothpick to access the hole.
- Press and hold the reset button in the hole for 10 seconds.
- When the status light turns amber, release the reset button.
- Wait for up to 3 minutes to finish and finalize the reset process.
- Whenever the status light turns orange, your modem is reset.
The next step is to run your CenturyLink modem through its activation process using your smart device to properly set it up.
When your modem activates and connects to the CenturyLink service then its 5G internet connection issue will no longer be there!
Note: In case of any further CenturyLink 5G issues, contact CenturyLink Support for help!
Quick Recap:
If your CenturyLink 5G not working, then reboot your router, inspect the router’s wiring setup and verify that the DSL cable is securely connected.
Also, you need to check if the CenturyLink 5G settings are configured properly and if needed, perform a factory reset.
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.