Optus Modem Not Connecting To Internet? (Instant Fix!)

Optus modem not connecting to internet? Well, this is a commonly encountered problem!

To receive an internet connection, your modem connects to the nbn box, and the nbn box must be connected to the service.

Hence, there are several points of interest in which the connection may be disrupted, so we’ve prepared a quick troubleshooting guide to address all possibilities.

When your Optus modem is not connecting to the internet, begin with simple steps such as restarting and reconnecting the cables. Next, adjust your nbn modem settings and Wi-Fi settings.

Let’s start unwrapping!

Optus WiFi Modem Not Connecting to Internet?

There are many reasons why your Optus modem is not connecting to the internet.

Thus, we’ve prepared a quick list containing all possibilities at your disposal to check before troubleshooting.

Here’s everything that can prevent the Optus modem from connecting:

How to Access Optus Modem Settings?

You must access your Optus modem settings several times throughout the guide.

So, we’ve prepared a quick tutorial to log into your Optus modem admin tool or graphic user interface.

1. Connect a computer to your Optus modem’s network.
2. Info: You can use the Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable link.
3. On the connected computer, open any online browser.
4. Type “192.168.0.1” in the URL and then press “Enter.”
5. Locate the default Optus admin panel login credentials.
6. Insert your ID and password and press “Login” to enter.

You now know how to log in to your Optus modem settings, so let’s start troubleshooting!

Optus Modem Not Connecting To Internet – Quick Fix

Tip: Follow the guide chronologically!

1. Reboot the Optus Modem & nbn

If the Optus modem is not connected to the internet, the first step should be to perform a simple restart, which won’t erase anything from your equipment.

The power cycle will refresh the nbn connection with the modem, reboot the units’ operating system, and provide a fresh beginning.

• Unplug your Optus modem and nbn connection box from the power supply to power cycle your equipment for 60 seconds.

When reconnecting the devices to the power, the internet service may not come immediately, so you must wait about 5 minutes.

Then, you can check the “Internet” light on your Optus modem.

Note: If your modem receives internet, the “Internet” light must be green!

2. Check for Network Service Outage

Another quick step before troubleshooting is to check for ongoing service outages.

Your internet connection comes thanks to the nbn services, and when they are offline, your broadband would temporarily disconnect. 

This will keep your Optus modem and all connected devices offline for now. 

• To check for ongoing downtime, go to Network Outages (nbn). 

You must input and click “Check address” to reveal locational-specific nbn connection outages. 

Note: In case of an outage, you can only wait.

3. Inspect the nbn Box Connections

If you lack an internet connection on your Optus modem, the link between your modem and the nbn connection box is likely interrupted.

It’s crucial to verify that the Optus modem is connected to the nbn connection box and whether the cable is plugged into the correct pots of your units.

Connection for FTTP & HFC

• Plug the cable into the “WAN” port on your modem.
• Plug the cable into the “Uni-D1” port on the nbn box.

Connection for FTTN & FTTC

• The grey cable plugs into the “xDSL” port on the modem.
• The white cable plugs into the “WAN” port on the modem.
• The grey cable connects to your nbn wall mount outlet.
• The white cable plugs into the “Gateway” modem’s port.

Damaged Optus Equipment?

When reconnecting the wires, we strongly recommend checking whether the cable’s connectors are intact and the ports are obstructed.

This is essential because any damage to the equipment instantly disrupts the modem’s connection with the nbn box, which results in no modem internet. 

Tip: Contact Optus directly in case of damaged equipment.

4. Switch Your DNS Server Provider

Sometimes, your Optus modem internet issue may be related to a problem with the DNS server provider, especially if the settings were misconfigured.

Hence, use the steps from earlier in the guide to log in to your Optus modem’ control panel and then use one of the free DNS providers!

• From the Optus modem dashboard, go to “Domain Name” → “Advanced Settings” → “DNS” → “DNS Server” → “Update DNS Settings.”

Here are our top free DNS server provider recommendations:

• Google – Primary: 8.8.8.8, Secondary: 8.8.4.4
• Quad9 – Primary: 9.9.9.9, Secondary: 149.112.112.112
• Cloudflare – Primary: 1.1.1.1, Secondary: 1.0.0.0
• Control D – Primary: 76.76.2.0, Secondary: 76.76.10.0

When you’re done with the configuration, don’t forget to “Save” the changes and return to the dashboard.

Then, reboot your Optus modem and test whether the internet connection is back.

5. Correct the Modem’s nbn Settings

The Optus’ nbn connection uses an Internet Protocol with Ethernet (IPoE) setup and settings.

So, your Optus modem contains a bunch of correct configurations by default.

Well, if you have misconfigured them in an attempt to solve the problem, you might have made things worse.

So, log in to your Optus modem settings, go to “Settings” → “Advanced Settings”, and follow the correct configuration from the table.

nbn Settings Configuration Optus Modem
nbn Username	Blank
Connection Type (FTTC, FTTP, HFC, FW)	Ethernet WAN
Host Configuration	DHCP client
Encapsulation	IPoE
Connection Type(FTTN/FTTB)	VDSL2 Annex B(with Vectoring)
VLAN ID	Disabled/Blank
VDSL2	Profiles: 12a & 30a
	G.Vector / G.993.5: Enabled
	G. INP / G.998.4: Enabled
	SRA: Enabled SOC / ROC: Enabled

Note: For additional information on nbn configuration with Optus modem, click here.

6. Configure Your Wireless Settings

Are you sure that your Optus modem is not connecting to the internet?

Well, if the “Internet” light is solid green, but you can’t connect to the Wi-Fi, this doesn’t mean your modem is not connecting to the Internet.

This simply means that you’ve got an issue with the wireless settings of your network.

Hence, we’ve prepared a couple of steps for application.

Reminder: Use the steps from earlier in the guide to access the Optus modem dashboard.

Wi-Fi Access Credentials:

1. From the dashboard, go to the “My Wi-Fi” tab.
2. Then, set a custom SSID and Wi-Fi password.
3. Click on “Apply” to preserve the configuration.

Disable the Band-Steering:

Note: Stopping the band-steering on your Optus modem will separate the Wi-Fi into two networks, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, so you’ll need to set a custom SSID and password for both.

1. In the Optus modem dashboard, go to “My Wi-Fi.”
2. Scroll down to locate the “Band Steering” option.
3. Click on the toggle next to the option to disable it.

Turn “ON” Guest Network:

1. From the Optus modem’s GUI, go to “My Wi-Fi.”
2. In there, locate and select the “Guest Network.”
3. Change the “Wi-Fi Security” to “WPA Protected.”
4. Insert a custom SSID and password for the Wi-Fi.
5. Don’t forget to “Apply” the changes when exiting.

Note: When your wireless settings are configured, reboot your Optus modem!

7. Factory Reset Your Optus Modem

If nothing helps and your Optus modem is not connecting to the internet, then you may need to perform a factory reset.

This is a last-resort method, which will erase all data, settings and Wi-Fi configuration of your modem, but you can create a backup.

Tip: Save your settings from deletion by going into the “Maintenance” tab and selecting the “Backup & Restore” option.

Here’s how to factory reset your Optus modem in easy steps:

1. Ensure your Optus modem is connected to power.
2. Get a sharp/pointy tool like a paperclip or needle.
3. Find and reach within the “Reset” modem pinhole.
4. Hold the Reset button for about 10 to 15 seconds.

This will factory reset your Optus modem.

So, the reset may take a few minutes, and when your modem restarts, you may not have internet access.

So, you must log in to the Optus modem dashboard and carry out the “Quick Setup” instructions.

Note: Avoid making custom configurations and test your Optus modem with the default settings!

Quick Recap:

Hence, when the Optus modem not connecting to internet, you must reboot your equipment and adjust the nbn settings in the modem’s configuration.

In addition, you need to check if your modem is connected to the nbn box, and if nothing helps, perform a factory reset.

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