Your ISP’s DHCP Does Not Function Properly? Here’s How to Fix

When you get the error that says Your ISP’s DHCP does not function properly, it means that your router is having issues getting an IP address from your internet provider.

DHCP is the instruction code that tells routers how to set IP addresses to different devices on the network.

The easiest way to fix this would be to check your router’s settings and see if the configuration is correct. If your router does not have the proper settings, it will have a hard time connecting to the internet. It will be difficult for other routers to see and talk to it since it might not have a proper IP address to identify it.

What Causes DHCP Errors

There are a few reasons why you will get DHCP errors. It deals with IP addresses and the various configurations you can set it up.

It can get frustrating to troubleshoot and fix. However, once you know the root cause, you can get your internet back up in no time.

1. IP Address Conflicts

The most common cause of DHCP errors is IP address conflicts. If the DHCP server assigns the same IP address to multiple devices, you will get this particular error.

When this happens to you, it’s likely that the DHCP server is at fault and needs fixing right away.

2. Wrong Device Configuration

DHCP is a bit sensitive when it comes to configurations.

One small error or misclick can cause this error and get you to lose your internet connection without warning.

If your router or computer is set up the wrong way, you will likely encounter a DHCP error.

3. Wrong Router Configuration

Your router acts as the local DHCP server of your network. It also gets its IP from the DHCP server of your ISP.

If you set up the DHCP settings incorrectly, you will get this error. Get the settings slightly wrong, and it will not receive and assign IP addresses.

How to Fix Your ISP’s DHCP Does Not Function Properly

What does it mean when your ISP’s DHCP does not function properly? Most users prefer a wireless connection to the internet, and this is where DHCP shines.

However, it’s also prone to this particular problem, and you cannot connect to the internet. It’s frustrating, for sure.

As long as you follow these troubleshooting steps, you will be able to fix it in no time.

Solution #1: Run Your Network Troubleshooter

This is, by far, the easiest thing you can do. Your computer comes with an array of troubleshooters, and you can try fixing your network connections.

It’s an automatic fix as long as you let the software do its thing.

This fix is not a guarantee, though, but if it detects it and fixes it, you will surely save a lot of steps. If not, you will have to proceed to do the rest of these solutions.

Here’s how to run your network troubleshooter and fix your ISP DHCP errors:

1. Right-click on the network connection icon in your taskbar.
2. Click on Troubleshoot Problems.
3. It will open a new window and start detecting problems.
4. If it detects an issue with your internet settings, click on Apply this fix.
5. Wait for it to finish, and your internet should be back.

Solution #2: Reconfigure the DHCP Adapter Settings

If the first solution does not work out, you will need to reconfigure your settings manually.

Your router needs to have the correct DHCP configuration to get an IP address from your ISP, allowing you to connect to the internet.

For the most part, this setting is set to automatic. However, there are cases that these get changed without you knowing it.

It might have been assigned to manual, and the IP address set for your router may have a conflict with another.

Here’s how to reconfigure the DHCP settings for your router:

1. Open your router’s admin panel via a web browser.
2. Enter your router’s admin username and password.
3. Find the Network Settings section on your router’s dashboard.
4. Look for DHCP, check the Advanced tab if it comes with one.
5. Enable DHCP.

Note: Setting IP addresses manually can get tricky.

It’s recommended that you go the automatic route as the DHCP server will assign an IP address for your router that does not have a conflict.

Solution #3: Turn DHCP Router Settings to Continuous

This is a setting that is easy to overlook especially if it is your first time working on the configurations. Your router will have different DHCP settings.

If you set up the query frequency wrong, it will lead you to experience this particular error.

All you really need to do is change this one bit to continuous or aggressive. It will automatically change your DHCP requests and resend one within a few minutes.

Here’s how to change your DHCP router settings:

1. Open your router’s dashboard using a web browser.
2. Type in your admin username and password to log in.
3. Look for the WAN settings in the menu.
4. Go to Internet Connection and look for DHCP query frequency.
5. Set it to Continuous or Aggressive. Click on Save.

Note: Your router’s DHCP request will not be automatic, especially if it was set to a different setting before.

Wait up to 5 minutes for your router to recalibrate. Once the confirmation is received, the issue will be resolved, and your internet connection will be restored.

Solution #4: Perform a Factory Reset on Your Router

Performing a factory reset is a great way to resolve any issues with your router. A software bug or glitch on the DHCP settings of your router may be causing the problem.

The configuration change might be hard to undo, and the quickest way to do that would be a factory reset.

This step will reset your router with the settings it came out of the box. Performing this step can be helpful since you have a clean slate to work with, and there is a good chance that your issue will be fixed.

Here are the steps to perform a factory reset on your router:

1. Unplug your router from the wall.
2. Press the reset button and hold it for 15 seconds using a pin.
3. Your router will reset and power back up.
4. Log in to your router’s admin and set up a new SSID and password.
5. Connect your devices to your router.

Note: Resetting your router to factory settings will erase all the configurations you have made.

Do not forget to set them back again after completing the process. If you did, make sure to list down changes you have made, such as QoS, port forwarding, and VPN settings.

Solution #5: Update Your Router’s Firmware

Sometimes a reset may not be enough since it will also revert the firmware. If the reset does not work, you will want to update your router’s firmware to the latest version.

This step will usually help resolve most of your networking problems, including DHCP.

1. Go to your router manufacturer’s website.
2. Search for your router’s firmware update file and download it.
3. Extract the file to prepare it for installation.
4. Go to your router’s admin dashboard and look for the Update section.
5. Choose the file from your computer and upload it to your router.

Note: Some routers now support automated updates. 

Instead of downloading the firmware files, you can simply do it on the router’s dashboard. Reboot your router after you have successfully installed your router’s new firmware.

Solution #6: Ask for a Provisioning Signal from Your ISP

If none of these solutions seem to work, there is still one more step to rely on. However, this is a step that you need help from your ISP’s customer support.

A provisioning signal resets your router through your ISP, renewing your IP address.

It allows your router to reconnect to your ISP’s DHCP giving it a new IP address unique from other devices on the network.

1. Get in touch with your ISP through their customer support.
2. Ask for a provisioning signal from them.
3. Wait for 5 minutes while they send the signal.
4. Wait for your router to reset.

Thus, if your ISP’s DHCP does not function properly, you want to check your router’s DHCP settings. Something may have changed, and you want the DHCP query frequency setting set to continuous or aggressive. If that doesn’t work, ask for a provisioning signal from your ISP through their customer support.

Read Next: If I Reset My Router Will I Still Have Internet?

Last Thoughts

Following these troubleshooting steps and fixing your ISP’s DHCP does not function properly is quick and easy.

You can always contact your ISP’s support hotline if you are still having a hard time connecting to the internet.

We recommend you monitor your router and internet settings every now and then to prevent this from happening. It’s likely a wrong configuration, so you will be able to catch it early on.