What Happens During a Major Internet Outage and How to Stay Connected

You’re typing in an email – it doesn’t send, and suddenly you find yourself in the classic loop: restart the router and silently pray. And when nothing reconnects, not your laptop, not your smartphone, you realize the internet is gone, and you’re in the middle of a major internet outage.

While it may feel like a personal crisis, most outages stem from broader network failures. Tools like internet outage maps can help you quickly identify whether your area is impacted.

In this guide, we’ll break down what actually happens during a major internet outage, behind the scenes, and provide practical ways to stay connected until the service is restored.

What Happens During a Major Internet Outage?

Defining an Internet Outage

In layman’s terms, an internet outage is when your connection stops working. You can’t browse websites, send emails, access social media, or use apps that need the internet.

The technical definition of an internet outage is when either of these systems is disrupted:

The connection from your home modem/router to your internet service provider (ISP)
The main network infrastructure that your ISP uses to connect to the broader internet
The DNS (Domain Name System) – typing a website address won’t get you anywhere because your computer can’t translate it into numbers that it needs to find a site
The long-distance cables (often undersea fiber-optic cables) that carry data between continents are damaged, which basically cuts off entire regions from the global internet

It would not be wrong to say that internet outages are becoming increasingly common. In February 2024, for example, the fiber internet provider AT&T experienced an outage in the US that was caused by a network update, which left hundreds of customers without a connection for 12 hours. In a similar incident, 3000 Xfinity users also reported disruptions in their services in mid-November 2025.

But what really causes such a disruption? Let’s first explore the reasons why it may happen before we get to how you can prepare for it.

Causes of Major Internet Outages

Imagine a ship dropping anchor in the wrong place and accidentally slicing through an underwater cable. This actually happened in 2008, cutting off digital parts of the Middle East from the rest of the world for days.

Here are some other reasons that can cause a major internet outage:

	Fiber Optic Cable Damage	Construction crews digging, traffic accidents, or natural disasters may damage underground fiber lines, cutting off major data routes between cities or regions.
	Power grid failures	When there’s an electricity blackout, cellular towers, routers, and modems also power down. Without a backup power source, your connection drops instantly.
	Network Congestion or Equipment Failure	Overloaded networks or failed routing equipment at an ISP’s data center causing widespread slowdowns or outages.
	Cyberattacks on Infrastructure	Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks or breaches of DNS servers make it impossible to access websites and services.
	Extreme Weather Events	Hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and severe thunderstorms often damage physical network infrastructure.

💡 Did You Know?

As an internet user, you’re eligible for a credit from your ISP if your connection is down for more than an hour. You usually need to request it. Credits are typically pro-rated and show up on your next bill within 30 days.

How to Stay Connected During an Internet Outage

If troubleshooting your internet doesn’t work, here are some ways you can stay connected during a major internet outage:

Mobile Hotspot Backup

In case you’re working from home during an internet blackout, you can quickly turn to your smartphone as a backup internet option. You just need to enable the mobile hotspot feature from the settings on your phone and connect your laptop to it.

💡Pro tips:

Since mobile data is usually limited, make sure not to carry out any large downloads or video streaming
When working from a laptop, use data-saving tools like Chrome’s Lite Mode or Windows metered connection settings to limit bandwidth-heavy background apps
If you travel often or work remotely, consider adding a hotspot plan from your carrier for emergency use
Place your smartphone near a window for a stronger cellular signal
Running a hotspot drains the smartphone’s battery, so keep it plugged in to a power source as you continue working

If you’re looking for an option that doesn’t rely on using your smartphone, you can get dedicated hotspot devices. Verizon Jetpack or AT&T Nighthawk offer a strong and stable 4G/5G connection, and they are ideal for remote workers, frequent travelers, or anyone who wants a backup connection that’s ready to go when Wi-Fi isn’t.

Don’t let the internet outage stop you. Learn more about how hotspot connections work in our detailed guide so you can keep working, streaming, or gaming.

Home Backup Internet Option

In case your current network connection is experiencing an internet outage, you may need to consider alternative internet options. Plus, some internet service providers offer a backup internet as an add-on or separate service.

To avoid bringing your digital life to a halt, consider the following options:

Satellite internet: also great for internet outages that happen due to unpredictable weather; suitable for internet users in rural or remote areas
5G home internet: this is another ultra-fast connection option as a backup internet, mainly over a cellular network
Alternative internet option: having two different types of internet connections (for instance, fiber internet from one service provider and cable internet from another), ideal for remote workers

Always Stay Connected. Explore other Internet Options Near You Now!

Public Wi-Fi

We are all guilty of using public Wi-Fi when loitering at cafes and libraries, just to use the internet. When your internet stops working, these are usually the best places to hang out to carry on our online activities.

However, if you don’t already know, there are some things to keep in mind when using a public Wi-Fi:

Be wary of public Wi-Fi available at popular retail brands like Starbucks and McDonald’s. Example: “Starbuks_WiFi” instead of “Starbucks_WiFi.” Verify by asking the staff.
Always use a VPN for encryption and avoid logging into personal and private accounts to protect sensitive information.
Use trusted ISP hotspots; Xfinity, AT&T, Spectrum, or Verizon 5G available to respective subscribers.

Internet outages happen, and while you can’t control when they happen, you don’t have to remain offline. Reach out to your internet provider about upgrading your plan or adding backup options. Being a little prepared means, you can stay connected and stress-free, no matter what disruptions come your way.