Is Optimum Internet Down?

If Optimum is your internet provider and you’re having trouble connecting, start with an internet speed test to see if you’re in an outage.

First, reconnect to Optimum Wi-Fi. Then, click below.

What to look for in your speed test results

If you’re in an Optimum outage, the speed test will say “Loading,” and a light blue circle will spin, but you won’t get any results.

If you get results that show download speeds, upload speeds, and latency, though, you aren’t in an outage.

You could still be having problems, of course. Ideally, you should get speeds reasonably close to what your plan promises, but you need the following for a healthy fiber or cable internet connection:

• Download speeds of at least 20Mbps
• Upload speeds of at least 5Mbps
• Latency of less than 100 ms

Note: Optimum Mobile uses the T-Mobile network to provide network coverage, so your signal won’t work if T-Mobile is down.

How to troubleshoot Optimum connection issues

If you get stuck on “Loading” on the speed test above, go through the steps below one by one.

Step 1: Try logging into your Optimum network with a different device, such as a gaming console, smart TV, or smartphone. Try both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections.

Step 2: Check your Optimum wireless gateway (router + modem) or fiber router. Solid green lights mean you’re connected, blinking lights mean you’re setting up, and a lack of  lights means you may not be plugged into power correctly.

Step 3: Check your Ethernet and power cables to make sure they are connected securely and haven’t been damaged.

Step 4: Restart (or unplug and reboot) your affected devices and your gateway or fiber router. A full reset usually takes about 20 minutes.

Step 5: Check your My Optimum app or Optimum account for any outage-related notifications, or visit the Optimum outage map.

Check the lights on your gateway or router

When your Optimum internet connection is working, the lights on the front will be solid green. If they are blinking, it means your gateway is still setting up.

Learn more and troubleshoot your Optimum connection

• No Internet Connection? How To Troubleshoot Internet Issues
• 6 Reasons Why Your Home Internet Is So Unreliable
• Modem and Router Lights Explained
• How Often Should You Reboot Your Router?

Still can’t get online? Contact Optimum

If you can’t get online and can’t figure out why, it’s time to reach out to Optimum. Here are the best ways:

• Get phone numbers for regional Optimum help.
• Call Optimum Mobile at +1-866-200-7186 or by dialing 611 from any Optimum Mobile phone.
• Check the Optimum Outage Map.

Get a refund from Optimum

Optimum offers refunds for cable-related outages that last more than four hours. Here’s its official policy:

The outage policy presumably applies to fiber internet customers as well, but we couldn’t find official documentation. Either way, it’s your responsibility to reach out to Optimum to request a refund if your internet service has been down for an extended time.

Find out how to reach Optimum.

Leave a review about your Optimum service

If you’re an Optimum customer, we want to hear from you! Your honest reviews help us give better advice to other customers looking for great home internet. Once you’re done, check out what other Optimum customers have to say.

Write an Optimum internet review

Read other Optimum reviews

How Optimum compares to other home internet providers

If you didn’t sign up for Optimum at the right time, your monthly price may be much higher than when you started. If you’re dealing with Optimum outages or slowdowns on top of high prices, it makes sense to consider your other options for home internet.

Optimum competes with 5G home internet providers, fiber internet providers, and even with another cable internet provider in some areas.

Optimum vs. T-Mobile: Whether you have Optimum’s cable or fiber internet, it’s probably going to be faster than T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, and those speeds will also be more reliable throughout the day. However, Optimum’s infrastructure may be outdated in your area, and prices can be higher after your first few months of service. If you’re considering a switch to T-Mobile, check out bundled mobile and home internet packages for the best deals.

Optimum vs. Verizon: Depending on your exact address, you might be able to get Verizon’s fiber or 5G home internet instead of Optimum. Verizon’s Fios internet is fast and reliable, its billing is straightforward, and its customer service is excellent. We recommend it often. Verizon 5G uses signal from cell phone towers, so it isn’t quite as reliable, but still comes with a great customer experience.

Optimum vs. AT&T: You might qualify for either AT&T Fiber or AT&T Air as an alternative to Optimum internet, and both are solid choices. AT&T Fiber is the fastest and most reliable option, but AT&T Air is available to many more addresses now than it used to be. AT&T also offers refunds for outages that last longer than 20 minutes.

Optimum vs. CenturyLink: CenturyLink offers DSL internet in some places in Optimum’s footprint, but you should steer clear. Your fiber or cable connection from Optimum is going to be faster, cheaper, and more reliable. Troubleshooting with Optimum can be a pain, but it’s better than dealing with slow DSL.

Optimum vs. Spectrum: Both Optimum and Spectrum hike prices after promotional periods, and both offer fiber internet in some places and cable internet in others. Go with fiber if you can, but set yourself a reminder to shop for internet again once your promotional rate expires.

My take: Switching may make sense

Optimum has a history of big price hikes and poor customer service, and its ordering process is clumsy and confusing. Your experience as a customer may be similarly frustrating.

If you’re having Optimum outage and slowdowns, consider switching to a competitor. As always, we recommend choosing fiber internet whenever you can and recommend starting with the lowest-tier plan unless you’re 100% confident you need faster speeds.

Read more about Optimum

• How To Get Low-Income Internet through Optimum
• What Do You Actually Pay for Optimum Internet?
• Is Bundling Optimum Mobile and Internet Worth It?
• How Much Should You Pay For Internet?

FAQ about Optimum outage