Cox Troubleshooting Guide

Check your router and modem lights

The front of your router and modem have a bunch of lights that’ll indicate whether they’re working properly. Take a look at your router’s Wi-Fi light and modem’s downstream light. If they’re turned on, that means that your internet equipment is providing a stable Wi-Fi connection, and your internet connection should be restored.

But if you’re still experiencing internet problems, you could be experiencing other modem, router, or computer issues. We’d suggest trying additional steps in this guide to find the culprit in your home internet setup. Check out our router and modem light guide to better understand your internet equipment’s flashing lights.

Find your Cox Wi-Fi network name and password

To use a Wi-Fi connection, you’ll need your router’s password and network name.

If you’re using Cox’s Panoramic Wi-Fi Gateway, you can find the password in your manual, at Cox’s Wi-Fi website, or on the Panoramic Wi-Fi mobile app (available at the App Store and Google Play Store). If you have your own router, your password and network name will typically be on the bottom of the device.

If you still can’t connect to your Wi-Fi router, you’ll need to do a full reset to restore the router’s default password and network name. For Cox gateway owners, follow our guide below to reset the device. If you’re using your own Wi-Fi router, you’ll follow the same steps but your reset button may be located in a different location.

Reboot your wireless router

Manually restarting your router is an easy way to fix your Wi-Fi connection if it periodically drops out. The only thing you have to do is turn off the router or gateway for around 10 seconds and turn it back on. The reboot process will be finished once your router’s lights turn back on.

Take an internet speed test

Does your internet performance feel slower than normal? Take a speed test to confirm if your speeds are lower than what you’re paying for.

Even with the latest and greatest equipment, Wi-Fi signals will still get weaker the farther you are from a router or if your signal has to pass through concrete or brick walls. Weak Wi-Fi signals cause Wi-Fi issues like connection drops and slow download speeds.

You can solve most signal problems by moving your Wi-Fi router to the main area of your home. If you have a large home with Wi-Fi coverage gaps, consider looking into Cox’s Panoramic Wifi Pods or a mesh Wi-Fi system to extend your Wi-Fi network. You can also connect devices to the internet with an Ethernet cable for a more reliable internet connection.

Restart your Cox cable modem

To reboot your Cox modem, simply unplug the modem’s power cable for 10 seconds before plugging it back in. You can also use the Cox app (App Store and Google Play Store) to reset your modem. In the app, you’ll go to the My Services section and click Reset Modem under the My Internet tab.

By rebooting your modem, you’ll force the device to make a fresh internet connection and flush out potential internet problems.

Confirm Cox internet outage

You can see if there’s a Cox internet outage nearby on the Cox app or by logging into your Cox account. Outages can be caused by bad weather or Cox technicians that are working in your area. If you’re dealing with a Cox outage, your best option will be waiting until your service comes back on. Check out our Cox outage guide for your full list of options.

Check your connections

Make sure that you’re using an HDMI cable to connect your TV and cable box. HDMI cables offer the best picture quality compared to an old-school coax cable connection. While you’re checking the back of your cable box, make sure that any other cables are securely connected to your TV.

Refresh the signal to your Cox TV device

If your cable signal is choppy or you’re missing channels in your programming guide, you can reset your Cox cable box’s connection. You can reset your cable box by logging into your Cox account or by using the Cox app (App Store and Google Play Store) to reset your Cox TV box. Under the My Services tab, go to My TV and click Reset Equipment. The reset process usually takes up to 15 minutes.

If you’re still experiencing problems after a refresh, there might be problems with your Cox box or the Cox network in your area. In this case, we’d recommend giving Cox customer service a call.

Update your Cox TV app

Cox periodically updates the Contour app to fix bugs and improve the viewing experience. Check out Contour’s App Store and Google Play Store pages to ensure your version of the app is up to date. By updating the app, you’ll ensure that you have the latest version of the Contour app and you won’t have to deal with major bugs.

Uninstall and reinstall your Cox TV app

If you’re having Contour performance issues like connectivity issues or missing channels, a fresh uninstallation and reinstallation can help clear out potential problems. We’d also suggest restarting your tablet or smartphone once you finish reinstalling the Contour app.

Check your parental controls

Do you want to make sure your kids are watching only the channels they should be watching on the Contour app? Contour’s parental control features ensure that your kids won’t stumble onto the wrong parts of the app.

In the Contour app, click Settings and open Parental Controls. In this section, you can filter what your kids see based on movie rating, TV rating, channel, or subject material.