If a user cannot access online services, what is one of the first checks to perform regarding network connectivity?

Verifying the device network settings is a crucial first step in troubleshooting network connectivity issues because these settings determine how the device communicates with your network and the internet. If the network settings are configured incorrectly, the device may not connect to the network or receive an IP address from the router. This includes checking the Wi-Fi SSID and password if using wireless, the Ethernet configuration if using a wired connection, and ensuring that the network adapter is enabled.

Problems such as incorrect IP configurations, wrong subnet masks, or incorrect DNS server addresses can lead to a complete inability to access online services. Therefore, ensuring that the device’s network settings are accurate and correspond to the expected configuration is essential in diagnosing the issue.

Checking the modem’s power status, testing the Ethernet cable, and restarting the router are also valid troubleshooting steps but are typically more effective after verifying the network settings on the device. If the settings are incorrect, correcting them might resolve the issue without needing to examine the other components of the network.