Why is Google not working?

Question: Why is Google not working?

Google processes literally millions of searches each day, but sometimes, every once in a while, searchers are unable to access Google. Many searchers might ask the question: "Why is Google not working for me?"

Answer: Unfortunately, there is no "one size fits all" answer for this dilemma, but there are a few things you can try when Google is not working for you.

Is it your Internet provider?

The easiest place to start when Google is not working is simply to check with your Internet provider. They might be doing upgrades or tests that temporarily interfere with your Web access.

Is it a hardware issue?

Routers and modems can sometimes be a bit flaky. Here are a few things you can try:

• Tips for Troubleshooting Slow Internet Connections
• Troubleshooting Wireless Problems - No Internet Connection

Has your computer been infected with a virus?

Spyware and malware can definitely interfere with your ability to search the Web.

• Tools on the Web for Free Spyware Removal

Is it your Web browser?

Sometimes, simply clearing out recent information can help:

• How to Clear Private Data, Empty Caches and Remove Cookies in Google Chrome
• Internet Explorer
• Mozilla Firefox
• Opera
• Safari

Is it Google?

While it is highly unlikely that Google would be down, you can check Down For Everyone or Just Me? to see if Google is experiencing system issues.

Try another search engine

While Google is certainly one of the best search engines on the Web, there are quite a few other search engines that can give you just as good, or better results:

• The Ultimate Search Engine List: All-purpose search engines, visual search engines, people search engines...you'll find all these and more in this list of search engines, a comprehensive guide to the best search engines on the Web.