{"slug":"basic-network-troubleshooting","title":"Basic network troubleshooting","tags":["tailscale","networking"],"agent_summary":"Last validated: Nov 14, 2025","trigger_phrases":[],"runnable":false,"markdown":"\r\n# Basic network troubleshooting\r\n\r\nLast validated: Nov 14, 2025\r\n\r\nThis topic provides information about general network troubleshooting, that is, not specific to Tailscale. For troubleshooting Tailscale-specific issues, refer to [Troubleshoot device connectivity](https://tailscale.com/docs/reference/troubleshooting/connectivity) and [Troubleshoot network configuration](https://tailscale.com/docs/reference/troubleshooting/network-configuration).\r\n\r\nTroubleshooting basic network connectivity varies by operating system, environment, and other variables. However, you might consider trying the following:\r\n\r\n1. Gather basic information about the device's network configuration and connection to the website or device.\r\n\r\nThe tools available to gather this information vary depending on the operating system.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[macOS](https://tailscale.com/docs/reference/troubleshooting/basic-network-troubleshooting?tab=macos) [Windows](https://tailscale.com/docs/reference/troubleshooting/basic-network-troubleshooting?tab=windows) [Linux](https://tailscale.com/docs/reference/troubleshooting/basic-network-troubleshooting?tab=linux)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOn macOS devices, you can:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n   - Use a CLI tool like [`ping`](https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/aix/7.3?topic=p-ping-command), [`ifconfig`](https://www.cs.unh.edu/cnrg/people/gherrin/linux-net.html#tth_sEc3.2.2), or [`traceroute`](https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/aix/7.3?topic=analysis-traceroute-command).\r\n   - Record a [packet trace](https://developer.apple.com/documentation/network/recording-a-packet-trace?language=objc).\r\n   - Use a [third-party tool](https://developer.apple.com/documentation/network/taking-advantage-of-third-party-network-debugging-tools?language=objc) like [MTR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTR_%28software%29) or [Wireshark](https://www.wireshark.org/).\r\n\r\nTool availability for other platforms and embedded systems might vary.\r\n\r\n2. Check the device's network configuration, such as the network interface card (NIC), subnet masks, default gateway, and DNS servers.\r\n\r\n3. Check the device's CPU and RAM usage.\r\n\r\n4. Ensure there aren't any physical problems with the device, such as worn cables or a low battery.\r\n\r\n5. Check for updates to the device's operating system or firmware.\r\n\r\n6. Contact your internet service provider (ISP).\r\n\r\n7. Restart the device.\r\n\r\n\r\n![Project Logo](https://cdn.brandfetch.io/tailscale.com/fallback/lettermark/theme/dark/h/256/w/256/icon?c=1bfwsmEH20zzEfSNTed)\r\n\r\nAsk AI\r\n\r\nreCAPTCHA\r\n\r\nRecaptcha requires verification.\r\n\r\nprotected by **reCAPTCHA**\r\n","html":"<h1>Basic network troubleshooting</h1>\n<p>Last validated: Nov 14, 2025</p>\n<p>This topic provides information about general network troubleshooting, that is, not specific to Tailscale. For troubleshooting Tailscale-specific issues, refer to <a href=\"https://tailscale.com/docs/reference/troubleshooting/connectivity\">Troubleshoot device connectivity</a> and <a href=\"https://tailscale.com/docs/reference/troubleshooting/network-configuration\">Troubleshoot network configuration</a>.</p>\n<p>Troubleshooting basic network connectivity varies by operating system, environment, and other variables. However, you might consider trying the following:</p>\n<ol>\n<li>Gather basic information about the device's network configuration and connection to the website or device.</li>\n</ol>\n<p>The tools available to gather this information vary depending on the operating system.</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://tailscale.com/docs/reference/troubleshooting/basic-network-troubleshooting?tab=macos\">macOS</a> <a href=\"https://tailscale.com/docs/reference/troubleshooting/basic-network-troubleshooting?tab=windows\">Windows</a> <a href=\"https://tailscale.com/docs/reference/troubleshooting/basic-network-troubleshooting?tab=linux\">Linux</a></p>\n<p>On macOS devices, you can:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Use a CLI tool like <a href=\"https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/aix/7.3?topic=p-ping-command\"><code>ping</code></a>, <a href=\"https://www.cs.unh.edu/cnrg/people/gherrin/linux-net.html#tth_sEc3.2.2\"><code>ifconfig</code></a>, or <a href=\"https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/aix/7.3?topic=analysis-traceroute-command\"><code>traceroute</code></a>.</li>\n<li>Record a <a href=\"https://developer.apple.com/documentation/network/recording-a-packet-trace?language=objc\">packet trace</a>.</li>\n<li>Use a <a href=\"https://developer.apple.com/documentation/network/taking-advantage-of-third-party-network-debugging-tools?language=objc\">third-party tool</a> like <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTR_%28software%29\">MTR</a> or <a href=\"https://www.wireshark.org/\">Wireshark</a>.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Tool availability for other platforms and embedded systems might vary.</p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>\n<p>Check the device's network configuration, such as the network interface card (NIC), subnet masks, default gateway, and DNS servers.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p>Check the device's CPU and RAM usage.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p>Ensure there aren't any physical problems with the device, such as worn cables or a low battery.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p>Check for updates to the device's operating system or firmware.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p>Contact your internet service provider (ISP).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p>Restart the device.</p>\n</li>\n</ol>\n<p><img src=\"https://cdn.brandfetch.io/tailscale.com/fallback/lettermark/theme/dark/h/256/w/256/icon?c=1bfwsmEH20zzEfSNTed\" alt=\"Project Logo\"></p>\n<p>Ask AI</p>\n<p>reCAPTCHA</p>\n<p>Recaptcha requires verification.</p>\n<p>protected by <strong>reCAPTCHA</strong></p>\n"}