Guides · How-to

Is Optimum down? How to check for an outage

Optimum has an outage map and a troubleshooter in its app that checks your address. If neither shows a problem, start with your gateway.

Jean Gilles · Founder & Editor
Published Oct 12, 2026 · 4 min read
In brief

Check the outage map on optimum.net, or in the My Optimum app tap WiFi, then Troubleshoot my Internet, which searches for outages. Sign up for outage alerts at optimum.net/alerts. If nothing is reported, restart the gateway and test with a cable.

Start with a quick speed test on two devices. If both fail, check for an outage. If only one is slow, it's that device or your Wi-Fi.

How to check if Optimum is down

  1. Open the outage map. Optimum's map on optimum.net shows outages by area, with the number of customers affected and an estimated restore time when one is known.
  2. Use the My Optimum app. Tap WiFi, then Troubleshoot my Internet. It checks for outages at your address before it tests your equipment.
  3. Sign up for alerts. Add your mobile number at optimum.net/alerts to get outage texts.
  4. Look at the gateway. Check that it has power and that the internet light isn't off or red.

If there's no outage

Unplug the gateway for a minute, plug it back in and wait a few minutes. Test on a computer plugged in with an Ethernet cable. If wired works and Wi-Fi doesn't, the problem is Wi-Fi. See how to tell your internet from the service and why your internet is slow.

Contact Optimum

Current customers can call Optimum at 877-794-2724, any time. After a long outage, ask for a credit for the days you were down.

If outages keep happening, read our Optimum review and compare what else reaches your address.

Backup internet for the next outage

A 5G plan runs on a cellular network, so it keeps working when cable is down.

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Questions

How do I check if Optimum is down in my area?

Use the outage map on optimum.net, or the My Optimum app: WiFi, then Troubleshoot my Internet.

How do I get Optimum outage alerts?

Add your mobile number at optimum.net/alerts.

What is the Optimum customer service number?

Current customers can call 877-794-2724. New customers can call 877-694-9474.

Can I get a credit for an Optimum outage?

Ask support after a long outage, with the dates and times it was down.

Related guides

Is Spectrum down?→Is it your internet or the service?→Why is my internet slow?→Best backup internet→