CenturyLink internet outages affected thousands of users across the U.S. on June 19, 2025. Homes, businesses, and schools lost access for hours. Users reported no service or very slow speeds. Some couldn’t even reach basic websites.
These CenturyLink internet outages also hit Quantum Fiber and Brightspeed customers. Many people had no idea what was going on. Service suddenly dropped, and nothing worked.

The outage caused frustration in states like Colorado, Arizona, and parts of the Midwest.
Let’s break down what caused the issue, how people fixed it, and what you can do next time.
What Caused the CenturyLink Internet Outages?
The cause was not a cut cable or broken equipment. Instead, the issue came from DNS failures. DNS is the system that connects your browser to a website. If DNS fails, you can’t go online—even if your internet signal is strong.
On June 19, something broke in CenturyLink’s DNS system. Websites didn’t load. Apps stopped working. Even smart home devices failed.
Reports spiked on DownDetector:
- CenturyLink: over 35,000 reports
- Quantum Fiber: more than 17,000
- Brightspeed: over 3,000
This wasn’t a small glitch. It affected a large number of users.
Areas Affected by the CenturyLink Internet Outages
The CenturyLink internet outages hit multiple states. Colorado had one of the highest outage levels. Users there faced over two hours of downtime. Other affected states included:
- Arizona
- Texas
- Utah
- Minnesota
- Washington
The outage covered both rural and city areas. Some people still had limited access, but most lost full connectivity.
How Users Fixed the Problem Quickly
People on Reddit and Twitter shared a simple fix. Changing the DNS server worked for many. This told the device to skip CenturyLink’s DNS and use another one.
Here’s what many used:
- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
By changing DNS settings, users got back online fast. This fix didn’t require technical skills. It took under five minutes on most devices.
Step-by-Step Fix for DNS Issues
Here’s how to switch your DNS on most devices:
On Windows:
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Change adapter options.
- Right-click your connection and choose Properties.
- Click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and hit Properties.
- Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
- Enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
- Click OK and restart the connection.
On Android:
- Go to Wi-Fi settings.
- Tap your network → Modify → Advanced settings.
- Set IP settings to Static.
- Enter DNS 1 as 1.1.1.1 and DNS 2 as 1.0.0.1.
- Save and reconnect.
This fix works anytime your ISP’s DNS fails.
CenturyLink’s Response? Still Missing
As of now, CenturyLink has not released a full statement. Users want answers. There’s been no timeline or reason shared publicly. People are upset about the silence.
ISPs should inform customers during such big issues. A short tweet or email could help. But many users found out only by searching online.
How to Track CenturyLink Internet Outages in Real-Time
You don’t have to wait in the dark. Use these tools to check real-time outages:
- DownDetector – shows user reports in your area
- Outage.Report – maps large outage zones
- Twitter/X – search “CenturyLink outage” for real-time updates
- My CenturyLink App – has account and service status info
These sites give you a quick answer when something’s wrong.
What You Should Do in Future CenturyLink Internet Outages
If CenturyLink internet outages hit again, don’t panic. Take these steps:
- Switch to Google or Cloudflare DNS. This may bring you back online fast.
- Use mobile data. Tether your phone to your PC if needed.
- Restart your router. This clears any cached DNS errors.
- Contact support. They may offer a solution or update.
- Check other devices. If only one device is down, it may be a local issue.
Why CenturyLink Internet Outages Matter So Much
Internet outages aren’t just annoying. They cause real problems. People miss work calls. Kids get kicked out of online classes. Small businesses lose sales. And when there’s no warning or fix, it adds more stress.
We rely on the internet every day. When it goes down, even for a short time, it reminds us how fragile things can be. That’s why it’s smart to learn how to deal with it now.
Final Thoughts
The CenturyLink internet outages on June 19, 2025, hit thousands across the U.S. The cause was likely DNS issues. People fixed it by switching DNS settings. But the lack of a public response has upset many.
If your CenturyLink service goes out again, check online reports. Try changing your DNS. Use mobile data if needed. And speak out—companies listen when customers push back.