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[ REPAIR GUIDE ] WI-FI AND INTERNET

How to reset your router (restart or factory reset)

UPDATED NOVEMBER 20264 MIN READ7 FIXES

QUICK FIX

Unplug the router and the modem from power, wait about 30 seconds, plug the modem back in first and wait for its lights to settle, then plug the router back in and give it a few minutes. Only use the reset button (a factory reset) as a last resort, because it erases your Wi-Fi name and password.

What it means

"Resetting" a router can mean two very different things. A restart (also called a reboot or power cycle) simply turns the router and modem off and on again and keeps all your settings. A factory reset wipes the router back to how it came out of the box, erasing your Wi-Fi name, Wi-Fi password, admin password and any custom settings.

Common causes

  • The internet or Wi-Fi has stopped working or become slow and a simple restart usually clears it
  • The router has been running for a long time and has a temporary glitch
  • Your internet provider asked you to reboot the modem and router
  • You forgot the router's admin password and need to start over (factory reset)
  • Settings were changed and the network no longer works (factory reset)

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

FIX 01Restart the router and modem (power cycle)EASY

  1. Find your modem (the box your internet line plugs into) and your router (the box that makes Wi-Fi). Some homes have one combined box, often called a gateway.
  2. Do not press the small Reset button for a restart. Unplugging the power is all a restart needs.
  3. Unplug the power cable from the router, then from the modem.
  4. If the modem has a backup battery and its lights stay on, remove the battery too.
  5. Wait about 30 seconds.
  6. Plug the modem back in first (and replace the battery if you removed it). Wait until its lights stop blinking and look steady, which can take a few minutes.
  7. Plug the router back in and wait a few more minutes for it to fully start.
  8. Reconnect your phone or computer and try a website.

Why it helps: A restart clears temporary glitches and makes the modem reconnect to your provider, without changing any of your settings.

FIX 02Restart from the router app or admin pageEASY

  1. If your router or internet provider has a phone app, open it and look for an option such as Restart or Reboot.
  2. Or open the router's admin page in a web browser (the address is usually printed on the label on the router) and sign in.
  3. Look for a Reboot or Restart option, often under a system, administration or advanced section.
  4. Confirm, then wait a few minutes for the router to come back online.

Why it helps: A software restart does the same job as unplugging it, which is handy if the router is hard to reach.

FIX 03Restart just the modem if only the internet is downEASY

  1. If your devices still show your Wi-Fi name but say there is no internet, the modem is often the part that needs a reset.
  2. Unplug the modem's power, wait about 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
  3. Wait for the modem's lights to settle, then restart the router as well so it picks up the new connection.
  4. If you have fiber service with a separate box from your provider, you can ask your provider to reset it remotely.

Why it helps: The modem is the link to your provider; restarting it forces a fresh connection.

FIX 04Reset a provider-owned gateway the provider's wayMEDIUM

  1. If your modem or router came from your internet provider, open the provider's app or support site and look for a restart or troubleshoot option.
  2. Many provider apps can restart the equipment and check the line for problems at the same time.
  3. Before using the reset button on provider equipment, contact the provider, since some settings may need to be restored by them.

Why it helps: Provider equipment sometimes has settings that only the provider can put back.

FIX 05Write down your settings before a factory resetMEDIUM

  1. Note your current Wi-Fi name and password if you know them.
  2. Check the label on the router for the default Wi-Fi name, Wi-Fi password and admin sign-in details. You will need them after the reset.
  3. If your internet provider gave you special settings (for example a username and password for the connection), have them ready or be ready to call the provider.
  4. Make a list of devices that will need reconnecting, such as smart TVs, printers, cameras and smart speakers.

Why it helps: A factory reset erases everything, so having the label details and provider info ready makes setup much faster.

FIX 06Factory reset the router (last resort)ADVANCED

  1. Warning: a factory reset erases your Wi-Fi name, Wi-Fi password, admin password and all custom settings. Every device in the home will need to reconnect. Try a normal restart first.
  2. If the router came from your internet provider, contact the provider before resetting it.
  3. Make sure the router is plugged in and its power light is on. Keep it plugged in for the whole reset.
  4. Find the small recessed button labeled Reset or Restore Factory Settings, usually on the back.
  5. Press and hold it with a straightened paper clip. Hold times differ by model, from about 7 seconds to 15 seconds or more, and many routers change their light pattern when it is time to let go. Check your router's manual or support page for the exact time.
  6. If the button is also labeled WPS, a short press only starts WPS pairing and does not reset; keep holding for the full reset time.
  7. Release the button and wait several minutes while the router restarts. Do not unplug it during this time.
  8. Connect to the default Wi-Fi name printed on the router's label using the password on that same label.

Why it helps: A factory reset clears bad settings or a forgotten admin password when nothing else works.

FIX 07Set the router up again after a factory resetMEDIUM

  1. Open the router's app or admin page using the details on the router's label.
  2. Create a new admin password that is different from your Wi-Fi password.
  3. Set your Wi-Fi name and Wi-Fi password. Using the same name and password as before lets most devices reconnect on their own.
  4. Check for a firmware update in the app or admin page and install it.
  5. Turn back on any extras you used before, such as parental controls or guest Wi-Fi.
  6. Reconnect your other devices.

Why it helps: After a factory reset the router is back to defaults, so it needs a secure password and your network details again.

Check it's fixed

  • The router's lights are steady and the internet or status light shows a normal color (check the manual for what each color means).
  • Your phone or computer connects to Wi-Fi and websites load.
  • A speed test shows speeds close to what your plan promises.
  • After a factory reset, you can sign in to the router's app or admin page with your new admin password.

When to get help

If the modem's internet or online light never turns steady after a restart, or the internet drops again soon after, contact your internet provider because the problem may be with the line or the equipment. If a factory reset does not bring the router back, contact the router maker or replace the router.

Questions

Is resetting a router the same as restarting it?

No. Restarting (rebooting) just turns it off and on and keeps your settings. A factory reset erases all settings, including your Wi-Fi name and password.

How long should I unplug my router and modem?

About 30 seconds is enough. Then plug the modem in first, wait for its lights to settle, and plug the router in after.

Will resetting my router change my Wi-Fi password?

A restart will not. A factory reset puts the Wi-Fi name and password back to the defaults printed on the router's label until you change them again.

How often should I restart my router?

There is no fixed rule. Restart it whenever the internet is slow or not working, and keep its firmware updated.

How long do I hold the reset button for a factory reset?

It depends on the model, usually somewhere from about 7 to 15 seconds, with the router powered on the whole time. Check your router's manual or support page, and only do this if a normal restart has not helped.

Related fixes

Why is my internet not working?Check whether other devices are also offline. If they are, restart your modem and router and check your provider for an outage; if only one How to access your router settingsConnect to your home network, check the label on your router for the admin address and login, type that address into your browser's addHow to change your Wi-Fi passwordOpen your router's app (or your internet provider's app) and look for the Wi-Fi or wireless settings, or type the admin address prWi-Fi connected but no internet: how to fix itCheck whether other devices also have no internet. If they do, restart the modem and router and check for a provider outage; if only one devWhy is my internet so slow?Restart your modem and router, then run a speed test close to the router. If it is fast there but slow elsewhere, it is a Wi-Fi coverage pro

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