How to Restart Your Router Properly (Without Resetting It)
Restarting your router can fix slow Wi‑Fi, random disconnects, and temporary internet problems. The safe method is a power restart—not pressing the small reset button.
How to restart your router properly
- Unplug the router’s power cable.
- If you have a separate modem, unplug that too.
- Wait at least 60 seconds.
- Plug the modem back in first and wait until its internet light is stable.
- Plug the router back in.
- Wait two to five minutes for your Wi‑Fi network to return.
- Reconnect a device and test a website or app.
Why restarting a router helps
Routers run continuously and can develop temporary issues with memory, device connections, or communication with the modem. Restarting clears those temporary processes and requests a fresh connection.
Router restart vs. factory reset
A restart is temporary and keeps your Wi‑Fi name, password, and settings. A factory reset erases those settings and requires you to set up the router again. Use a factory reset only when troubleshooting has failed and you know how to reconfigure the router.
How often should you restart your router?
There is no need to restart a stable router on a strict schedule. Restart it when you have connection problems, after certain settings changes, or when directed by your internet provider.
What if restarting does not fix the problem?
Check whether every device is affected, inspect the modem’s internet-status light, test near the router, and check for an outage with your provider. If only one device is affected, forget the Wi‑Fi network on that device and reconnect.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I leave my router unplugged?
Wait at least 60 seconds. This allows the device to fully power down before it starts a new connection.
Should I restart the modem or router first?
If you have separate devices, start the modem first. Wait for it to reconnect to the provider, then power on the router.
Will restarting my router change my Wi‑Fi password?
No. A normal power restart does not change your Wi‑Fi name, password, or saved settings.
