Don’t know how to reset a router? This tutorial will teach you how to do it easily. You can follow the steps mentioned on this page to reset any router, even gaming routers.
Signs You Need to Reset your Router
No matter how expensive your router is or even if you have the best WiFi routers, the time will come when it will behave differently than it used to, and this is where a factory reset comes in. So what are these signs you need to be aware of? Read on!
1. The Internet Slows Down for No Reason
When you open a certain page on your browser, it loads more slowly than usual; this is an indication that there may be unauthorized users connected to your WiFi network. Resetting your router will kick them out automatically. Also, if you experience buffering when streaming, even with a good plan, that’s also a sign that you need to reset your router.
2. Devices Keep Disconnecting
If your devices keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi, it is also a sign that your router needs a reset. This might happen on just one device, like your phone or laptop, or across everything at once. Sometimes, you had to toggle WiFi on and off to fix it, but nothing happened, and it still kept disconnecting. What’s likely happening is your router is getting overloaded or confused with multiple connections. Try resetting it to clear the temporary glitches and see if it’s back to normal.
3. Unusual Network Behavior
If the websites you open suddenly do not load the way they should, then maybe your smart thermostat keeps going offline. This can also happen when you open any application on your device. These hiccups might not be your device’s fault because they’re also often linked to your router acting up. A reset helps re-establish a clean connection between your router and the internet, which can quickly clear up these strange issues.
4. The Router Feels Hot or Overheats
Give your router a quick touch, and if it feels hotter than usual, it’s probably been running too hard for too long. Overheating can cause everything from slow speeds to dropped connections or even sudden reboots. Although routers tend to get hot, it is not normal for them to be that way all the time. A simple reset can help it cool down and perform better.
5. You Haven’t Restarted It in Weeks (or Months)
When was the last time you restarted your router? If you can’t remember, it’s probably a long, long time ago. Just like computers, routers also need to be rebooted to clear temporary memory, end any buggy processes, and give your network a fresh start. You can reset your router monthly to keep things running smoothly.
How to Reset a Router
If any of the signs mentioned above have been giving you a headache these past few days, then reset your router now. There are three ways to perform a reset. it’s up top; you which one you prefer. The steps below will walk you through from start to finish.
Power Cycle Your Router
Power cycling isn’t a complicated process. In fact, it is the easiest way on how to reset a router. When your power cycles the router, you just have to cut the power supply and re-plug it.
Most of the routers come with a power switch today. Just press once to turn it on and once again to turn the router off.
In case your router works on battery power, you will have to remove it and insert it back again. Another method is removing the power cord and plugging it back.
You can do any of the three methods on how to reset a router mentioned above. Undergoing power cycling doesn’t erase any of your details including the passwords or private keys.
Soft Reset Your Router
In soft resetting, you will use the interface of the router. In this case, you need to access your router’s IP address on your favorite browser. Try any of these local IP addresses to access your router’s WEB UI:
Once you get to access the web interface of your router, follow the steps below:
Step 1: After a successful login, you will be taken to the login page. In the username and password fields, enter your login details. If you didn’t change these before, you will find the default username and password on the back or bottom of the router.
Step 2: On the router’s interface, look for System or System Tools. Please note that the overall look of the interface may vary depending on the brand of router you have.
Step 3: Look for Restore or Factory Default.
Step 4: Click Restore or Reset and OK to confirm.
Step 5: A new window will pop up, informing you that any settings you have saved will be lost. Click OK to confirm.
That’s it! Your router has now been reset to factory settings successfully!
Hard Reset Any Router
Not all the time, power cycling or soft resetting the router works. If that’s the case, you will have to perform a hard reset. Hard resetting is actually a lot simpler than soft.
For a more specific guide, we recommend you check out these comprehensive ways to reset your router:
- Reset ASUS Router (Step-by-Step Guide)
- How to Reset Verizon Router (Step-By-Step Guide)
- Setting Up Your Jiofi Wi-Fi Router
- TP-Link Wi-Fi Configuration
- Step 1: Pick up the router after disconnecting the power or removing it from the broadband modem. Then, turn it upside down and look at the area where all the buttons are located.
- Step 2: You will see a button named Reset or RST. Press and hold it for 30 seconds. In any case that doesn’t work, you may hold the button for 90 seconds. For some CenturyLink routers, it only takes 10 seconds.
- Step 3: Wait for it to reboot fully.
There you go! That’s how to reset a router. It will be restarted to factory settings. You will lose all the data you already set on it. That means you need to enter them manually again.
Tip: Schedule regular router resets once a month. This helps clear out temporary bugs, refresh your connection, and can even improve your internet speed. Just unplug it for about 10 seconds, then plug it back in. It is simple but surprisingly effective.
Common Issues When Resetting Your Router
While the process of resetting your router may seem to be easy, there are some issues you may encounter. These include:
- Forgotten Login Credentials
After a reset, your router settings will return to the default settings. This means that all the customization you have done, like changing the WiFi password and username, will be wiped. Don’t worry, as this also means that you can use the login details printed on the back of your router. - Devices Not Reconnecting Automatically
Some of your devices might not reconnect right away after a reset. If that happens, you can simply manually select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password again. - No Internet Connection After Reset
Sometimes, your router may need a few minutes to re-establish a connection with your ISP. If it takes longer than expected, try unplugging your modem and router for 30 seconds, then plug them back in again. - Outdated Firmware
If your router is not working fine even after a reset, check if there’s a firmware update available. Manufacturers often release updates to fix bugs and improve performance. If there is, then do ot hesitate to update your router.
Knowing what to expect after the factory reset helps you handle these issues quickly and avoid unnecessary frustration. Do not forget to configure your router again after the reset to protect your WiFi network.