What happens when you reset your router

A reset wipes your router back to factory settings. This means your Wi-Fi network name and password disappear, your port forwarding rules vanish, and any custom settings you made are gone. The router itself still works the same way — it still connects your modem to your devices — but you have to set it up again from scratch.

Most people reset a router because it has stopped responding to devices, dropped the internet connection repeatedly, or become so slow that streaming or video calls stall. A reset often fixes these problems because it clears out corrupted settings or memory that built up over months of use. But it is not the first thing to try.

Key Takeaways

  • Restarting your router (turning it off and back on) fixes most connection problems and should be your first step before a full reset.
  • A factory reset erases all your custom settings including your Wi-Fi password, so only do it when a restart does not work.
  • You can reset a router by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, or through the admin panel if you remember your login.
  • After a reset, you will need to log in with the default username and password printed on the router label and set up your Wi-Fi network again.
  • Write down your current Wi-Fi name and password before you reset, so you know what to recreate.

Try restarting before you reset

Restarting is different from resetting. A restart means unplugging the router for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This clears the router's memory without erasing your settings. Most connection problems — slow speeds, devices dropping off, the internet cutting out — go away after a restart.

Unplug the power cable from the back of the router. Wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in and wait for the lights to stabilize. This usually takes two to three minutes. Try connecting a device and loading a website. If the problem is gone, you are done. If the router still does not work after a restart, then a reset may help.

How to reset using the physical reset button

Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom, usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. You will need a straightened paperclip or a ballpoint pen to reach it. Look for a button labeled "Reset" or sometimes just "R".

Unplug the router's power cable. Wait 10 seconds. Plug it back in and wait for the lights to turn on and stabilize — this takes about two minutes. Once the lights are steady, use your paperclip to press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The lights will blink or change color. Release the button and wait another two to three minutes for the router to finish restarting.

The router is now reset to factory settings. The Wi-Fi network will broadcast with the default name printed on the label underneath or on the back of the router. The default password is also on that label.

How to reset through the admin panel

If you remember your router's login password, you can reset it without the physical button. Open a web browser on any device connected to the Wi-Fi and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You may also see a login page if you type your router's model name followed by ".local" — for example, netgear.local or tp-link.local.

Log in with your username and password. If you have never changed these, they are the defaults printed on the router label. Look for a menu option called "Reset", "Restore Defaults", "Factory Reset", or "System Settings". The exact wording depends on your router brand. Click that option and confirm. The router will restart and return to factory settings.

Setting up your router after a reset

After the reset is complete, the router will broadcast a Wi-Fi network with the default name from the label. Connect to that network using the default password, also on the label. Open a browser and go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 again. You should see a setup wizard that walks you through creating a new Wi-Fi name and password.

Choose a Wi-Fi name that is straightforward to recognize and a password that is at least 12 characters long, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols. Write this down somewhere safe — not in a text file on your computer, but on paper or in a password manager. Once you finish the setup wizard, your router is ready to use with your new settings.

If you had port forwarding rules, a static IP address assigned to a device, or other custom settings before the reset, you will need to recreate them. Check your notes or the manual for your router if you are not sure how.

When a reset does not fix the problem

If your router still does not work after a restart and a reset, the problem is likely hardware failure, not a software glitch. The router itself may be broken. Before you replace it, try connecting your modem directly to a computer with an ethernet cable to see if the internet works. If it does, the modem is fine and the router is the problem. If it does not, the modem may be the issue instead.

If the router is the problem, you will need to replace it. If the modem is the problem, contact your internet service provider — they usually provide or replace the modem at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my router affect my internet speed?

No. A reset does not change how fast your internet is. It only clears the router's settings. If your speed was slow before the reset, it will be the same speed after. If the reset fixed a connection problem, your speed may feel faster because the connection is now stable.

Do I need to reset my modem too?

Usually no. Your modem and router are separate devices. Resetting the router does not affect the modem. If your internet is still not working after you reset the router, then try restarting the modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

What if I forgot my Wi-Fi password before I reset?

A reset is actually the solution. After the reset, the router broadcasts with the default name and password from the label. You can then log in and create a new password you will remember.

How often should I reset my router?

You should not reset it regularly. A reset is a troubleshooting step, not maintenance. Restart your router once every few months if you want, but only reset it when the router stops working and a restart does not fix it.

Can I reset my router remotely?

You can reset it through the admin panel from any device on your network, but not from outside your home network. If you are away and your router stops working, you cannot reset it remotely. You will need to ask someone at home to do it, or wait until you return.