How to Reset Your Router

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Resetting your router can solve many connectivity issues and help you maintain a stable internet connection. You should reset your router if you are experiencing slow internet speeds, dropped connections, or if you want to restore your router to its default settings. Follow this comprehensive guide to understand the entire process of resetting your router in detail.

Why reset your router?

There are several reasons why you might want to reset your router:

• Improve connectivity: Resetting can help improve slow internet speeds and reduce connection drops.
• Configure settings: Sometimes you may want to start fresh with default settings to resolve complex configuration issues.
• Security: A reset can help prevent unauthorized access or remove any malware that may be affecting the router.
• Faulty firmware: Resolving issues with the firmware by resetting it to factory settings can sometimes fix functional problems.

Types of resets

There are typically two types of resets you can perform on your router:

1. Soft reset: This is a basic reset that reboots the router without affecting any settings.
2. Hard reset: This involves restoring the router to its factory default settings.

Steps to soft reset your router

Performing a soft reset is simple and quick. Here are the steps:

1. Find the power button: Find the power button on your router, which is usually on the back.
2. Turn off the router: Press the Power button to turn off the router.
3. Wait: Wait for about 10-30 seconds. Let the router shut down completely during this time.
4. Turn on the router: Press the power button again to turn it on.

After the router reboots, it will automatically reconnect to the Internet, and your devices will be reconnected.

Steps to hard reset your router

A hard reset is more extensive and involves returning your router to its factory default settings. Here's how you can do it:

1. Locate the reset button: Find the reset button on your router. It's usually a small, recessed button on the back of the device.
2. Prepare a sharp object: Use a paper clip or pen to press the reset button.
3. Press and hold the reset button: Press and hold the reset button for about 10-30 seconds. The lights on the router may flash or change while the reset is taking place.
4. Release the reset button: After holding the button for the required amount of time, release the button.
5. Wait for reboot: Allow a few minutes for the router to complete the reset process and reboot.

After the router reboots, it will return to its factory settings. You may need to reconfigure your network settings, including the Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password, after the reset.

Accessing the router's web interface after a reset

After performing a hard reset, you'll need to set up your router again. Here's how to access the router's web interface:

1. Connect to the router: Use a wired Ethernet connection or join the default Wi-Fi network (check the default SSID on the router label).
2. Open a web browser: Open your favorite web browser.
3. Enter the router's IP address: In the address bar, type the router's default IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and press Enter. Check the documentation or router label for the exact address.
4. Login: Use the default admin username and password to log in. Common credentials are often 'admin' for both username and password (see router documentation for details).

From the web interface, you can reconfigure the network settings and customize them to your needs.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you encounter any problems during the reset process, here are some common problems and their solutions:

Router won’t reset

If your router doesn't reset:

• Check the reset button: Make sure you are pressing and holding the correct reset button.
• Long hold: Press and hold the reset button for a long time, up to 30 seconds.
• Power cycle: Turn the router off, wait 10-30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try resetting it again.

Unable to access the web interface

If you can't access the router's web interface:

• Check the connection: Make sure your device is properly connected to the router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
• Check the IP address: Verify that you are using the correct default IP address.
• Clear browser cache: Clear your web browser's cache and cookies.
• Use incognito mode: Try accessing the interface in incognito or private mode of your browser.

Forgot login credentials

If you forgot the default login username and password:

• Check the documentation: Refer to the router's user manual or the label on the device for the default credentials.
• Reset again: Perform another hard reset to restore the default credentials.

Conclusion

Resetting your router, whether via a soft reset or a hard reset, can resolve a variety of connectivity issues and restore your network to optimal performance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily reset your router and reconfigure it as needed. Always remember to check your router's documentation for specific instructions and default settings. Regularly updating your router's firmware and maintaining good security practices will also help keep your network running smoothly.

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