How to reset your wireless router properly

While Stephouse Networks has a dedicated support team to help you out if you ever run into any networking issues, some people like to roll up their sleeves and try and fix things themselves. We respect that, and try to empower our customers as much as we can with guides on some of the most common questions and concerns.

One of the most commonly asked questions is about how to reset your wireless router.

It may seem simple, but one of the easiest ways to fix a wide variety of technical issues is to simply restart the device. Whether it’s your computer, your router, or your modem, a good ol’ fashioned reboot can solve more problems than you might realize.

But, I should step back and explain a little bit more. If you’re restarting your computer, make sure that you’ve saved anything that you don’t want to lose. If you haven’t already ingrained this into your general computer usage – always save, back up, or properly close out programs before you reset!

If you’re rebooting your home router or modem, then the first thing you may need to consider is how you approach it.

Restart? Reboot? Reset?

The terminology can get kind of tricky. People tend to use the phrases “restart,” “reboot,” and “reset” interchangeably, but these phrases can mean very different things.

“Restart” and “reboot” mean the same thing: to turn a device off, then immediately back on. Most computers have a “restart” button somewhere on them, but if it’s called “reboot” instead, no worries. It’s all the same.

The real problem can come when you start using the word “reset.”

Do not reset your router using the reset button
This little reset button on the back of your modem or router can make your life difficult.

In the case of your home router or modem, “reset” is usually a pinhole button on the back that completely wipes out all of the settings and sets you back to square one. Generally, this isn’t what you want to do. Resetting you modem and/or router should be a last resort.

Pressing the “reset” button can remove the password from your wifi, rename your network, or even take you offline completely.

Instead, this is how to reboot your wireless router:

  1. Unplug your router or modem from its power outlet (don’t just turn it off).
  2. Wait 15-20 seconds, then plug it back in.
  3. Allow the device a minute or two to turn back on.

It may seem simple, but doing this can solve many connection problems without the inconvenience that comes with resetting your modem or router.

There are, of course, some times when you’d want to reset your router or modem and start back at square one For most people in most cases, simply power cycling the device will do the trick.

If you feel like conquering your network issues head on, feel free to check out our support page. If you can’t find what you’re looking for there, feel free to email us at support@stephouse.net or give us a call at (503) 548-2000 during normal business hours.

This Post Has 10 Comments

  1. Hello my power went out now I’m having problems getting my chromecast to connect back to my WiFi , it was working fine be4 the power went now all I’m getting connected to home network ,but can’t access the internet please help I’ve tried rebooting the chrome cast ,resetting it and also rebooting the WiFi but my WiFi is connected to my modem its one in the same from xfinity if u could give some advice I would greatly appreciate it cause chrome cast website is crap

  2. Hello, yeah this post is in fact good and I have
    learned lot of things from it concerning blogging.
    thanks.

  3. Please I want to know if I reset my router is going to affect the server?…

  4. Hello
    iam unable to Reset my Netgear Router WNR614
    i press Reset Button for 10 Sec and Also for 30 Sec

    is there any other ways to reset my router
    please help me..

    Thanks in Advance…

  5. Don’t know how to reset router on my iPad

  6. I accidentally disabled the wireless connection and I cannot reconnect it and I cannot login to my router through mobile data What should I do???

  7. Holy ding dang it. I rearranged my office and unplugged everything. Now I cant get on the internet. Unplugged and replugged and waited. Nothing. Pushed the reset with a paper clip. Nothing. Desperate for help

  8. I want to know that to

  9. thx for sharing this information. It is helpful.

  10. You can reset a modem or switch by utilizing the Reset catch that is normally situated on the back or side of the gadget. Perceive How to Reset a Router on the off chance that you can’t sign in with the default secret word or if there’s a more concerning issue with your system equipment that rebooting won’t fix.

Comments are closed.

Close Menu