How to Reset Your Modem and WiFi Router: A Practical Guide

Facing intermittent internet, slow speeds, or a stubborn connection can be frustrating, especially when your devices depend on a stable network. A well-done reset can clear many common hiccups and restore service without technical help. This guide explains how to perform a reset modem and WiFi router safely, the differences between soft resets and factory resets, and what steps to take afterward to ensure your network is secure and fast again.

Understand the difference: soft reset, hard reset, and factory reset

Before you begin, it helps to know what each reset does. A soft reset, often called a power cycle, simply reboots the device. It clears temporary data and re-establishes connections, and it typically fixes many problems without changing any settings. A hard reset or factory reset returns the device to its original state. All custom settings — including the WiFi network name (SSID), password, port forwarding rules, parental controls, and firmware options — are erased. A factory reset should be a last resort when basic troubleshooting fails or if you suspect a misconfiguration or lockout.

When to reset your modem and WiFi equipment

Experiencing frequent disconnects, dropped connections, or devices that refuse to connect.
Slow speeds or inconsistent performance across multiple devices.
After a firmware update that caused issues or after installing new equipment from your ISP.
Problems specifically related to the modem’s lights (for example, no online light or flashing indicators).
Changes you’ve made to settings that aren’t behaving as expected, such as misconfigured security options.

Note that some issues may originate from the service provider or the line outside your home. If a reset doesn’t solve the problem, it’s worth checking service status with your ISP, verifying cable connections, and testing with a wired device to rule out wireless interference.

How to reset: step-by-step

Soft reset: power cycle your modem and router

Unplug the modem and the router (if you have separate devices) from power and wait 30–60 seconds.
Plug the modem back in and wait for it to fully boot (lights stabilize, usually a couple of minutes).
Reconnect the router and wait until all indicators are stable. If your network is managed by the modem alone, you may not need a separate router reset.
Test your connection on a device to see if the issue is resolved.

Hard reset and factory reset: erasing custom settings

A factory reset should be used only when a soft reset fails or you’re setting up the network from scratch. You’ll lose your WiFi name, password, and any port forwards or parental controls, so prepare to reconfigure thereafter.

Locate the reset button on the modem or the router. It’s usually recessed and may require a paperclip or pin to press.
With the device powered on, press and hold the reset button for about 10–15 seconds (or as specified in the manual) until the lights flash or you see a reboot occurs.
Release and allow the device to reboot completely. This may take several minutes.
Once reset is complete, you’ll typically connect using the default network name and password printed on a label on the device or in the manual.

What to do after a reset: reconfigure your network

After a reset, especially a factory reset, you’ll need to re-establish your network settings. Here are practical steps to get back online quickly and securely.

Connect to the modem/router using an Ethernet cable or the default WiFi network. The SSID and password are usually found on a sticker on the device or in the setup guide.
Open the device’s admin page in a web browser. Common addresses are 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.100.1. If you’re unsure, check the manual or the underside of the device.
Log in with the default credentials. If you don’t know them, search for your model online or refer to the label on the device. Change these credentials to avoid unauthorized access.
Set a strong WiFi password and a unique network name. Consider enabling WPA3 or at least WPA2 encryption to protect your network. This is especially important after a reset, when the previous security settings have been erased.
Configure SSID visibility, guest networks, and parental controls as needed. If you don’t need guest access, disable it to reduce potential threats.
Update the firmware to the latest version. Firmware updates fix bugs, improve security, and sometimes boost performance.
Recreate any port forwarding, DMZ rules, or device-specific settings if you rely on particular services (game servers, VPNs, CCTV, etc.).
Reconnect your devices and test both wired and wireless connections to ensure stability across the network.

Tips for a smoother reset experience

Document current settings before a reset when possible. If you use a managed network or a business-grade router, export the configuration if the interface supports it.
Only reset the device you need to troubleshoot. For example, if the problem appears with WiFi alone, consider a soft reset of the router rather than a full modem reset, unless the issue persists across all devices.
Schedule resets during a low-usage period to minimize disruption for family members or colleagues.
Keep a record of the new network name and password after a factory reset, so reconnecting devices is straightforward.

Common issues after a reset and how to handle them

Sometimes a reset doesn’t immediately fix the problem. If you continue to experience issues after a reset modem and WiFi router, try these steps:

Check physical connections: ensure coaxial or fiber cables are firmly connected, and that the power source is reliable. A loose cable can mimic a reset problem.
Test with a wired device: connect a computer directly to the modem with an Ethernet cable to determine if the issue is wireless or broadband-related.
Confirm your service status: contact your ISP to rule out outages or line problems. Ask whether your account requires a restart or provisioning after a reset.
Consider bridge mode: if you’re using your own router behind an ISP modem, enabling bridge mode on the modem may yield better performance and avoid double NAT issues.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a modem reset and a router reset?: A modem reset typically restarts the device that connects you to your ISP, while a router reset affects the local network management and distribution of IP addresses to devices. In many homes, you restart both in sequence to refresh the entire connection.
How often can I reset my modem and WiFi router?: There’s no hard limit, but frequent resets can indicate an underlying problem (outdated firmware, hardware failure, or an ISP issue). If you find yourself resetting weekly, investigate the cause or call your provider.
Will a reset erase my data or files?: A soft reset does not erase data or settings beyond temporary cache. A factory reset removes all customized settings, returning the device to its original state. Always back up important configurations if available.

Conclusion

Resetting your modem and WiFi router is a practical first step in troubleshooting home network problems. A soft reset can fix many connectivity glitches without changing your setup, while a factory reset should be reserved for more persistent issues or when you’re starting fresh. After any reset, take a few minutes to reconfigure security settings, update firmware, and verify that your network is both fast and secure. With a little patience, you can restore reliable access across your devices and prevent minor hiccups from becoming bigger frustrations.