What "resetting the internet" actually means
When your internet stops working, "resetting" usually means one of three things: restarting your modem, restarting your router, or restarting both. Your modem is the device that connects to your internet service provider's network — it's what brings the signal into your home. Your router is the device that spreads that signal to your devices wirelessly or through cables. Most of the time, restarting one or both of these devices fixes the problem because it clears out temporary errors that build up over time.
You might also hear about a "factory reset," which erases all your settings and passwords and returns the device to how it came from the manufacturer. That's a last resort, not a first step. Start with a straightforward restart.
Key Takeaways
- A restart means turning the device off and back on; a factory reset erases all your settings and should only happen if nothing else works.
- Most internet problems clear up by restarting your modem first, waiting two minutes, then restarting your router.
- Restarting takes about five minutes total, and you'll know it worked when your devices reconnect and load web pages normally.
- If restarting doesn't work, check whether your modem has lights indicating a connection problem before you call your internet provider.
How to restart your modem and router
Locate your modem first — it's usually a box about the size of a paperback book, often white or black, with cables running into the back. Look for a power button on the back or side. Press and hold it for three seconds until the lights go dark, then wait two full minutes. This waiting period matters because it lets the modem clear out temporary errors. After two minutes, press the power button again to turn it back on.
While the modem restarts, locate your router — it's usually a separate box with antennas sticking out, or sometimes a flat rectangular device. Once your modem's lights have stopped blinking and settled into a steady pattern (usually one or two lights staying on), restart the router the same way: press and hold the power button for three seconds, wait two minutes, then turn it back on. Your devices should reconnect within a minute or two.
If you can't find a power button, unplug the power cable from the back of the device instead. Wait two minutes, then plug it back in. The effect is the same.
What the lights on your modem tell you
While your modem restarts, pay attention to its lights. Most modems have between two and four lights on the front. One light usually indicates power (stays on when the device is running). Another indicates internet connection — this one should blink while the modem is starting up, then settle into a steady light once it's connected. A third often shows activity (blinking when data is moving). If after five minutes the connection light is off or red instead of green, your modem isn't connecting to your internet provider's network.
If the connection light stays off after a restart, the problem is likely between your modem and your internet provider, not something you can fix by restarting. This is when you'd contact your provider to report an outage or ask them to check your account. Write down what color the light is and what it's doing (steady, blinking, off) before you call — that information helps them diagnose the problem faster.
When to restart just the router instead
If your modem's lights look normal and steady, but your devices can't connect or the internet is very slow, restart only the router. This is common when you have many devices connected at once or after your router has been running for weeks without a restart. Restarting the router alone takes about three minutes and won't interrupt your modem's connection to your provider.
After you restart the router, your devices will lose their wireless connection for a moment. They'll automatically reconnect within a minute or two. If you're connected by an ethernet cable (a physical cable running from the router to your device), that connection might drop for a few seconds as well.
Factory reset: when and how
A factory reset erases every password, network name, and setting you've entered into your modem or router. Only do this if restarting doesn't work and you've confirmed with your internet provider that their network is working on their end. Before you factory reset, write down your Wi-Fi network name and password so you can reconnect your devices afterward.
To factory reset, look for a small recessed button labeled "Reset" on the back of the device. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold it for ten to fifteen seconds while the device is powered on. The lights will flash and the device will restart. This takes about five minutes. Once it's done, you'll need to set up your Wi-Fi network name and password again from scratch — your router will likely have a default name printed on a sticker on the back.
If you factory reset your modem, you may also need to contact your internet provider to re-register the device on their network. Ask them before you reset whether they need to do anything on their end afterward.
What to do if restarting doesn't fix it
If your modem's connection light is steady and green, you've restarted both devices, and your internet still isn't working, check three things before calling your provider. First, make sure the cable running from the wall into your modem is plugged in firmly on both ends — sometimes these cables work loose. Second, check whether other people in your area are reporting an outage by searching your provider's name plus "outage" online. Third, try connecting one device directly to the router with an ethernet cable to see whether the problem is with your Wi-Fi or with the internet itself.
If the ethernet connection works but Wi-Fi doesn't, the problem is your router, not your internet. If neither works, the problem is your modem or your provider's network. When you call your provider, tell them you've restarted both devices and describe what the modem's lights are doing — this information helps them skip the basic troubleshooting steps and get to the real problem faster.
How often you should restart your modem and router
Most people don't need to restart their modem and router on a schedule. Restart them when your internet stops working or becomes very slow. However, if you notice your internet gets sluggish or drops out regularly — say, once a week — restarting both devices once a week can help. Some people set a reminder for Sunday evening to restart everything, which prevents problems from building up.
Modems and routers are designed to run continuously, so restarting them regularly won't wear them out. If you find yourself restarting more than once a week, that's a sign something else is wrong — either your equipment is failing, your provider's network is unstable, or you have too many devices connected at once. Contact your provider to discuss whether your equipment needs replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait between turning the modem off and back on?
Wait at least two minutes. This gives the modem time to fully discharge and clear out temporary errors. If you turn it back on after just a few seconds, you might not fix the problem. Two minutes is the standard; waiting longer doesn't hurt.
Do I need to restart my modem and router at the same time?
No. Restart your modem first and wait for it to fully reconnect (usually two to three minutes). Then restart your router. Restarting them separately helps you figure out which device is causing the problem if one restart doesn't fix it.
What's the difference between a restart and a factory reset?
A restart turns the device off and back on but keeps all your settings, passwords, and network names. A factory reset erases everything and returns the device to factory settings. Always try a restart first. Only factory reset if restarting doesn't work and your provider confirms their network is working.
Will restarting my modem disconnect my devices?
Yes, temporarily. Your devices will lose their connection for a few minutes while the modem restarts. They'll automatically reconnect once the modem is back online. You don't need to manually reconnect them.
What if the restart button is stuck or doesn't work?
Unplug the power cable instead. Wait two minutes, then plug it back in. This achieves the same result as pressing the power button. Make sure you wait the full two minutes — the device needs that time to clear errors.