What resetting your internet actually does
Resetting your internet means restarting the devices that connect you to the internet — usually your modem and router, sometimes your computer or phone too. When you reset, you cut the power, clear the device's temporary memory, and let it rebuild its connection from scratch. Most internet problems — slow speeds, pages that won't load, devices that won't connect — clear up after a reset because the device has gotten stuck in a confused state and needs to start over.
A reset is different from unplugging for a few seconds. A proper reset takes 30 seconds to two minutes, which gives the device time to fully discharge and forget what it was trying to do. This matters because some problems only clear when the device has completely powered down, not just blinked off and back on.
Key Takeaways
- Unplug your modem and router for 30 seconds to two minutes, then plug the modem back in first and wait for it to fully restart before plugging in the router.
- Your modem and router are different devices — the modem connects to your internet service provider, and the router broadcasts the signal to your devices.
- Most internet problems clear after a reset because the device has gotten stuck trying to connect and needs to start fresh.
- If resetting does not fix the problem, check whether your service provider is having an outage in your area before calling for support.
How to reset your modem and router
Start by unplugging your modem — the device that connects directly to the cable or phone line coming into your house. Wait 30 seconds. While you wait, unplug your router, which is the separate device that broadcasts the wireless signal. Wait another 30 seconds.
Plug the modem back in first. Watch for the lights on the front to stop blinking and settle into a steady pattern. This usually takes one to three minutes. Once the modem is stable, plug the router back in. The router will take another one to three minutes to fully restart. Do not unplug anything during this time — let both devices finish their startup sequence completely.
Once both devices have settled and the lights are steady, try connecting to the internet on one of your devices. If you still cannot connect, wait another minute and try again, because sometimes the connection takes longer to establish than the lights suggest.
When your modem and router are the same device
Some internet service providers give you a combined modem-router unit instead of two separate boxes. If you have one device with a cable connection and wireless capability, treat it the same way: unplug it, wait 30 seconds to two minutes, and plug it back in. The reset process is identical.
You can tell whether you have one device or two by looking at what is plugged into the wall and what is plugged into the cable or phone line. If one box has both the cable connection and the wireless antenna, it is a combined unit. If you have two separate boxes, the modem is the one connected to the cable or phone line, and the router is the one that broadcasts wireless.
Resetting your computer or phone when the modem is fine
If your modem and router are working — the lights are steady and other devices can connect — but one specific device cannot reach the internet, reset that device instead. On a computer, restart it normally through the shutdown menu. On a phone, hold the power button until you see the power-off screen, then turn it back on.
After the device restarts, try connecting to your wireless network again. If you see your network name in the list but cannot connect, forget the network on your device and reconnect. On most phones, go to Settings, find your wireless network, and tap "Forget". Then select the network again and enter your password. On a computer, open your network settings, find the network, and choose "Forget" or "Remove".
Checking for service outages before you call
Before you contact your internet service provider, check whether they are having an outage in your area. Most providers have an outage map on their website or app. Go to your provider's website, look for "outages" or "service status", and enter your address or zip code. If an outage is listed, your internet will return when the provider fixes it — resetting will not help.
You can also text your service provider's outage number if they have one, or call their customer service line and listen for an automated message about outages. This takes two minutes and saves you a support call if the problem is on their end, not yours.
What to do if resetting does not work
If your modem and router have restarted, other devices can connect but yours cannot, and there is no outage, try these steps in order. First, move closer to the router — sometimes distance or walls block the signal enough that the device cannot connect. Second, restart your device again. Third, forget the network and reconnect as described above.
If none of that works, your device may have a network driver problem or a hardware issue. On a computer, you can try updating your network drivers through Device Manager (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac), but this is technical and beyond what most people need to do. At this point, contacting your service provider's support line is the right move — they can see what is happening on their end and tell you whether the problem is with your device or their network.
Why you should not do a factory reset unless instructed
Your modem and router have a factory reset button, usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Do not press this button unless your service provider's support team tells you to. A factory reset erases all your settings — your wireless network name, password, and any custom configurations — and returns the device to its original state. You will have to set everything up again from scratch.
A normal reset (unplugging and plugging back in) solves almost every internet problem. A factory reset is only necessary if your device has been compromised or if support specifically instructs you to do it. If you do accidentally press the factory reset button, you can set up your network again by following the instructions that came with your device or by calling your service provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait before plugging things back in?
Wait at least 30 seconds, ideally one to two minutes. The longer you wait, the more completely the device discharges. If you are in a hurry, 30 seconds works most of the time, but two minutes is more reliable. There is no harm in waiting longer.
Do I need to reset my computer or phone too?
No, not usually. Resetting your modem and router fixes the connection between your devices and the internet. If other devices can connect but one cannot, reset that one device. If nothing can connect, the problem is with your modem or router, not your devices.
What if the lights on my modem do not come back on after I plug it in?
Check that the power cable is fully plugged into both the modem and the wall outlet. If it is, try a different outlet in case that one is not working. If the lights still do not come on, the modem may have failed and your service provider will need to send a replacement.
Can I reset my modem and router while I am using the internet?
No. Unplugging them will disconnect you when ready. Make sure you are not in the middle of something important — do not reset while uploading files, on a video call, or downloading something large. Reset when you have time to wait for everything to restart.
Will resetting erase my passwords or saved files?
No. Resetting your modem and router does not touch your computer or phone. Your passwords, files, and settings on your devices stay exactly as they are. The only thing that resets is the modem and router's connection to the internet.