What happens when you reset your wireless internet

A reset clears all the settings on your router or modem and returns it to factory defaults. This means your network name, password, and any custom settings disappear. When you reset, you are essentially telling the device to forget everything and start over—which fixes most connection problems because it removes whatever setting or cached data caused the breakdown.

A reset is different from a restart. A restart (turning it off and back on) keeps your settings intact and usually solves temporary glitches. A reset erases everything and should be your second step, not your first. Most connection problems clear up with a restart alone.

After a reset, you will need to set up your network name and password again, and your modem will need to reconnect to your internet service provider. This takes a few minutes but is straightforward.

Key Takeaways

  • Try restarting your router and modem first by unplugging them for 30 seconds, since this fixes most temporary connection problems without erasing your settings.
  • A factory reset erases all your network settings and passwords, so only do this if restarting does not work.
  • To reset, hold the small reset button on the back of your device for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen, then wait for the lights to stop flashing.
  • After resetting, you will need to reconnect to your internet provider and create a new network name and password.
  • If problems continue after a reset, the issue is likely with your internet service provider or the device itself, not a setting you can fix.

Restart before you reset

Restarting your router and modem should always be your first step. Unplug both devices from power, wait 30 seconds, then plug them back in. The modem should light up first, then the router. Wait two to three minutes for both to fully boot up and reconnect to each other and your internet service provider.

This straightforward step fixes the majority of connection drops, slow speeds, and devices that cannot find your network. The 30-second wait is important because it gives the devices time to fully discharge and clear their temporary memory.

If restarting solves the problem, you are done. If the same issue returns within a few hours or days, then a reset may be necessary.

How to perform a factory reset

Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router or modem. It is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. You will need a paperclip, pen, or similar thin object to reach it.

Press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. Keep holding even if lights start flashing or changing color. After 15 seconds, release the button and step back. The device will restart itself, and you will see the lights cycle through different patterns. Wait three to five minutes for the restart to complete. Do not unplug the device during this time.

Once the lights stabilize, the reset is complete. The device is now back to factory settings with no network name, no password, and no connection to your internet provider yet.

Set up your network after a reset

After the reset completes, your router will broadcast a default network name (often something like "TP-Link" or "Netgear" followed by numbers). Look for this network on your phone or computer and connect to it. You may not need a password for this initial connection.

Once connected, open a web browser and go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. This opens your router's setup page. You may be prompted to create a new admin password. Follow the on-screen steps to create a new network name and password for your wireless network.

Your modem will also need to reconnect to your internet service provider. This usually happens automatically, but it can take five to ten minutes. Check your modem's lights—when they stop flashing and settle into a steady pattern, the connection is established.

When a reset does not solve the problem

If your internet still does not work after a reset and restart, the problem is likely not a setting you can fix. The issue could be with your modem's connection to your internet service provider, a hardware failure in the device, or a problem on your provider's network.

Contact your internet service provider and tell them you have restarted and reset your modem. They can check whether your account is active, whether the modem is properly registered on their network, and whether there is an outage in your area. They may also be able to push a new configuration to your modem remotely.

If the provider confirms everything is working on their end, the modem or router may have a hardware problem and need replacement.

Resetting only your router versus your modem

Your router and modem are separate devices. You can reset just the router if your internet connection itself is working but your wireless network is not. This keeps your modem connected to your internet service provider while clearing only the router's settings.

Reset the modem only if the internet connection is down entirely—meaning no devices can connect, even with an ethernet cable plugged directly into the modem. Resetting the modem forces it to re-register with your internet service provider, which takes longer but is necessary when the connection is completely lost.

If you are unsure which device is causing the problem, restart both first. If that does not work, reset the router alone. Only reset the modem if the router reset does not help.

Protecting your settings after you get it working

Once your network is set up again, write down your network name and password somewhere safe. Many routers also have a sticker on the back with default login information for the setup page—keep that sticker or take a photo of it.

Change your router's admin password (the password you use to access the setup page) from the default. This prevents someone else from accessing your router settings if they are on your network. The admin password is different from your wireless network password.

If you have devices that were connected to your old network before the reset, they will not automatically reconnect. You will need to manually reconnect each one using your new network name and password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my router delete my files or passwords?

A router reset only clears the router's own settings—your network name, password, and any custom configurations. It does not touch files on your computer, phone, or other devices. However, devices that were connected to your old network will need to reconnect using the new password you create.

How long does a reset take?

The reset button press itself takes 15 seconds. The device then restarts, which takes three to five minutes. Setting up your network name and password takes another two to three minutes. Total time is usually under 10 minutes, though your modem may take longer to reconnect to your internet service provider.

What if I forget my new network password after resetting?

You can reset the router again and create a new password. Alternatively, if you can access the router's setup page (at 192.168.1.1) using an ethernet cable, you can change the password without resetting. If you cannot access the setup page, a full reset is the quickest solution.

Should I reset my modem or router if the internet is slow?

Try restarting first. Slow speeds are usually caused by temporary congestion or interference, not a setting problem. A reset should only be your next step if restarting does not help and you have confirmed with your internet provider that the slowness is not on their end.

Can I reset just the modem without resetting the router?

Yes. Resetting only the modem keeps your router's network name and password intact. This is useful if your internet connection is down but your wireless network was working fine before. The modem will need to reconnect to your internet service provider, which takes five to ten minutes.