How to Reset Router Settings: Restart vs. Factory Reset, Step by Step
When your internet connection drops or slows to a crawl, a reset is usually the fastest fix. But "reset" means two very different things. Restarting your router is a quick reboot that clears temporary glitches and keeps all your settings. A factory reset wipes everything back to factory default settings, including your WiFi name, password, and any custom settings you have made. This guide walks you through both, in the order you should try them.
Key Takeaways
- Restarting your router (unplug for 30 seconds, plug back in) fixes most connectivity issues and keeps all your settings intact.
- A factory reset erases your WiFi name, password, and custom settings, returning the router to factory default settings.
- Always try a restart first. Only factory reset when a restart does not solve the problem or you are locked out of the admin page.
- After a factory reset, you will need to set up your network again: admin password, WiFi name, and encryption.
- If you are resetting several times a week, the router itself is likely the problem, not the settings.
Restart vs. Factory Reset: Which One Do You Need?
| Situation | Restart (Reboot) | Factory Reset |
|---|---|---|
| Slow speeds or buffering | Yes, try this first | Rarely needed |
| No internet connection | Yes, try this first | If restart fails |
| Forgot admin password | Will not help | Yes, required |
| Misconfigured settings | Will not help | Yes |
| Keeps your settings | Yes | No, wipes everything |
| Time required | 2 to 3 minutes | 10 to 20 minutes with setup |
Step 1: Restart Your Router First
Before anything else, unplug the router for 60 seconds and plug it back in. If you have a separate modem, unplug both, bring the modem back first, then the router. This keeps every setting and fixes most everyday connectivity issues. For the full procedure, the correct order, and how to reboot from the Xfinity, Spectrum, and Verizon apps, see how to restart your router.
If speeds and connections are back to normal after the restart, you are done. If not, move on to the factory reset below.
Step 2: Factory Reset When a Restart Is Not Enough
A factory reset returns the router to factory default settings, exactly as it left the manufacturer. Use it when a restart did not fix the problem, when settings have been misconfigured beyond repair, or when you have lost the admin password.
Before you reset
- Check your router for a sticker on the back or bottom. It lists the default WiFi name, password, and admin login you will need afterward.
- Note any custom settings you want to restore later, such as port forwarding rules, a custom DNS, or parental controls.
- Plan for downtime. Every device in the house will be offline until setup is complete.
How to factory reset
- Find the recessed Reset pinhole on the back or bottom of the router. Do not confuse it with the WPS button.
- With the router powered on, press and hold the pinhole with a paper clip for 10 to 30 seconds. Some models need a full 60 seconds.
- Release when the lights flash or shut off. The router will reboot, sometimes more than once. That is normal.
- Wait 2 to 3 minutes for it to finish booting into factory default settings.
Step 3: Set Up Your Network Again
After a factory reset, the router broadcasts its default network name from the sticker. Connect to it, then:
- Open a browser and enter the router's default IP address, commonly 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
- Log in with the default admin credentials from the sticker, then create a strong new admin password.
- Set your WiFi network name and password using WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.
- Update the firmware. Look under Administration or System, then Firmware Update. This patches security flaws and often improves stability.
- Restore any custom settings you noted before the reset.
Tip: if you reuse your exact previous WiFi name and password, most devices reconnect automatically without re-entering anything.
Still Having Problems? Troubleshooting Checklist
- Check that you pressed the right button. WPS and Reset are often side by side.
- Hold longer. Some models require a 60-second press before they respond.
- Power-cycle the modem and router together, modem first.
- Test with an Ethernet cable directly to the modem. If wired works but WiFi does not, the router is the issue. If neither works, contact your internet provider.
- Re-flash the firmware through the web interface if the router boots but behaves erratically.
- Check the manual for brand-specific reset procedures. Some mesh systems reset through their app instead of a pinhole.
One more monthly fee to kill
Renting your modem? That's $120+ a year.
Own it instead. It pays for itself in months. 90-day warranty and 30-day returns.
Pick your provider:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a factory reset erase firmware updates?
No. A factory reset wipes your settings only. The firmware stays at whatever version is currently installed.
How often should I restart my router?
A monthly restart is good maintenance for most homes. Save the factory reset for troubleshooting, not routine upkeep. If you find yourself restarting more than once a week, see our router restart guide for what that usually means.
Will my devices reconnect automatically after a reset?
After a restart, yes. After a factory reset, only if you set the WiFi name and password back to exactly what they were before.
What is the difference between the Reset button and the WPS button?
WPS pairs new devices to your network with a short press. Reset is a recessed pinhole that wipes the router when held for 10 seconds or more. Pressing WPS by accident does no harm; it just times out.
My router has no reset button. How do I reset it?
Some routers, especially mesh systems and ISP gateways, reset through their mobile app or web admin page. Look for a Reset or Restore option under System settings.
Do I need to reset my modem too?
Usually a power-cycle of the modem is enough. Modems rarely benefit from a factory reset since your provider manages their configuration. See how to restart your modem, or if the modem itself is failing, our replacement cable modems.
