- Restarting your modem fixes most common internet problems including slow speeds, dropped connections, and devices that will not connect to WiFi.
- The correct restart process takes about 2 to 3 minutes and involves unplugging the power, waiting at least 60 seconds, and plugging it back in.
- If a restart does not fix the problem, you may need to check cables, restart your router separately, or contact your internet provider for an outage or line issue.
How to Restart Your Modem the Right Way
If your internet is slow, keeps dropping, or stops working entirely, restarting your modem is the first thing you should try. It is the single most effective troubleshooting step for home internet problems, and it works because it clears temporary errors, refreshes your connection to your internet provider, and resets the modem's internal memory.
This guide covers the correct way to restart a modem, the difference between a restart and a factory reset, and what to do if restarting does not solve the problem.
What Does Restarting a Modem Actually Do?
Your modem is the device that connects your home network to your internet service provider (ISP). Over time, it can develop small software glitches, memory overloads, or connection errors that slow things down or cause dropouts. A restart, also called a power cycle, clears all of that and forces the modem to establish a fresh connection with your ISP.
Restarting your modem does not erase your settings, your WiFi name, or your password. It simply turns the device off and back on again.
Step-by-Step: How to Restart Your Modem
Step 1: Unplug the Power Cable
Find the power cord on the back of your modem and unplug it from the modem or from the wall outlet. Do not press a reset button on the modem, as that can erase your settings.
Step 2: Wait 60 Seconds
This is the most important step. Waiting a full 60 seconds allows the modem's internal memory to fully clear. Plugging it back in too quickly may not resolve the issue.
Step 3: Plug the Power Cable Back In
Reconnect the power cord and give the modem 2 to 3 minutes to fully boot up. You will see the lights on the front cycle through different patterns before settling into a steady state.
Step 4: Check Your Connection
Once the modem lights are stable (typically the power, online, and upstream/downstream lights should be solid), test your internet by opening a website or running a speed test. If you have a separate router, you may need to restart that as well using the same unplug-and-wait method.
How to Restart a Modem Router Combo (Gateway)
If your ISP gave you a single device that acts as both a modem and a router (sometimes called a gateway), the process is the same. Unplug the power, wait 60 seconds, and plug it back in. Because this device handles both functions, one restart covers everything.
If you have a separate modem and a separate router, restart the modem first, wait for it to fully reconnect, and then restart the router.
Restart vs. Reset: Know the Difference
A restart (power cycle) simply turns the modem off and back on. Your settings, WiFi password, and configuration stay the same.
A factory reset erases all custom settings and returns the modem to its original out-of-the-box state. This is usually done by pressing and holding a small recessed button on the back of the modem for 10 to 15 seconds. Only do a factory reset if you have been specifically told to by your ISP or if you know how to reconfigure the modem afterward.
When Should You Restart Your Modem?
A modem restart is the right first step for any of these problems:
- Internet is not working at all
- Speeds are noticeably slower than usual
- WiFi keeps disconnecting
- Some devices connect but others do not
- Video calls or streaming are buffering more than normal
- Modem lights are blinking in an unusual pattern
What to Do If Restarting Your Modem Does Not Fix the Problem
Check Your Cables
Make sure the coaxial cable (for cable internet) or the phone line (for DSL) is securely connected to the modem and to the wall jack. Also check the Ethernet cable between your modem and router if you have separate devices. Loose or damaged cables are a common and overlooked cause of internet issues.
Check for an ISP Outage
Visit your internet provider's website or app on your phone (using mobile data) to check for reported outages in your area. You can also call your ISP's support line. If there is an outage, no amount of restarting will fix the problem until service is restored.
Try a Different Outlet
Plug your modem into a different power outlet to rule out a faulty outlet or power strip. Modems should ideally be plugged directly into a wall outlet rather than a surge protector or power strip, as some can interfere with performance.
Contact Your ISP
If none of the above steps work, call your internet provider. The issue may be on their end, or they may need to send a signal to reprovision your modem remotely.
How Often Should You Restart Your Modem?
Most people do not need to restart their modem on a set schedule. Modern modems are designed to run continuously. However, if you notice your internet slowing down regularly, restarting once a month can help keep things running smoothly. If you find yourself restarting more than once a week to fix issues, that is a sign of a deeper problem that may require a modem replacement or a call to your ISP.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to restart a modem?
The full process takes about 3 to 5 minutes. You should wait at least 60 seconds with the modem unplugged, then allow another 2 to 3 minutes for it to fully reconnect after plugging it back in.
Will restarting my modem change my WiFi password?
No. A simple restart (power cycle) does not change your WiFi password, network name, or any other settings. Only a factory reset will erase those settings.
Is it OK to unplug my modem every night?
You can unplug your modem at night without causing damage, but it is not necessary. Modems are built to stay powered on continuously. Frequent power cycling does not extend the life of the device and may cause delays when you need internet access, since it takes a few minutes to reconnect each time.
What is the difference between restarting a modem and restarting a router?
Your modem connects your home to your internet provider. Your router distributes that internet connection to your devices via WiFi or Ethernet. If you have two separate devices, you may need to restart both. If you have a combo unit (gateway), one restart handles both functions.
Can I restart my modem from my phone?
Some modems and gateways have companion apps that allow you to reboot remotely. For example, Xfinity, AT&T, and other major ISPs offer apps with a restart option. If your modem does not have app support, you will need to physically unplug it.
Why do I have to wait 60 seconds before plugging my modem back in?
Waiting 60 seconds allows the modem's internal capacitors to fully discharge and its memory to clear completely. If you plug it back in too quickly, residual power may prevent the device from performing a clean restart, which means the problem could persist.
How do I know if my modem needs to be replaced instead of restarted?
If you need to restart your modem multiple times per week, if it frequently overheats, or if it is more than 4 to 5 years old and no longer supports your ISP's current speeds, it is probably time for a replacement. Outdated DOCSIS 3.0 modems, for example, may struggle with plans above 300 Mbps where a DOCSIS 3.1 modem would handle them easily.
