Knowing how to reset a router is a fundamental skill for any home or office user experiencing connectivity issues. Whether your internet has dropped out, you have forgotten your network password, or the device is behaving erratically, a reset often provides the quickest path back to a stable connection. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, covering both soft resets and the more invasive factory reset procedures.
Understanding the Two Types of Resets
Before you press any buttons, it is crucial to understand the difference between a power cycle and a factory reset. Many users confuse the two, leading to unnecessary data loss. Choosing the correct method saves time and preserves your custom settings.
Soft Reset (Power Cycle)
A soft reset is the gentlest troubleshooting method and should always be the first step. This process involves cutting power to the router and allowing it to discharge any residual electricity. It clears the device’s memory of temporary glitches without altering your configuration. This is how to reset a router for minor connectivity drops.
Factory Reset
A factory reset, sometimes called a hard reset, returns the device to its original out-of-the-box state. This erases all custom settings, including Wi-Fi names, passwords, port forwards, and parental controls. You should use this method only when a soft reset fails, or you need to remove a persistent virus or sell the device.
Step-by-Step: Performing a Soft Reset
The soft reset is safe and straightforward. Follow these steps to refresh your network connection without losing your settings.
Locate the power adapter and the power button on the back or side of the router.
Turn off the router by pressing and holding the power button. If no button exists, simply unplug the power adapter.
Wait for approximately 10 to 15 seconds. This waiting period is vital as it allows capacitors to discharge fully, clearing the unit’s memory.
Plug the power adapter back into the wall and the router’s power port.
Turn the router on and wait for all the status lights to stabilize. This reboot usually takes 1 to 2 minutes. Once the internet light stops blinking, your connection should be restored.
Step-by-Step: Performing a Factory Reset
If a soft reset does not resolve your issue, you will need to perform a factory reset. Be aware that this will erase all your personalized settings.
Locate the small Reset button on the back of the router. It is usually found in a recessed hole that requires a paperclip or pin to press.
With the router powered on, insert the paperclip into the hole and press the button firmly.
Hold the button down for about 10 to 15 seconds. Do not release it early, as the device needs this duration to wipe its memory completely.
Release the button and wait for the router to reboot. The lights will flash and then stabilize.
Once the router restarts, you will need to reconfigure it from scratch. This includes setting up a new administrator password and establishing a new Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password.
What the Reset Button Does to Settings
It is helpful to understand the specific data cleared during a factory reset to appreciate why reconfiguration is necessary. The process targets the NVRAM where configuration data is stored.
Setting Type | Status After Reset
Wi-Fi SSID and Password | Erased; returns to default name
Admin Username and Password | Erased; returns to factory default
