When and How to Restart Your Home Router

Restarting your router fixes many internet problems — slow speeds, devices not connecting, and random dropouts. Here's how to do it correctly and when it helps.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Locate Your Router (and Modem)
2.Restart the Router (Simple Fix)
3.Restart Both Modem and Router (Thorough Fix)
4.Wait for Devices to Reconnect
5.Set Up Monthly Scheduled Restarts

Locate Your Router (and Modem)

~18s

The router is the box with antenna(s) that broadcasts Wi-Fi throughout your home. The modem is usually a separate box connected to the wall via a coaxial cable (TV-type cable) or phone line. Some homes have a combination modem-router in one box — often provided by cable companies like Comcast or Spectrum.

Restart the Router (Simple Fix)

~26s

Find the power cable on the back of the router. Unplug it from the wall outlet (or press the power button if it has one). Wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in. The router reboots — this takes 1-3 minutes. All indicator lights should return to their normal steady state.

Quick Tip

Do not press any buttons on the front or back of the router except the power button during a restart — other buttons may trigger a factory reset.

Restart Both Modem and Router (Thorough Fix)

~22s

For persistent connectivity issues: unplug both the modem and router from power. Wait 30 seconds. Plug in the MODEM first. Wait 1-2 minutes for the modem to fully connect to your ISP (lights stabilize). Then plug in the router. Wait another 1-2 minutes.

Warning

Always restart the modem before the router — the router needs the modem to be fully connected before it can establish Wi-Fi.

Wait for Devices to Reconnect

~15s

After restarting, give your devices 2-3 minutes to reconnect to Wi-Fi automatically. Most phones, laptops, and smart devices reconnect on their own. If a device does not reconnect, go to its Wi-Fi settings and tap your network name to reconnect manually.

Set Up Monthly Scheduled Restarts

~26s

Many routers have a scheduled restart feature in their admin settings. Log into your router's admin panel (typically by going to 192.168.1.1 in a browser) and look for a scheduled reboot option. Setting a monthly overnight restart keeps your router running smoothly.

Quick Tip

A simple smart plug with a timer is another approach — schedule it to cut power to the router for 1 minute at 3 AM on the first day of each month, then restore power automatically.

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Your home router is essentially a small computer that manages all the internet traffic in your home. Like any computer, it benefits from occasional restarts. A restart clears temporary memory, resets connections to your ISP, and often resolves issues like slow speeds, devices unable to connect, and dropped internet connections.

There is an important distinction: restarting is different from resetting. Restarting (also called rebooting) simply powers the router off and back on — your settings and password are preserved. Resetting wipes all settings and returns the router to factory defaults, which is something you typically want to avoid.

When should you restart your router? When internet seems slow across multiple devices; when specific devices cannot connect to Wi-Fi even though others can; after a power outage or surge; when the router's indicator lights look unusual (wrong colors, blinking rapidly); and as a general monthly maintenance practice.

Most routers have two connected boxes: the modem (provided by your ISP, connects to the internet) and the router (distributes Wi-Fi throughout your home). Some setups combine these into one box. Restarting just the router usually helps with Wi-Fi issues. Restarting both modem and router (modem first) helps with internet connectivity issues.

After restarting, allow 2-3 minutes for all devices to reconnect. Some smart home devices may need to be restarted separately if they do not reconnect automatically.

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