What "resetting the internet" actually means
When your internet stops working or moves slowly, "resetting" usually means one of three things: restarting your modem, restarting your router, or restarting both. A modem is the device that connects to your internet service provider's network. A router is the device that broadcasts WiFi to your home. Most people need to restart both to fix a connection problem.
Restarting clears the device's memory, closes stuck connections, and forces it to reconnect to your provider's network from scratch. This fixes most internet problems that last more than a few minutes. It does not erase your passwords or settings — those stay saved on the device.
A full factory reset is different and much rarer. It erases all your settings and passwords and returns the device to how it came from the store. You should only do this if restarting does not work and you are willing to set up your WiFi password again from the beginning.
Key Takeaways
- Restarting your modem and router fixes most internet problems and takes less than five minutes.
- Always restart the modem first, wait for it to fully restart, then restart the router — doing them in the wrong order or at the same time can make the problem worse.
- You can restart by unplugging the power cable for 30 seconds, or by pressing the power button if your device has one.
- A factory reset erases your WiFi password and all settings, so only do it if restarting does not work and you are prepared to set everything up again.
- If restarting does not fix the problem, the issue is usually with your internet service provider, not your equipment.
How to restart your modem and router in the right order
The order matters. Always restart the modem first, because the router depends on the modem to connect to the internet. If you restart them at the same time or restart the router first, they can get out of sync and take longer to reconnect.
Step 1: Restart the modem. Unplug the power cable from the back of the modem — the device that connects directly to the cable or phone line coming into your home. Wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in. The lights on the front will blink as it restarts. Wait two to three minutes until the lights stop blinking and become steady. This means the modem has reconnected to your provider's network.
Step 2: Restart the router. Once the modem's lights are steady, unplug the power cable from the router — the device that broadcasts WiFi. Wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in. The lights will blink. Wait two to three minutes until they become steady. Your WiFi should now be working.
If your modem and router are in one combined device (sometimes called a gateway or combo unit), unplug that single device, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. The process is the same.
What to do if your device has a power button instead of a plug
Some newer modems and routers have a power button on the back or side instead of requiring you to unplug them. If yours does, press and hold the power button for three to five seconds until the device turns off. Wait 30 seconds. Press the power button again to turn it back on. The restart process is the same as unplugging — the lights will blink and then steady after two to three minutes.
Do not press the small reset button on the back of the device unless you want to erase all your settings. That button is for factory resets, not restarts. The power button is larger and usually labeled "Power".
How long a restart takes and what to expect
A full restart of modem and router takes about five to seven minutes from start to finish. The modem usually restarts first (two to three minutes), then the router (another two to three minutes). During this time, your internet will not work. You will not be able to browse the web, stream video, or use any internet-connected apps.
The lights on your devices tell you what is happening. When you first plug in the modem, lights will blink rapidly — this means it is connecting to your provider's network. When the blinking slows or stops and the lights become steady or solid, the modem is ready. Then do the same with the router. Once the router's lights are steady, your WiFi is back on.
If the lights do not become steady after five minutes, unplug again, wait 30 seconds, and plug back in. Sometimes a device needs two restart cycles to fully reconnect.
When to do a factory reset instead of a restart
Only do a factory reset if restarting your modem and router does not fix the problem after you have tried it twice. A factory reset erases your WiFi password, your network name, and any other settings you have changed. You will have to set up your WiFi from scratch afterward, which means going into your router's settings and creating a new password.
To factory reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your modem or router. It is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the device is powered on. The lights will blink rapidly, then the device will restart. This takes about five minutes. When the lights are steady again, the device is back to factory settings.
After a factory reset, you will need to set up your WiFi name and password again. Check the sticker on the bottom or back of the device — it usually has a default network name and password you can use to connect while you set up your own. Your internet service provider may also have sent you setup instructions when you first got the device.
What to do if restarting does not fix the problem
If your internet still does not work after restarting both the modem and router twice, the problem is usually not your equipment. It is most likely an outage or issue with your internet service provider. Check the provider's website or call their customer service number to see if there is a known outage in your area.
You can also check your modem's lights for clues. If the light that represents your internet connection (usually labeled "Internet" or "WAN") is off or red instead of green or blue, the modem cannot reach your provider's network. This points to a provider problem, not a problem with your modem or router. Restarting will not fix it.
If you have restarted multiple times and the problem persists, write down what lights are on or off, what color they are, and whether they are blinking or steady. This information helps your provider's support team diagnose the problem faster when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will restarting erase my WiFi password or saved networks?
No. Restarting keeps all your settings, passwords, and saved networks exactly as they were. Your devices will reconnect to your WiFi automatically after the restart is complete. A factory reset is what erases passwords — a regular restart does not.
Can I restart the router without restarting the modem?
You can, but it usually does not work as well. Restarting just the router sometimes leaves the modem in a confused state, and your internet may not come back fully. It is faster and more reliable to restart both. The whole process only takes five to seven minutes.
What if I restart and the internet works for a few hours, then stops again?
Repeated problems after restart usually mean your modem or router is overheating or failing. Try moving your modem and router to a location with better air flow — do not put them in a closed cabinet or near a heat source. If the problem keeps happening, your equipment may need to be replaced. Contact your internet service provider to ask about a replacement device.
Is it safe to unplug the modem and router at the same time?
It is safe, but not recommended. Unplugging them at the same time can cause them to restart out of sync, which sometimes makes the internet take longer to come back or not work at all. Restarting the modem first, waiting for it to fully restart, then restarting the router is the most reliable method.
How often should I restart my modem and router?
You only need to restart when your internet stops working or is very slow. Restarting regularly as a preventive measure is not necessary. Most modems and routers are designed to run continuously without needing regular restarts. If you find yourself restarting more than once a week, contact your internet service provider — something may be wrong with your connection or equipment.