Restart your router by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging it back in
A restart clears your router's memory and forces it to reconnect to your internet service provider. This fixes most connection problems — slow speeds, devices that won't connect, or pages that won't load. The process takes about two minutes and requires nothing but your router and a power outlet.
A restart is different from a factory reset. Restarting keeps all your settings and passwords. A factory reset erases everything and returns the router to its original state. Unless your router is completely broken, you want a restart, not a reset.
Key Takeaways
- Unplug the power cable from the back of your router, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in — this is a full restart.
- The restart is complete when all the lights on the front of the router stop blinking and settle into their normal pattern, usually 2 to 3 minutes.
- If your router has a power button, pressing it does not do a full restart — you must physically unplug the cable.
- A restart fixes most temporary connection problems but will not fix hardware damage or problems with your internet service itself.
Step 1: Locate the power cable and unplug it
Find where the power cable connects to the back of your router. The cable is usually black and thick, about the width of a pencil. Follow it from the router to the wall outlet. Grasp the cable where it meets the router and pull straight out — do not yank or twist.
If the cable is hard to reach or wedged behind furniture, unplug it from the wall outlet instead. Either end works the same way. The goal is to cut all power to the router completely.
Step 2: Wait 30 seconds with the power off
Leave the router unplugged for a full 30 seconds. This gives the router time to clear its memory. You can count out loud or use a clock — do not skip this step or cut it short. A 10-second wait usually does not work.
While you wait, the lights on the front of the router will go dark. This is normal and expected. Do not touch the router or press any buttons during this time.
Step 3: Plug the power cable back in
Plug the cable back into the same port on the router, or back into the wall outlet if you unplugged it there. The lights on the front will turn on and begin blinking. This is the router booting up and reconnecting to your internet service.
Wait 2 to 3 minutes for the lights to stop blinking and settle into their normal pattern. Different routers have different light patterns — some show a solid green light, others show a blue light, and some show multiple lights. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website to learn what the normal pattern looks like for your model. Once the lights are stable, the restart is complete and your internet should be working again.
What to do if the restart does not fix the problem
If your internet is still not working after the restart, check whether the problem is with your router or with your internet service. Unplug your modem (the device that connects to your wall outlet or cable line) and wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. A modem restart sometimes fixes problems that a router restart does not.
If both devices are restarted and you still have no internet, contact your internet service provider. They can check whether there is an outage in your area or a problem with your account. Keep the router and modem plugged in while you call — the support person may ask you to restart them again while they watch.
Why a restart works for most connection problems
Routers store information about your internet connection in temporary memory. Over time, this memory can become corrupted or overloaded, which causes the router to send data slowly or drop connections. A restart clears this memory and forces the router to rebuild the connection from scratch.
A restart also forces the router to reconnect to your modem and your internet service provider. If something went wrong during that connection — a missed signal, a timing error, or a temporary glitch — the restart gives it a chance to happen correctly the second time.
When you should not restart your router
Do not restart your router if you are in the middle of something that cannot be interrupted, like a video call, an online game, or a large file download. The restart will cut your internet for 2 to 3 minutes. Wait until you are finished with what you are doing.
Do not restart your router more than once every few hours. If you have restarted it three times in one day and the problem keeps coming back, the issue is probably not something a restart can fix. Contact your internet service provider or a technician instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a restart button on the router itself?
Most routers have a power button on the back, but pressing it does not do a full restart. You must unplug the power cable. Some routers have a small reset button (usually recessed so you need a paperclip to press it), but that erases your settings — only use it if the router is completely broken and you want to start over.
How often should I restart my router?
You only need to restart when something is wrong — slow speeds, devices dropping off, or pages not loading. If your internet is working fine, you do not need to restart. Some people restart once a month as routine maintenance, but it is not required.
Will restarting erase my Wi-Fi password?
No. A restart keeps all your settings, including your Wi-Fi name and password. Your devices will stay connected to the same network. A factory reset would erase the password, but a simple restart does not.
What if my router does not have a power cable — it is built into the wall?
Some apartment buildings have routers built into the wall or ceiling. You cannot restart these yourself. Contact your building management or internet service provider — they can restart it remotely or send someone to do it in person.
Can I restart my router while someone is using the internet?
You can, but they will lose their connection for 2 to 3 minutes. It is polite to let them know first. If they are in the middle of something important, wait until they are finished.