Soft Reset (Restart) vs. Hard Reset (Factory Reset)
| Method | What It Does | Settings Erased? | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft reset (restart) | Turns the router off and back on | No – everything preserved | Slow internet, minor connection issues |
| Hard reset (factory reset) | Restores all settings to factory defaults | Yes – everything erased | Forgotten password, persistent problems, selling the router |
A soft reset is just a restart – unplug the router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. All your settings (WiFi name, password, port forwarding, parental controls) stay the same. This fixes most temporary issues.
A hard reset (factory reset) wipes everything and returns the router to the state it was in when you first bought it. You’ll need to set up the WiFi name, password, and all settings from scratch. Only do this when a restart doesn’t fix the problem or when you’ve lost access to the admin page.
Factory Reset Using the Reset Button
- Find the reset button on your router. It’s usually a small pinhole on the back or bottom labeled “Reset.”
- With the router powered on, press and hold the reset button using a paperclip, pen tip, or SIM card ejector tool.
- Hold for 10 to 15 seconds. The lights on the router blink or turn off briefly.
- Release the button. The router restarts and takes 2 to 3 minutes to boot up.
- All settings are now back to factory defaults.
After the reset, the router uses the default WiFi name and password printed on the label (usually on the bottom or back of the device). Connect to that network and set up the router again.
Reset Duration by Brand
| Router Brand | Hold Reset Button For | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Netgear | 7 to 10 seconds | Wait for power LED to blink amber |
| TP-Link | 10 to 15 seconds | All LEDs turn on briefly then restart |
| ASUS | 5 to 10 seconds | Power LED blinks when reset starts |
| Linksys | 10 to 15 seconds | Hold until lights flash and go off |
| Xfinity Gateway | 30 seconds | Use a pin in the reset pinhole on back |
| Spectrum Router | 10 to 15 seconds | Front light changes pattern during reset |
| Google Nest/WiFi | 10 seconds | Hold button on bottom until light turns orange |
| Orbi (Netgear) | 7 seconds | LED ring pulses white then restarts |
Factory Reset From the Admin Page
If you can still log in to your router’s settings page, you can reset from there without using the physical button.
- Open a browser and go to your router’s admin page (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
- Log in with your admin credentials.
- Navigate to “Administration,” “System,” or “Maintenance.”
- Look for “Restore Factory Defaults,” “Factory Reset,” or “Reset to Default.”
- Click it and confirm.
- The router restarts with all settings erased.
This method is useful when the reset button is hard to reach or when you want to back up your settings first (some routers let you export settings as a file before resetting).
We break down WiFi router for gaming in a separate post that complements this one.
Back Up Settings Before Resetting
If you’ve customized your router heavily (port forwarding, static IPs, parental controls, QoS settings), save a backup before resetting.
- In the router’s admin page, look for “Backup Settings,” “Export Configuration,” or “Save Settings.”
- Download the configuration file to your computer.
- After the reset and initial setup, import the backup file to restore your custom settings.
Not all routers support configuration backup. Netgear, ASUS, and TP-Link routers typically do. If your router doesn’t, write down your important settings (WiFi name, password, port forwarding rules, static IP assignments) before resetting.
Set Up Your Router After a Reset
- Connect to the default WiFi network (name and password on the router’s label).
- Open a browser and go to the router’s admin page or use the manufacturer’s app.
- The setup wizard starts automatically.
- Set a new WiFi network name and password.
- Change the admin password from the default.
- Configure any other settings you need (guest network, parental controls, etc.).
- Reconnect all your devices with the new WiFi password.
Smart home devices (Alexa, Google Home, smart plugs, smart bulbs, cameras) all need to be reconnected through their individual apps after a WiFi name or password change. This is the most time-consuming part of a factory reset – plan for 30 to 60 minutes if you have many smart devices.
Troubleshooting
Reset button doesn’t seem to work. Make sure you’re pressing the right button – some routers have both a WPS button and a reset pinhole, and they look similar. The reset is usually a recessed pinhole that requires a pin or paperclip. Press firmly and hold for the full duration. If it still doesn’t work, try unplugging the router, holding the reset button, then plugging it in while still holding the button for 30 seconds.
Router won’t boot after reset. Wait at least 5 minutes. Some routers take longer after a factory reset because they’re rebuilding their configuration. If the power light doesn’t turn solid after 5 minutes, unplug the router for 60 seconds and plug it back in. If it still won’t boot, the firmware may be corrupted – check the manufacturer’s website for recovery instructions specific to your model.
For a different take, see our guide on WiFi router for large home.
Can’t connect to the default WiFi after reset. The default network name might not be what you expect. Check the label on the router for the exact SSID and password. On some ISP-provided routers, the defaults are unique to each unit (not generic). If the network doesn’t appear, try connecting with an Ethernet cable and access the admin page directly.
ISP router won’t get internet after reset. ISP-provided routers (Xfinity, Spectrum, AT&T) may need reactivation after a factory reset. Call your ISP or visit their activation page. The modem portion may need to re-register with their network, which can take 10 to 15 minutes.
Will resetting my router change my internet plan?
No. A factory reset only affects the router’s settings (WiFi name, password, custom configurations). It doesn’t change your internet plan, speed tier, or account with your ISP. Your internet service remains the same. The modem’s connection to your ISP is separate from the router’s WiFi settings.
How often should I factory reset my router?
Almost never. A factory reset is a last resort, not regular maintenance. Regular restarts (once a month) keep the router running smoothly without erasing settings. Only factory reset when you can’t log in, the router has persistent problems that restarts don’t fix, or you’re giving the router to someone else and want to erase your information.
Does resetting remove viruses or malware from a router?
A factory reset clears the router’s current configuration and memory, which removes most known router malware. After resetting, immediately update the firmware to the latest version and change the admin password to prevent reinfection. If your router was compromised, also change your WiFi password and check all connected devices for malware.
Sources
Getting the most out of your WiFi also depends on your internet plan. Check which providers and speeds are available at your address.
Netgear – Reset Netgear Router | TP-Link – Reset TP-Link Router
