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How to Reset A WIFI Router? – Overview
A reset differs from a reboot; it involves turning the router off and back on without changing its settings, whereas a reset erases all configurations, returning the router to factory settings.
It’s a decent troubleshooting technique if your modem is malfunctioning.
A factory reset, however, erases all custom configurations from the router, not a modem, reverting it to the original settings it had when you first purchased it. This includes passwords, Wi-Fi link specifics such as the service set identifier (SSID), passcode, and any other settings you’ve modified.
After a reset, it’s like you’ve just bought the router from a dealer, hence the name.
If your modem is acting abnormally and a reboot hasn’t solved the problem, or instead, you think you might have malware in the router, a reset may fix the issue.
A reset shouldn’t be your first troubleshooting technique because it cannot be reversed once it is done.
Before you attempt a rest, explore other options. You can try upgrading the router firmware to determine if this resolves the issue.
A factory reset is generally simple, but the technique of doing so on various modems is a tad different.
Still, a typical way works with most of these gadgets. There are also a few ways to go about resetting that we will look at in this review.
See also: How to Reset Google WiFi router
How Do You Factory Reset with The Router Reset Button?
Essentially, every modem uses a unique admin interface; this is not a problem because you might be able to bypass the interface entirely.
To begin with, check the sides and the back of the router. Most have a reset button there. It could be a raised and squeezable button, or you might have to use a paperclip to squeeze it.
Pressing and holding the reset button for about 10 seconds typically initiates a factory reset on most routers, not modems. If this doesn’t suffice, try the 30-30-30 technique:
- Long press the reset button for at least 30 seconds.
- Unplug the modem for 30 seconds.
- Plug the modem back into the socket
- Long press the reset button again for 30 more
How Do You Factory Reset Via the Router Web Portal?
If your router doesn’t have a physical reset button, you can perform a reset through its web-based configuration interface.
You are advised to use the router’s manual to reset manually. You can scan the web for your router’s model name.
The manual will help you connect to your modem web interface and show you where the reset option is.
If you have a cross-section Wi-Fi framework (in which case, you need to utilize that gadget’s application to reset it), you start by finding the IP address you need to sign in to your modem’s admin interface.
On Windows 10, you can discover this by going to Settings > Network and Internet, and afterward, click “View Your Network Properties.”
Look for the “Default Gateway” passage, the IP address. Here’s how to discover your switch’s IP address at any stage.
Key in that IP address into your favorite internet browser and press Enter. You should see your router’s admin interface and a brief for the username and secret word.
If you’ve never changed your router’s login subtleties, odds are both the username and password are “admin” (without the quotes). If you are not certain, try checking a website like routerpasswords.com for your model.
From there, find the factory reset options. They’re diverse for every router creator. They vary from model to model. Check any tabs named “Restore,” “System,” or “Settings.
If the reset option is not available, you can reboot the router.
So, How Do You Reboot A Router?
Switch off the modem and unplug it from the socket. If you have other gear, such as network switches and Wi-Fi extenders, unplug them.
- Wait for at least 30 seconds to allow the devices to cool down.
- Now plug in the router and the corresponding hardware equipment.
- Switch on the router and wait for about a minute or so to allow it to reconnect to the internet service provider (ISP) and gain a stable connection.
- When the connection runs, run a speed test to confirm that the latency, download, and upload speeds are okay.
Final Thought
Resetting a router or modem deletes all the information you have put in to personalize the router.
You essentially have a new router after a rest. Therefore, ensure that this is your router’s best course of action when issues arise.
See Also