Best Ways To Hard Reset A Router

In this post, you can easily know about Best Ways To Hard Reset A Router. To access the router reset, it is important that you are connected to the router.

A hard reset is the most drastic type of router reset and is commonly used when an administrator has forgotten the password or keys and wants to start over with fresh settings.

When should I reset my router?

There are some situations like your router or modem stops responding or configured the device incorrectly, you may need to reset your device. Sometimes after upgrading to the latest router /modem firmware, you may need to reset your router/modem as instructed by the manufacturer.

In rare cases, if you forgot the router login password, you may need to reset the modem to set a new password. So the major reasons to reset a modem or router are:

  • To reset incorrect Router/Modem settings
  • Malfunctioning of Modem or Router
  • Forgot Router or Modem password.
  • Reset a modem or router as part of the firmware upgrade process

Different methods to reset your router

There are three different types of router resetting.

  • Soft Reset
  • Hard Reset
  • Power Reset

Hard Reset

A hard reset is the most drastic type of router reset and is commonly used when an administrator has forgotten the password or keys and wants to start over with fresh settings.

Since the software on the router is reset to factory defaults, a hard reset removes all customizations, including passwords, usernames, security keys, port forwarding settings, and custom DNS servers. Hard resets do not remove or revert the currently-installed version of router firmware, however.

To perform a hard reset:

  • With the router powered on, turn it to the side that has the Reset button. The Reset button is either on the back or the bottom.
  • With something small and pointed, like a paperclip, hold down the Reset button for 30 seconds.
  • Release the Reset button and wait 30 seconds for the router to fully reset and power back on.

Power Cycling

Power Cycle a Router

Shutting off and re-applying power to a router is called power cycling. It’s used to recover from glitches that cause a router to drop connections, such as corruption of the unit’s internal memory or overheating. Power cycles do not erase saved passwords, security keys, or other settings saved using the router console.

To power cycle the router:

  • Turn off the power to the router. Either turn off the Power switch or unplug the power cord.
  • On battery-powered routers, remove the battery.

Some people wait 30 seconds out of habit, but it’s not necessary to wait more than a few seconds between unplugging and reattaching the router power cord. As with hard resets, the router takes time after power is restored to resume operation.

Soft Resets

Soft Reset a Router

When troubleshooting internet connectivity issues, it can help to reset the connection between the router and modem. This may just involve removing the physical connection between the two, not manipulating the software or disabling power.

Compared to other kinds of resets, soft resets take effect almost instantaneously because they don’t require the router to reboot.

To perform a soft reset, unplug the cable that connects the router to the modem, then reconnect it after a few seconds.

Some routers may have a different way to perform a soft reset:

  • Look for a Disconnect/Connect button on the console. This resets the connection between the modem and the service provider.
  • Open the router console. In the menu, select Restore Factory Defaults or something similar. This feature replaces the router’s customized settings (such as passwords and keys) with the original ones it had at the factory, without requiring a hard reset.
  • Find and press the Reset Security button on the Wi-Fi console screen. This will replace the subset of the router’s wireless network settings with the defaults, while leaving other settings unchanged. Specifically, the router name (SSID), wireless encryption, and Wi-Fi channel number settings are all reverted.

How to Reset a Modem

The steps to reset a modem may be different depending on which model you have, but the basics are the same. Here is the general process:

  • Keep your modem plugged in.
  • Find the modem’s Reset button. This may be on the back or bottom of the device.
Modem Reset button
  • Press and hold the button with a paperclip.
  • Release the button when the modem lights start to flicker.
  • Wait for the Internet light to turn green.
Modem Internet

While your modem or router is resetting, do not interrupt the process by clicking a link, closing your browser, or powering off the device. Doing so might corrupt the firmware.

How to reset your router to restore factory default settings

To reset your router:

  • Locate the Reset button on the back of your router
  • With the router powered on, use the pointed end of a paperclip or similar object to press and hold the Reset button for 15 seconds
  • Wait for the router to fully reset and power back on

The router’s default factory settings have been restored. Reconfigure your router and update your Wi-Fi devices to use the same customized Wi-Fi settings. You can also log into your router to restore factory settings.

Leave a Reply