When to unplug and when to reset your router

If you are experiencing internet issues such as a slow internet connection or devices failing to connect to your network, you may be experiencing issues with your router. It’s common knowledge that restarting or resetting the router can usually resolve performance issues, but knowing when you need to restart the device or completely reset it can save you and your Internet Service Provider (ISP) some problems in the long run. With that in mind, here’s some information on when you should simply unplug your router to restart it or do a full reset.

Typically, restarting your router is the first step in the troubleshooting process. This will clear the router cache and refresh the network connection. This is considered a low-risk way to troubleshoot issues affecting the router. You should also do this regularly to ensure the router’s software and firmware work properly. On the other hand, resetting should be done when all other troubleshooting options you have tried fail. If you are able to reset the router and the problems persist, it may be a hardware problem. In this case, you may need a new router.

So, start by unplugging your router and seeing if everything works fine again when you plug it back in. You may not need to take more drastic measures to reset or replace this device.

Even if you don’t experience any Internet issues, when rebooting or rebooting, it’s actually recommended that you use your router once a month to maintain optimal performance. This is called power cycling, and it’s done by unplugging the device (and removing the battery, if applicable), waiting 30 seconds, and then plugging the router back in. This procedure allows the router to clear its cache, restart blocked processes, and refresh network connections. If a firmware update is pending, it will install it, which may bring new features, performance updates, and security fixes.

You need to do this because a router is like a specialized computer with a CPU and RAM running various processes in the background, which can lead to congestion over time. For example, some routers log your usage data (e.g. connected devices, connection attempts, websites visited, and system events), old firmware can accumulate bugs, and the network can become congested if there are too many devices connected. The more people there are, the quicker the clutter builds up, leading to the problems mentioned previously.

Resetting a router returns the device to factory settings, meaning it erases your custom configurations, including passwords, Wi-Fi names (SSIDs), port forwarding, and security settings. It will return to the state it was in when you first purchased it (software-wise), and it will even get a new IP address. That’s why it’s usually the last resort when troubleshooting a router yourself. To physically reset the router, make sure it is powered on, then press the small reset button located inside the pinhole on the back or bottom of the router using a paper clip or toothpick until the lights go off, or for about 10 to 30 seconds.

Once you have reset the router, log back into the app or admin panel and make sure to change the router’s default password to avoid being hacked. If you have to frequently reset the router, this may simply be a sign of an old device. Typically, you should expect to replace a router every four to five years, especially if you notice that it is no longer receiving firmware updates.