Restart vs Factory Reset — What Is the Difference?

  • Restart (power cycle): Turns the router off and on. Clears temporary memory and refreshes the connection. Fixes most everyday issues — slow internet, connection drops, devices not connecting. All your settings (WiFi name, password, custom configuration) are preserved.
  • Factory reset: Wipes the router back to its original out-of-the-box state. Erases your custom WiFi name, password, port forwarding rules and all other settings. Use only when you cannot access the admin interface, have forgotten admin credentials, or are handing the router to someone else.

How to Restart Your Router (Try This First)

  1. 1

    Unplug the power cable from the back of the router

    Locate the power cable at the back of the router (not the ethernet cables — the cable going to the power adapter or directly to the wall). Unplug it.

  2. 2

    Wait 30 seconds

    Wait a full 30 seconds. This allows the router's memory to fully clear. Waiting only 5 seconds may not be enough for some routers.

  3. 3

    Plug back in and wait 2 minutes

    Plug the power cable back in. Wait 2 minutes for the router to fully restart and reconnect to your ISP. The lights will cycle through different states — wait until they settle into their normal pattern.

  4. 4

    Reconnect your devices

    Your devices should reconnect automatically. If a device does not reconnect, toggle WiFi off and on. Your WiFi name and password are unchanged.

How to Factory Reset Your Router

  1. 5

    Find the reset button

    Most routers have a small pinhole reset button on the back or bottom, often labelled RESET. You need a straightened paperclip or SIM eject tool to press it.

  2. 6

    Hold for 10 seconds while the router is powered on

    With the router powered on, insert the paperclip and hold the button firmly for 10 seconds. The router lights will flash or go out briefly, indicating the reset has started. Release the button.

  3. 7

    Wait for the router to restart and reconfigure

    The router restarts to factory defaults. The WiFi name and password revert to the defaults printed on the sticker on the router. Reconnect using these default credentials and then reconfigure your custom settings.

When to restart your routerSlow internet that speeds up after a restart is a sign the router needs periodic restarts. Many people set their router on a weekly scheduled restart using a smart plug with a timer — this prevents the gradual slowdown many routers experience over time without requiring manual intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most routers benefit from a restart every 1–4 weeks. If you notice internet speeds gradually slowing or devices struggling to connect, a restart usually resolves it. A weekly scheduled restart (using a smart plug timer set to power cycle at 3am) is a good maintenance habit.
Often yes — restarting clears the router's memory and refreshes its connection to your ISP. If slowness persists after a restart, the issue is likely with your ISP's service, the plan speed, or interference (try moving the router or changing the WiFi channel in its settings). Run a speed test at fast.com or speedtest.net to compare your actual speed against your plan speed.