Introduction
While using any computer or mobile device, you must have experienced frequent internet slowdowns, buffering while streaming or webpages loading slowly or not loading at al. Power cycling your router and modem is a simple yet effective way to resolve these internet connectivity issues, improve network performance, and refresh your device’s connection to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you’re also wondering how to reboot router, this blog will guide you through the process of power cycling, why it’s important, and how to do it correctly.
What Does It Mean to Power Cycle Your Router & Modem?
Power cycling typically refers to the process of refreshing your devices bu turning them off and unplugging, waiting for a few seconds and then plugging them back again into the power outlet.
Difference Between Power Cycling and Resetting
It is important to remember that power cycling is different from resetting.
Power cycling is a temporary process and does not interfere with saved passwords or the settings of the devices.
On the other hand, resetting the router or modem restores the devices to the factory settings and erases all the customisation in settings, passwords, any changes made etc.
Common Reasons Users Need to Power Cycle Their Devices
There are multiple reasons why users need to power cycle their routers or modems. These reasons include:
- Slow Internet: Resolving slow internet speed issues. Power cycling the devices can help clear out any congestion and refresh the connection.
- Frequent Disconnections: If the internet is frequently dropping, it is important to power cycle the devices to resolve the issue.
- Overheating: Routers or modems may tend to overheat if used persistently and it may hamper the internet connection. Power cycling helps in maintaining device temperature.
- Memory issues: Routers and modems also store temporary information like caches which may impact and slow down the internet connection. Power cycling helps in clearing the temporary memory of these devices.
Why Is It Important to Power Cycle Your Router & Modem?
If you are wondering why is it important to power cycle your router and modem, the following points merit consideration:
- Helps Resolve Slow Internet Speeds: If your internet connection has slowed down or is frequently dropping, power cycling can help in establishing a fresh connection with the ISP and help resolve slow internet speeds.
- Fixes Connectivity Issues: If multiple devices are connected to the router and modem, it can lead to network congestion or it may also happen due to any software bugs. Power cycling helps in fixing these connectivity issues.
- Clears Memory and Refreshes Connections: As mentioned above, the router and modem also store temporary files and caches. Power cycling helps in clearing memory and refreshes connections.
- Prevents Overheating and System Crashes: If used persistently for a longer time without shutting off, it may lead to overheating and even cause a system crash. Power cycling helps maintain the temperature of the devices and reduces the risk of system crashes and prevents any software or hardware damage.
How to Power Cycle Your Router & Modem
Power cycling is a process of completely shutting down the router or modem to refresh them completely.
Step-by-Step Instructions For Power Cycling
Follow these steps to power cycle your router and modem:
- Step 1: Turn off and unplug both devices from the main power source.
- Step 2: Wait for at least 30 seconds to 1 minute as it will give time for any residual electrical charge to clear.
- Step 3: Plug the modem first into the power outlet.
- Step 4: After the modem is plugged in, plug the router.
- Step 5: Wait for all the lights to stabilise before checking for any connectivity issues.
- Step 6: Check and test if there are any connectivity issues.
The Recommended Duration to Leave Devices Unplugged
When you unplug the devices from the main power source, it is recommended to wait for at least 30 seconds to 1 minute before you plug the device again into the power outlet. This duration to leave the devices unplugged is necessary yo drain out any residual power before turning it back on. It helps the device’s power capacitors or batteries to discharge and clear every bit of memory. This is done to ensure that the devices return to a stable state.
When to Power Cycle Modem vs. Router First
This depends if you are separately using the devices or as a combined unit.
- If you are using a separate modem and a router, restart the modem first and then restart the router.
- If you are using a router and modem as a combined unit, unplug and restart the devices as a single combined unit.
How to Restart Your Router & Modem
- Difference Between Restarting and Power Cycling
Restarting may not include totally powering down the device while power cycling is intended to clear all the stored processes and includes unplugging the device from the main power outlet and then plugging them again after waiting for a few seconds.
- Using Router Settings to Restart Remotely
You can also restart the router remotely using router settings. Follow these steps to restart your device remotely:
- Go to the web browser
- Log into the admin panel using username and password
- Navigate to the settings and look for the restart or reboot option. You can find the settings under ‘System or Maintenance’ or ‘Status’, ‘Tools’ or Administration’.
- Click on ‘restart’ and wait for the device to restart.
- Automatic Restart Scheduling Options
Some routers and modems also offer advanced features which include an automatic restart scheduling option. Remember to turn on this feature as it helps maintain the optimal performance of the device without the requirement of any manual intervention for restarting.
Steps to Reboot a Router and Modem
If you are also finding answers to how to reboot router and modem, follow the below mentioned steps to successfully reboot your router and modem:
- Step 1: Turn off the devices and unplug them from the main power source
- Step 2: Wait for a few seconds- at least 30 seconds to 1 minute
- Step 3: Plug back the modem first into the power outlet
- Step 4: Plug the router into the power outlet.
- Step 5: Wait for all the lights in the devices to stabilise before testing for the connectivity.
- Step 5: Now check for internet connectivity
A Restart Doesn’t Change Your Settings
One important thing to differentiate between restarting a router or modem and resetting the devices is that restarting is more temporary than restarting and both actions serve different purposes.
Restarting your router or modem does not remove or change any settings of the devices or the installed software. It does not interfere with saved passwords and configurations.
When a Factory Reset is Necessary Instead of a Restart
As explained above restarting your router or modem does not interfere with saved settings including any saved passwords or configurations. But in case you factory reset your devices, it will require you to reinstate the default router password, clear the Wi-Fi password, delete custom DNS servers, and more. Restarting your devices is required under the following conditions:
- If you are not able to remember or recover the password
- If there is any malware attack or suspected breach in the device software
- If issues are persistent and are not solved by restarting your devices.
Rebooting Can Correct Network Issues, Too
There are certain common network issues that can be corrected by rebooting. These network issues include:
- No internet connection even when the router and modem are connected.
- Frequent WI-Fi disconnections during work
- Very slow speed of internet and frequent buffering during video streaming or webpage downloads
- Frequent issues occur when multiple devices are connected to the internet
Signs That Indicate a Reboot is Needed
There are certain signs that indicate the requirement of a reboot:
- Websites loading very slowly or not loading at all
- Frequent buffering while streaming
- Smart home devices like assistants or speakers, disconnect frequently
- Little or no Wi-Fi coverage in the covered area
When to Contact ISP if Rebooting Doesn’t Work
If rebooting your devices is not solving any issues, it can be due to multiple reasons like power outage or issues with router’s or modem’s configuration.
In such cases, immediately contact your Internet Service Provider or ISP for further troubleshooting. Your ISP can help you with advanced troubleshooting and resolving the issues.
Conclusion
As explained above, power cycling your router and modem is a quick and effective troubleshooting step that can resolve many common internet issues including connectivity issues, frequent internet slowdowns, etc. Regularly rebooting your networking devices ensures optimal performance and stability. If power cycling doesn’t solve your problem, further troubleshooting or contacting your ISP may be necessary.
Looking for expert IT support 💻, web solutions 🌐, or reliable hosting services ⏩ in North London, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Luton, or nearby areas? At TriStar Tech Solutions, we provide tailored technology services to help your business thrive 🚀. Whether you need managed IT support, custom website design, or secure hosting solutions, our experienced team is ready to assist 💡.
Contact us today 📞 01707 378455 to learn how we can support your business’s digital needs!
Also Read:
- Can’t Connect to the Internet? How to Troubleshoot
- Wired vs Wireless Networks
- Importance of Having Your New Computer Setup Correctly
- Common Computer Issues And How To Fix Them
- The Benefits of Outsourcing Your IT Support for SMEs
- IT Maintenance: What is it and Why is it Important
- 10 Essential IT Support Services Every Business Needs On An Ongoing Basis
- 10 Reasons to Use Professional IT Support Services for Small Businesses!
- What is Proactive IT Support and How Can It Help Your Business?
- Types of Businesses That Require IT Services
- What is the Cloud and How Can It Help?
FAQs on Power Cycling Your Router & Modem
Q: How do you restart your router on a PS4?
Ans – Start by unplugging the router, and wait for at least 30 seconds before replugging it. If this doesn’t work, power down your PS4 and wait for it to fully power on.
Q: How do I restart a router from a computer or phone?
Ans – Use the router’s web interface by logging in using a username and password. Navigate to the ‘System or Maintenance’ tab and click on Restart or Reboot. You may also find this setting under ‘Status’, ‘Tools’ or Administration’.
Q: How often should I reboot my router?
Ans – Depending upon the usage, reboot your router once every few weeks or once a week if you’re experiencing frequent slowdowns.
Q: How do I power cycle my router and modem?
Ans – To power cycle your router and modem, turn off the devices and unplug them from the power outlet. Wait for 30 seconds, then plug the modem first and then the router and allow the devices to reboot.
Q: What is router power cycling?
Ans – Router power cycling also known as ‘hard restart’ can be done by unplugging the router from the main power outlet, waiting a few seconds and then plugging it again. This process resolves connectivity issues and refreshes the device.
Q: What does it mean to power cycle your modem?
Ans – A power cycling modem is a process to restart the device. Unplug the device from the main power source, wait for a few seconds and then plug it again.
Q: How often should I power cycle my modem and router?
Ans – It is recommended to power cycle your modem and router once a few weeks. You can also perform the power cycle once a week if you are experiencing frequent slowdowns of the internet.
