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How to Reset a Router or Modem - Hard Reset and Soft Reset

In many instances, we need to reset router or modem as the part of troubleshooting steps. Before explaining how to reset your router, you should understand what is reset. By resetting your Router / Modem, your device will go back to the factory default settings and again you may need to configure it. So before resetting your router, you should better learn how to reconfigure your router or take the backup of current device configuration.


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:

  1. To reset incorrect Router/Modem settings

  2. Malfunctioning of Modem or Router

  3. Forgot Router or Modem password. To read more about this scenario click on the link below.
    I Forgot My Router Password and How to Recover It

  4. 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.

1. Soft Reset

2. Hard Reset

3. Power Reset



1. Soft Reset
Soft reset is done by selecting the reset options through the router administration page(web interface). Depends on various firmware and manufactures, these options come in various forms like a reset to factory default, reboot with factory settings etc.

You should select the particular option and click OK. Now the router starts rebooting and within one minute it will be back with default factory settings. This kind of reset is known as soft reset.


2. Reset by holding the reset button (Hard Reset)
If a soft reset is not working for you, next option is holding the reset button of your router for 30 seconds and release your hands after it.

You can find reset button usually near the power button a small hole which can be pressed by pen tip or pin. Procedure to hard reset your router and modem are:

  1. Hold reset button using a pen tip or pin for 30 seconds

  2. Make sure power light is blinking while pressing the reset button

  3. Release your hands after 30 seconds and wait for one min(make sure power light is steady).
    Now your router has factory default settings.


3. Power Reset a Modem or Router
If the normal reset didn't work on your router, you can perform a hard reset. It is the most powerful reset form for any kind of Small Office Home Office devices(SOHO) like routers and modems. Steps to power reset your router are:

  1. Hold reset button for 30 seconds (make sure power light is blinking)

  2. Unplug the power cable (never release your hands from holding reset button) for 30 seconds

  3. Connect the power cable and still hold the reset button for 30 seconds

  4. Release your hands now (you are continuously holding the reset button for 90 seconds)

  5. Now wait one minute and make sure power button is steady.

It is recommended to perform a power cycle after resetting your modem. To learn how to do this, click on the link below.
How to Power Cycle a Modem or Router