Knowing how to reset router equipment correctly can solve many common internet problems, but a factory reset should not always be your first step. Sometimes, simply restarting the router is enough to restore a dropped connection, clear a temporary error, or reconnect devices.
A full router reset is different. It normally returns the router to its factory settings, which can erase your WiFi network name, password, DNS configuration, parental controls, port forwarding rules, and other custom settings.
Before pressing the reset button, it is worth understanding what your router does, how to access its settings, how to restart it, and when a complete reset is actually necessary.
Key Takeaways
- Restart before resetting. Restarting a router turns it off and back on without intentionally erasing your saved configuration, making it the better first step for temporary connectivity problems.
- A factory reset can erase custom settings. Your WiFi name, wireless password, DNS settings, security configuration, parental controls, guest networks, and other changes may need to be configured again.
- You can normally manage a router through a web browser or manufacturer app. The exact login method, interface, default address, and credentials depend on the router model and internet provider.
- Changing your WiFi password is different from resetting the router password. The WiFi password allows devices onto your wireless network, while the router administrator password protects access to the router’s management settings.
- Troubleshoot before performing a factory reset. Check cables, restart the router, test multiple devices, inspect your ISP connection, and review the router settings first.
Pro Tip
Before factory-resetting a router, take screenshots or notes of important settings such as your WiFi network name, ISP configuration, DNS addresses, guest networks, and any custom rules. This can make reconfiguration much easier.
What Does a Router Do?
A router connects devices on your local network and directs network traffic between those devices and other networks, usually the internet. Your laptop, smartphone, tablet, smart TV, printer, security camera, and other connected equipment may all communicate through the same router.
In a typical home or small-office setup, a router performs several important jobs:
- Shares an internet connection between multiple devices. Instead of every laptop, tablet, or phone requiring an independent internet connection, the router distributes access across wired and wireless devices.
- Creates your local network. Devices connected to the same router can communicate locally when configured to do so, which is useful for printers, shared files, media equipment, and other network resources.
- Provides WiFi connectivity. Wireless routers transmit one or more WiFi networks that compatible devices can join using the correct network name and security credentials.
- Assigns local IP addresses. Most routers use DHCP to automatically provide connected devices with the network information they need to communicate.
- Controls traffic between your network and the internet. The router determines where network data needs to go and forwards it accordingly.
- Provides network-management features. Depending on the model, these can include guest WiFi, parental controls, DNS settings, device prioritisation, firewall options, VPN support, access schedules, and network monitoring.
A router therefore does considerably more than simply “create WiFi.”
For temporary business environments, exhibitions, conferences, or larger deployments, consumer networking equipment may not provide enough capacity. Hire Tablets also provides wireless router rental solutions for temporary connectivity requirements.
Router vs Modem: What Is the Difference?
A modem and router perform different functions even though some internet providers combine both into one physical device.
| Device | Main Purpose | Connects Devices? | Creates WiFi? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modem | Connects your premises to the internet service | Usually limited | Not always |
| Router | Routes traffic between your local network and internet | Yes | Usually |
| Modem-router combination | Performs both functions in one unit | Yes | Usually |
| Wireless access point | Provides wireless access to an existing network | Yes | Yes |
This distinction matters during troubleshooting. Restarting or resetting only the router may not resolve a fault originating from the modem or internet service itself.
How to Log Into a Router
Learning how to log into router controls gives you access to settings such as your WiFi name, wireless password, DNS configuration, connected-device list, security options, and firmware controls.
The process varies between manufacturers, but the general method is similar.
Step 1: Connect to the Router
Connect your laptop, tablet, or phone to the router using either:
- The router’s WiFi network
- An Ethernet cable connected directly to the router
A wired Ethernet connection can be useful if you are changing wireless settings because your WiFi connection may temporarily disconnect when those settings are saved.
Step 2: Find the Router Address
Many routers use a local management address such as:
- 192.168.0.1
- 192.168.1.1
- 10.0.0.1
These are examples rather than universal addresses.
The correct address may appear:
- On the router label
- In the manufacturer’s documentation
- In your internet provider’s instructions
- As the Default Gateway in your computer’s network information
Step 3: Open the Address in Your Browser
Open a browser on a device connected to the router and enter the router’s management address into the address bar.
You should see a router login screen if the address is correct and local management is enabled.
Step 4: Enter the Administrator Credentials
Enter the router administrator username and password.
These are not necessarily the same as your WiFi password.
If you have never changed the administrator details, check the router label, setup documentation, provider instructions, or manufacturer information rather than guessing repeatedly.
How to Access Router Settings
Once you know how to access router settings, you can make changes without physically resetting the device.
After signing into the management interface, you may see sections such as:
| Router Setting | What It Controls |
|---|---|
| WiFi/Wireless | Network names, passwords, channels and WiFi bands |
| Internet/WAN | Connection between the router and internet service |
| LAN | Local network and addressing configuration |
| DHCP | Automatic assignment of local IP addresses |
| DNS | Servers used to resolve domain names |
| Security | Firewall and wireless-security options |
| Guest Network | Separate WiFi access for visitors |
| Connected Devices | Phones, laptops and other devices using the network |
| Administration | Router password, firmware, restart and reset tools |
| Parental Controls | Device restrictions, schedules or filtering |
The exact terminology varies considerably between router brands.
Before Changing Router Settings
Do not change unfamiliar settings simply because they appear configurable. Incorrect WAN, DHCP, DNS, VLAN, bridge-mode, or firewall settings can interrupt connectivity.
Before making a significant change:
- Write down the original value.
- Take a screenshot where appropriate.
- Change one setting at a time.
- Test the connection afterward.
- Avoid altering ISP-specific settings unless you understand their purpose.
How to Set Up a Router
Knowing how to set up a router is particularly important after buying new equipment or completing a factory reset.
1. Position the Router Properly
Place the router in an open location rather than hiding it inside a cupboard or behind large furniture.
For better WiFi coverage:
- Choose a reasonably central position.
- Keep the router elevated where practical.
- Avoid placing it directly beside large metal objects.
- Reduce the number of walls between the router and important devices.
- Keep it away from unnecessary sources of wireless interference.
Network planning becomes more important when many devices are involved. The Hire Tablets event WiFi setup guide covers bandwidth planning, access-point placement, frequency selection, and connectivity considerations for higher-density environments.
2. Connect the Internet Source
Connect the modem, ONT, Ethernet handoff, or other internet source to the router’s WAN or Internet port as specified by your provider and router manufacturer.
Some internet connections require additional ISP credentials or configuration.
3. Power On the Equipment
If you use a separate modem and router, follow the correct startup sequence recommended for your equipment.
Allow the network equipment enough time to establish its connection before assuming there is a fault.
4. Connect a Device
Use Ethernet or the router’s initial WiFi credentials to connect a laptop or phone.
The default network information may be printed on a label attached to the router.
5. Open the Router Setup Interface
Sign into the router through its local administration page or official setup application.
Follow the setup wizard where available.
6. Create a WiFi Network
Choose a recognisable WiFi network name and a strong password.
Avoid passwords containing easily guessed details such as:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your phone number
- A simple number sequence
- The router model
- The word “password”
7. Secure Administrator Access
If the router still uses a default administrator password, change it to a strong, unique password.
The router management password and WiFi password should ideally not be identical.
8. Check for Firmware Updates
Review the router’s update settings and install appropriate firmware updates provided by the manufacturer.
Updates can include security patches, bug fixes, compatibility improvements, and stability changes.
How to Restart a Router
If your internet connection becomes slow, unstable, or unavailable, learning how to restart router equipment should normally come before performing a factory reset.
Restarting is sometimes called rebooting or power cycling.
How to Restart a Router Manually
- Switch the router off using its power control, if available.
- Disconnect its power cable.
- Wait briefly for the device to shut down completely.
- Reconnect the power.
- Turn the router back on.
- Allow it to complete its startup process.
- Reconnect your devices and test the internet.
If you have a separate modem, the order of restarting the modem and router can matter. Follow your provider’s recommended procedure.
What Does Restarting a Router Change?
A normal restart should not intentionally erase your saved configuration.
Your:
- WiFi network name
- WiFi password
- DNS configuration
- Guest network
- Administrator account
- Parental controls
- Other saved settings
should ordinarily remain configured.
Restart vs Reset
| Action | Restarts Device | Erases Settings | Use It For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restart/reboot | Yes | No | Temporary errors and connection problems |
| Power cycle | Yes | No | Frozen or unstable router |
| Factory reset | Yes | Yes | Serious configuration problems or forgotten admin access |
For that reason, restarting is usually the safer first troubleshooting step.
How to Reset Router Safely: Step-by-Step
If restarting has not solved the issue, you may need to learn how to reset router settings completely.
A factory reset returns the device to its original configuration or the configuration supplied by your provider. Exactly what is restored depends on the equipment.
Before You Reset the Router
Check whether you need to preserve:
- WiFi network name
- WiFi password
- Administrator credentials
- ISP username or connection information
- DNS addresses
- Guest networks
- Static IP assignments
- Parental controls
- Port-forwarding rules
- VPN configuration
- Device access restrictions
- Custom firewall rules
If your ISP supplied the router, confirm whether it automatically restores provider settings after a reset.
Method 1: Use the Physical Reset Button
Most routers include a small reset control on the rear or underside.
To reset it:
- Keep the router powered on unless its documentation says otherwise.
- Find the button labelled Reset.
- If recessed, use a suitable small non-conductive or manufacturer-recommended tool to reach it.
- Press and hold the reset control for the period specified by the manufacturer.
- Release it when the appropriate router lights indicate the reset has started.
- Allow the router to restart completely.
- Connect using the factory/default setup information.
- Reconfigure the internet and WiFi settings.
The required button-hold time differs between models, so do not assume every router follows exactly the same procedure.
Method 2: Factory Reset Through Router Settings
If you can still access the administrator interface, you may be able to reset the router from its settings.
Look for options such as:
Administration > Factory Reset
or:
System > Restore Defaults
or:
Advanced > Backup & Restore
The exact menu depends on the router.
A software reset can be preferable when the interface clearly explains which configuration will be removed.
What Happens After You Reset a Router?
Following a factory reset, you may need to:
- Reconnect to the router’s default WiFi network.
- Log in using the default or initial administrator process.
- Configure the internet connection.
- Rename the WiFi network.
- Create a new WiFi password.
- Change the administrator password.
- Restore DNS settings.
- Recreate guest networks.
- Reconfigure any advanced network rules.
- Reconnect wireless devices if the network details changed.
That is why factory resetting should generally be used after simpler troubleshooting steps.
How to Reset a Router Password
People searching how to reset a router password can mean one of two things:
- Resetting the administrator password used to manage the router.
- Changing or recovering the WiFi password used by phones and computers.
These are separate credentials.
If You Forgot the Router Administrator Password
First check whether your router provides an administrator-password recovery option.
Depending on the manufacturer or ISP, you may be able to recover access through:
- An official router app
- An account linked to the router
- A recovery process
- Your ISP
- A local recovery mechanism
If administrator access cannot be recovered, a factory reset may be necessary.
Remember that performing a factory reset may also erase other network settings.
Create a Strong Router Administrator Password
A router administrator password protects some of the most important settings on your network.
A stronger password should be:
- Long enough to resist simple guessing.
- Unique to the router rather than reused from another account.
- Difficult to associate with you personally.
- Stored securely so that you do not need to factory-reset the router simply because it was forgotten.
How to Change the WiFi Password on a Router
Learning how to change WiFi password on router equipment is useful if you suspect somebody has obtained the existing password, you are replacing a weak password, or you simply want to control who can connect.
Step-by-Step WiFi Password Change
- Connect to the router.
- Open the router’s administration interface.
- Log in using the router administrator credentials.
- Open WiFi, Wireless, or a similarly named menu.
- Select the WiFi network you want to edit.
- Find the password, passphrase, or security-key field.
- Enter your new password.
- Save or apply the change.
- Wait for the wireless network to update.
- Reconnect your devices using the new password.
Once the password changes, devices using the previous password will normally need to authenticate again.
What Makes a Better WiFi Password?
Use a password that is:
- Long rather than extremely short.
- Difficult to guess.
- Not based on common phrases or obvious personal information.
- Different from the router administrator password.
- Shared only with people who should have network access.
For visitors, consider enabling a separate guest network if your router supports one.
What Does WPS Mean on a Router?
If you have noticed a WPS button and wondered what does WPS mean on a router, WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
It was designed to make connecting compatible devices to a wireless network easier without manually entering a long WiFi password.
How the WPS Button Usually Works
On compatible equipment:
- Activate WPS on the router.
- Start WPS connection mode on the compatible device.
- The devices attempt to establish a wireless connection.
- The connection information is exchanged automatically.
Exact behaviour varies by manufacturer.
Should You Leave WPS Enabled?
Many users do not need WPS at all.
Some older WPS methods, particularly PIN-based implementations, have known security weaknesses. If your router allows WPS to be disabled and you do not use the feature, disabling it can reduce unnecessary network functionality.
For everyday devices, connecting with a strong WiFi password and modern wireless-security configuration is generally preferable.
How to Change DNS on a Router
Knowing how to change DNS on router equipment allows you to specify which DNS servers devices on your network use by default.
DNS, or Domain Name System, translates human-readable domain names into network addresses that computers use to locate services.
Why Would You Change Router DNS?
Users may change DNS to:
- Use a preferred DNS provider.
- Troubleshoot DNS-specific failures.
- Apply network-wide filtering where supported.
- Improve consistency when the ISP’s DNS service is unreliable.
- Implement particular privacy or administrative requirements.
Changing DNS will not automatically fix every internet-speed problem.
How to Change Router DNS Settings
The exact menus vary, but the process usually looks like this:
- Log into the router.
- Open the internet, WAN, DHCP, or DNS configuration section.
- Find the automatic DNS option.
- Change it to manual DNS if required.
- Enter the preferred and alternative DNS addresses.
- Save the settings.
- Restart the router if instructed.
- Reconnect or refresh connected devices.
- Test web browsing and DNS resolution.
Router-Level DNS vs Device-Level DNS
| Configuration | Applies To | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Router DNS | Usually devices receiving DNS information from the router | Network-wide configuration |
| Laptop DNS | One computer | Testing or device-specific requirements |
| Phone/tablet DNS | One mobile device | Individual configuration |
| Browser secure DNS | Selected browser traffic | Browser-specific DNS behaviour |
If a device has its own manually configured DNS settings, those settings may take precedence over the router’s defaults.
How to Fix a Router That Is Not Working
If you are trying to understand how to fix router not working problems, avoid immediately pressing the factory-reset button.
Start by identifying whether the fault affects:
- One device
- Every connected device
- WiFi only
- Ethernet only
- Internet access but not the local network
- The router itself
1. Check Power and Router Lights
Confirm that the router is receiving power and inspect its status lights.
A missing internet/WAN indicator can point toward a connection problem between the router and modem, ONT, or ISP.
The meaning of each light varies by router, so consult the model’s documentation rather than relying solely on colour assumptions.
2. Check the Cables
Inspect the connections between:
- Power adapter and router
- Modem/ONT and router
- Ethernet devices and router
- Any switches or additional network equipment
A loose or damaged cable can look like a router software problem.
3. Test Multiple Devices
Try the same network using another phone, tablet, or computer.
If one device fails while everything else works, the router may not be the problem.
For example, when a laptop repeatedly drops WiFi while other devices remain stable, the laptop’s adapter, driver, power settings, or saved network may deserve attention. See the Hire Tablets guide on why a laptop keeps disconnecting from WiFi for device-specific troubleshooting.
4. Restart the Router
Perform a normal restart before considering a factory reset.
Temporary software, connection-session, or network-state problems can sometimes clear after a reboot.
5. Check Whether the Internet Service Is Down
A functioning WiFi signal does not necessarily mean that the router has internet access.
Your device can remain connected to the router while the router’s connection to the ISP is unavailable.
Check the modem or ONT, provider notifications, and service status where possible.
6. Test Ethernet
If possible, connect a laptop directly using Ethernet.
The result can help narrow down the fault:
| Test Result | What It May Suggest |
|---|---|
| Ethernet works but WiFi does not | Wireless configuration or WiFi radio issue |
| WiFi and Ethernet both fail | Router, modem, ISP or broader network problem |
| Other devices work normally | Device-specific issue |
| Router interface opens but internet does not | WAN, modem, DNS or ISP problem |
| Router interface cannot be reached | Local configuration, router or connection issue |
7. Check WiFi Bands and Signal Strength
Many modern routers support multiple wireless bands.
Depending on equipment and configuration, you may encounter:
- 2.4 GHz
- 5 GHz
- 6 GHz
A device may perform differently on each band because of distance, walls, interference, congestion, and hardware compatibility.
If WiFi works near the router but becomes unstable farther away, investigate signal coverage before resetting the entire network.
8. Check Whether the Problem Is Actually a Hotspot
A smartphone hotspot and a WiFi router are different systems.
If you are sharing mobile data from a phone rather than connecting through a conventional router, use the Hire Tablets guide explaining why a hotspot is not working. Hotspot failures can involve mobile-data coverage, carrier restrictions, WiFi-band compatibility, device limits, or phone settings rather than a router.
9. Review Recent Router Changes
Think about whether the problem started after you changed:
- WiFi passwords
- DNS servers
- DHCP settings
- Security mode
- Firewall settings
- IP configuration
- Access controls
- ISP settings
- Router firmware
If so, restoring the individual setting may be better than resetting everything.
10. Check for Firmware Updates
If the router is accessible but behaving unpredictably, check its official management interface or manufacturer support resources for appropriate firmware updates.
Do not install firmware intended for a different router model or hardware revision.
11. Factory Reset Only When Necessary
Consider a factory reset when:
- Important settings have become corrupted.
- Administrator access cannot otherwise be recovered.
- A configuration change has made the network unusable and cannot be reversed.
- The router’s manufacturer or ISP specifically recommends resetting it.
- You are preparing the router for a fresh configuration.
If the router still fails after a correctly performed factory reset and setup, the problem may involve hardware, the modem/ONT, cabling, the internet service, or another component of the network.
Common Router Problems and What to Try First
| Router Problem | First Action | Next Step | Factory Reset Immediately? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet suddenly stops | Check other devices and ISP | Restart router/modem | No |
| WiFi disappears | Restart router | Check wireless settings | No |
| One laptop disconnects | Test another device | Troubleshoot laptop WiFi | No |
| Forgotten WiFi password | Access router settings | Change WiFi password | Usually no |
| Forgotten admin password | Try official recovery | Factory reset if required | Sometimes |
| Websites do not resolve | Check connection and DNS | Review DNS settings | No |
| Weak signal in one room | Reposition/test bands | Improve coverage | No |
| Configuration badly broken | Restore known settings | Factory reset | Possibly |
| Router will not power on | Check adapter/socket | Hardware diagnosis | No |
| Router resets repeatedly | Check power/firmware | Manufacturer or ISP support | Not initially |
Router Reset Checklist
Before pressing the physical reset button, work through this checklist:
- Confirm the problem. Determine whether every device has lost connectivity or only one device is affected.
- Check the internet source. Make sure the modem, ONT, or ISP connection is operating correctly.
- Inspect network cables. Reconnect loose WAN and Ethernet cables before assuming the router itself has failed.
- Restart the router first. A reboot is less disruptive because it normally preserves your settings.
- Try another device. This helps separate network-wide problems from laptop, tablet, or phone issues.
- Log into the router if possible. Check WAN status, wireless settings, connected devices, and other relevant configuration.
- Record your current settings. Save the information needed to rebuild the network after a factory reset.
- Confirm the correct reset procedure. Router reset methods and button timings vary by manufacturer.
- Reset only when appropriate. Once factory settings are restored, be prepared to configure the network again.
Final Thoughts on How to Reset Router Correctly
Understanding how to reset router equipment is useful, but resetting should not be the automatic response to every internet problem. A normal restart is faster, safer, and keeps your configuration intact, so it should usually be tested first.
If the problem continues, determine whether it affects one device or the entire network. Check the router’s power, cables, WiFi signal, internet connection, DNS configuration, and administrator settings. Only move to a factory reset when the existing configuration needs to be cleared or other appropriate troubleshooting steps have failed.
After a reset, secure the router properly by creating a strong WiFi password, changing the administrator credentials where required, reviewing WPS, checking DNS settings, and confirming that all important devices can connect.
For larger business projects and environments, network reliability requires more than repeatedly resetting consumer hardware. Proper bandwidth planning, suitable access points, correctly positioned networking equipment, and sufficient capacity are important when many laptops and tablets need connectivity at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does resetting a router change the WiFi password?
A factory reset normally removes customised wireless settings and restores the router’s default or initial configuration. You may therefore need to create your WiFi network and password again. The exact behaviour depends on the router and ISP.
Is restarting a router the same as resetting it?
No. Restarting turns the router off and back on without intentionally deleting its saved settings. A factory reset restores the router’s configuration to its default state and can remove customised settings.
How often should you reset a router?
There is generally no reason to factory-reset a properly functioning router on a routine schedule. A factory reset is a troubleshooting or reconfiguration step rather than normal maintenance.
What should I do before resetting my router?
Record important network settings, verify your ISP information if required, try restarting the equipment, test other devices, and confirm that the problem is actually related to the router.
Can resetting a router fix slow internet?
It can help if incorrect or corrupted router configuration is responsible, but slow internet can also result from ISP performance, congestion, weak WiFi signal, interference, inadequate equipment, device problems, or bandwidth demand. Diagnose the cause before assuming a factory reset will solve it.
Why is my router working but there is no internet?
Your local WiFi can remain active even if the router cannot reach the internet. Possible areas to investigate include the modem or ONT, ISP service, WAN connection, DNS configuration, cables, and router settings.
Can I reset my router if I forgot the administrator password?
Possibly. First check whether the manufacturer or ISP offers a supported password-recovery process. If administrator access cannot be recovered, a factory reset may be required, but you should be prepared to reconfigure the network afterward.
