When a Factory Reset Actually Helps
- You forgot the admin password and can't sign in
- Wi-Fi or internet has been unstable for days and a reboot doesn't fix it
- You made a bad config change and can't figure out which one
- The router was used before and has unknown settings
- You are returning, selling, or giving away the router
- Firmware update left the router in a weird state
When a reset won't help: slow speeds from ISP throttling, Wi-Fi dead zones (that's layout/placement), or connectivity issues caused by the modem rather than the router.
What You'll Lose
Reset returns everything to defaults. You will need to reconfigure:
- Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password
- Admin login password
- Guest networks
- Port forwarding rules
- Static DHCP / reserved IPs
- Parental controls and device blocks
- QoS / traffic priority rules
- VPN client settings (ASUS, GL.iNet, etc.)
- Custom DNS servers
If the router is ISP-provided (Xfinity, Verizon Fios, AT&T), some settings will re-provision automatically from the ISP after the reset.
Back Up First (If You Can Sign In)
Most routers have a Backup / Restore option under System or Administration. It exports a single config file you can re-import after reset. Do this first if the admin page still works — it's a 30-second insurance policy.
The Universal Reset Procedure
- Leave the router powered on
- Find the recessed Reset button (usually on the back, sometimes labeled "Restore" or "RST")
- Press and hold with a paperclip or pen for 10-30 seconds
- Watch the lights — they will typically blink, go off, then cycle back on
- Release when lights change
- Wait 2-3 minutes for the router to fully boot
Some routers want longer. If 10 seconds doesn't do it, try 30. Very few need the "30-30-30" method (30s held with power on, 30s held while unplugging, 30s held after plugging back in) — mostly older Linksys and some DD-WRT devices.
Reset Button Location by Brand
| Brand / ISP | Button Location | Hold Time |
|---|---|---|
| Netgear | Recessed on back/bottom | 7 seconds |
| TP-Link | Recessed on back | 10 seconds |
| ASUS | Recessed on back | 5-10 seconds |
| Linksys | Recessed on back/bottom | 10 seconds (some 30s) |
| D-Link | Recessed on back | 10 seconds |
| Xfinity xFi Gateway | Recessed on back | 30 seconds |
| Verizon Fios | Recessed on back | 10-15 seconds |
| AT&T Gateway | Recessed on back | 10 seconds (some models use UI only) |
| Google Nest Wifi | Factory Reset Switch on bottom | 10 seconds |
| Eero | Recessed reset on back | 15 seconds (soft), 30s (hard) |
Soft Reset vs Hard Reset
Some mesh systems (Eero, Google Nest Wifi) distinguish between a short hold (soft reset — keeps the network but clears advanced settings) and a long hold (full factory reset). When in doubt, do the longer hold for a clean slate.
Reset Through the Web Interface
If you can still sign in, most routers also offer a software reset under Administration → Factory Reset or System → Restore Defaults. This is safer than the button — less risk of a botched partial reset.
Reconfigure After Reset
- Connect to the default Wi-Fi network (SSID and password on the sticker)
- Open the default admin URL (see the change Wi-Fi password guide for brand-specific URLs)
- Sign in with default credentials
- Run the setup wizard — most routers force this on first login
- Set a strong admin password (not the same as Wi-Fi)
- Set a strong Wi-Fi password and pick WPA3 or WPA2-AES
- Update firmware if a newer version is available
- Re-enter any custom settings (port forwarding, QoS, DNS)
- Reconnect every device to the new Wi-Fi
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset delete my internet service?
No. Reset only affects the router's local settings. Your ISP account and internet service are unaffected. On ISP-provided routers, the device re-provisions automatically within a few minutes of reboot.
How long does a factory reset take?
The reset itself takes 10-30 seconds of holding the button. The router then takes 2-3 minutes to fully boot. Full reconfiguration (new SSID, password, reconnecting devices) typically takes 10-15 minutes.
Do I need to reset my modem too?
Usually no. The modem is a separate device from the router (unless you have a combo gateway). Reset the modem only if the cable or fiber connection itself is unstable — and for most modems that's just a 30-second power cycle, not a factory reset.