Tech

How to Factory Reset Your Router?

Whether you are facing incorrect password issues while accessing your router, or want to freshen up your router settings, a router reset will restore it to factory defaults. It will clear up all your customized settings and reset its username and password to the same factory default values that are labeled on your router. Similarly, it will delete your personalized Wi-Fi settings, such as your Wi-Fi name and password. Therefore, you won’t be able to access your Wi-Fi network until you reconfigure it and update your Wi-Fi devices according to your customized Wi-Fi settings.

How to Reset a Router?

If you have a modern router, you can reset it to factory defaults using the following steps:

  • See if your router is plugged in.
  • Check where its reset button is located. Mostly, it looks like a tiny hole at the back of the router.
  • Use a paperclip to reset your router by inserting it into the hold. Make sure you hold the button for at least 30 seconds.
  • Now, release the reset button and wait for a few seconds to power it back on.

Once you have completed the instructions listed above, your router will be reset to its default settings. If you are thinking about whether your router needs a reset or not, read on to find out why you should reset your router.

Why Reset Your Router?

You don’t need to reset your router to its factory default settings regularly. However, it will work as a troubleshooting tool to help resolve your connectivity issues. It is a more efficient way to fix problems related to your router than rebooting it. It is similar to erasing all the data and settings on your device and making a fresh start.

Here are some of the most common situations that require you to reset your router:

  • You have been locked out of the administrative web interface of your device.
  • You have suspected malware stored on your device.
  • Methods like power cycling are not working while troubleshooting your home network issues.
  • You are planning to give away, sell, or dispose of your device.

A full factory reset may create a few challenges for you by entirely removing your custom settings, like the name of your network and its password. Hence, you will want to consider setting up your home network from scratch after completing its reset. However, most routers allow you to back up your data, which makes it easier and faster to carry out the process.

Alternatives to Resetting Your Router

If you are not sure whether you should reset your router or not, here are some of the alternative ways to resolve your router issues:

Reboot Your Router

A reboot is different from resetting your router to its factory defaults. However, both processes clear your device’s memory. So, while rebooting, your router clears all the data or information stored in volatile memory or RAM, which is similar to a power outage you may encounter while using a word processor on your computer. As soon as the power comes back, your written content would be cleared, but if you’d saved it before the power went off, you could still find it in your hard drive. 

If there are errors in the programs that are currently running on your device, you may experience issues related to your router. Once you reboot your router, you will notice how all errors have been removed from those programs. Therefore, it is always a better idea to reboot your router to fix your issues. However, if your problems remain unresolved after rebooting your router, it may require a reset. It will clear the volatile and non-volatile memory of your device, which is similar to the deletion of an unsaved file from your computer when the power goes off.

Update Your Firmware

If your router issues remain unresolved despite rebooting it, then it is time to update your firmware. The term “firmware” refers to the built-in software that controls your router so you could manage your home network. Similar to the operating systems on a computer, an updated firmware helps improve its performance and fix bugs.

So, if you notice that your router’s performance is getting worse over the years, then it can be improved with a firmware update. Visit your router’s manufacturer’s website and see if it offers updates and instructions for your device. You can also check if it provides firmware updates or automatic updates for its settings.

However, if you have forgotten your password or noticed malware on your device, then a firmware update may not fix these problems.

Wrapping Up

Once your router is reset to its factory settings, it will work like a brand new router. Therefore, you will have to set it up again. However, if you realize that your router issues have notbeen resolved, then you may need a fiber internet connection to get blazing fast internet. This is because a fiber optic router has the potential to deliver stable signalsto your network, which can’t be achieved with a non-fiber router. Hence, getting a fiber connection can resolve many issues related to your router.

Since fiber internet is available in specific parts of the US, you may find it difficult to get a stable internet connection for your home network. In such situations, it is better to go for rural internet.This way, you will have access to the internet without breaking the bank.