To factory reset a router, keep it powered on, press and hold its recessed Reset button with a paperclip or SIM-eject tool, then release it when the router lights begin flashing. The router restarts with its original factory settings, so you must set up your Wi-Fi name, password, and other settings again.
A factory reset should be your last option. If your internet is slow or unreliable, try restarting the router first. Restarting does not erase any settings; factory resetting does.
Restart vs Factory Reset: What Is the Difference?
| Action | What it does | Does it erase settings? |
|---|---|---|
| Restart or reboot | Turns the router off and back on | No |
| Factory reset | Restores the router to its original default settings | Yes |
Restart your router first if you have a temporary Wi-Fi problem. Factory reset it only if you forgot the router admin password, changed settings incorrectly, are giving it away, or troubleshooting steps have failed.
What Does a Factory Reset Erase?
A factory reset usually removes:
- Your Wi-Fi network name (SSID)
- Wi-Fi password
- Router admin password
- Guest network settings
- Port forwarding rules
- Parental controls
- Custom DNS settings
- VPN settings
- Static IP reservations
- Quality of Service settings
- Mesh or extender pairing information
- Internet-provider configuration settings in some cases
After the reset, the router uses the default network name, password, and admin details printed on its label or listed in its manual.
Before You Factory Reset Your Router
Save important information before resetting:
- Your internet service provider login details, if required
- Your current Wi-Fi name and password
- VPN settings
- Port forwarding rules
- Custom DNS addresses
- Details for smart-home devices or cameras using reserved IP addresses
- Router app login details
If your internet provider supplied the router, contact its support team before resetting if you are unsure whether special broadband settings are required.
How to Factory Reset a Router Using the Reset Button
Most routers have a small recessed button labelled Reset on the back or underside.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Keep the router plugged in and powered on.
- Locate the small Reset button.
- Use a paperclip, pin, or SIM-eject tool to press and hold the button.
- Hold it for the time stated in your router manual—commonly around 10 seconds, but this varies by brand and model.
- Release the button when the router lights flash or change.
- Wait several minutes while the router restarts.
- Connect to the default Wi-Fi network shown on the router label.
- Open the router app or setup page to configure it again.
Do not unplug the router while it is resetting or restarting.
How Long Should You Hold the Router Reset Button?
There is no single time that applies to every router.
Many routers reset after holding the button for about 10 seconds, while others require a longer hold. Check the label, user guide, or manufacturer support page for your exact model.
Watch the router lights. Flashing LEDs, changing colours, or a reboot sequence usually indicate that the reset has started.
How to Factory Reset a Router From Its App or Admin Page
If you can still sign in to the router, you may not need the physical reset button.
- Connect to the router through Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Open the router’s official mobile app or admin page.
- Sign in with the administrator username and password.
- Look for options such as:
- Administration
- System
- Maintenance
- Backup & Restore
- Factory Default
- Reset
- Select Factory Reset or Restore Factory Settings.
- Confirm the reset.
- Wait for the router to restart.
The menu names vary between TP-Link, D-Link, Netgear, Asus, Linksys, JioFiber, Airtel, and other router brands.
How to Set Up Your Router After a Factory Reset
After the reset, your internet may not work until you complete setup.
1. Connect to the Default Network
Look at the router’s sticker for its default Wi-Fi name and password.
Connect a phone, laptop, or desktop computer to that network. You can also use an Ethernet cable for a more stable setup.
2. Open the Router Setup Page or App
Your router label or manual may list:
- A setup website address
- A local router address
- A QR code
- An official mobile app
- Default admin credentials
Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new administrator password and Wi-Fi network.
3. Create a New Wi-Fi Name and Password
Choose a Wi-Fi name that does not reveal personal information, such as your full name, address, or mobile number.
Use a strong, unique Wi-Fi password. A long passphrase is usually easier to remember and harder to guess.
4. Update Router Firmware
After setup, check for firmware updates in the router app or admin page. Firmware updates can fix bugs, improve stability, and patch security vulnerabilities.
5. Reconnect Your Devices
Because the Wi-Fi name and password may have changed, reconnect your phones, laptops, TVs, cameras, speakers, printers, and smart-home devices.
What If the Internet Does Not Work After Resetting the Router?
Try these checks.
Check the Cables
Make sure the cable from the modem or fibre ONT is connected to the router’s correct Internet, WAN, or WAN/LAN port.
Wait for the Router to Finish Starting
A router may need several minutes to restart and establish an internet connection. Check whether the Internet or WAN light becomes stable.
Restart the Modem or Fibre ONT
If you have a separate modem or fibre ONT:
- Turn off the modem or ONT.
- Turn off the router.
- Wait around 30 seconds.
- Turn on the modem or ONT first.
- Wait until it reconnects.
- Turn on the router.
Check ISP Login Settings
Some internet providers require PPPoE or other account settings. If the router setup asks for a username and password, use the details provided by your ISP.
Contact Your Internet Provider
If the router works but there is still no internet connection, contact your provider and ask whether your connection needs special settings or activation.
How to Reset a Router If You Forgot the Admin Password
The physical Reset button is the usual solution.
A factory reset removes the custom administrator password and restores the default login details. Check the router label or the manufacturer’s official support page for the default setup method.
After signing in, immediately create a new, strong admin password. Do not leave the default admin password active.
How to Reset a Router Before Selling or Giving It Away
Factory reset the router before handing it to someone else.
This helps remove:
- Wi-Fi passwords
- Router admin credentials
- VPN settings
- Network names
- Device lists
- Port forwarding rules
- Connected-service details
After resetting, confirm that your old Wi-Fi name no longer appears and the router shows its default setup network.
Common Problems When Factory Resetting a Router
The Reset Button Does Nothing
Make sure the router is powered on. Press the recessed Reset button, not the nearby WPS button. Hold it for the exact time recommended by the manufacturer.
I Pressed WPS Instead of Reset
WPS is not the same as a factory reset. It is normally used to connect devices to Wi-Fi. Look for a small pinhole button labelled Reset.
The Router Keeps Restarting
Wait several minutes after a reset. If it continues restarting, unplug it, wait 30 seconds, reconnect it, and contact the manufacturer or ISP if the problem continues.
I Cannot Find the Default Wi-Fi Password
Check the label on the bottom or back of the router. If the router was provided by your internet company, check its support app or contact customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does factory resetting a router change the Wi-Fi password?
Yes. It removes your custom Wi-Fi password and restores the factory default password, which is usually printed on the router label.
Will factory resetting a router improve internet speed?
It can help if incorrect settings, software issues, or a misconfigured network caused the problem. It cannot fix a slow broadband plan, an ISP outage, poor coverage, or a damaged internet cable.
Will I lose internet after resetting my router?
Temporarily, yes. You need to wait for the router to restart and may need to complete the internet setup again.
Is it safe to press the Reset button on my router?
Yes, as long as you understand that it deletes custom settings. Save important setup details first.
Do I need to factory reset my router regularly?
No. Restarting it occasionally is usually enough for routine troubleshooting. Factory reset only when it is necessary.
Final Thoughts
A factory reset is useful when you forgot your router password, need to erase your data before selling the device, or cannot fix a stubborn network issue. Keep the router powered on, hold the physical Reset button for the manufacturer-recommended time, and wait for it to restart.
Once complete, secure your router again with a new admin password, a strong Wi-Fi password, updated firmware, and the latest security setting available, such as WPA2 or WPA3.
