Restarting Your Modem and Router to Restore Internet
If your internet suddenly stops working on several devices, or both Wi-Fi and wired connections fail, restart the modem and router: unplug both, wait at least 60 seconds, then power on the modem first and the router second. Wait several minutes for the modem to reconnect and several more for the router to restore Wi-Fi. This restarts the equipment without erasing your Wi-Fi name, password, or other saved settings; do not press the `Reset` button.
Is restarting the modem and router likely to fix this problem?
Restarting is a sensible first fix when the connection worked recently and then stopped across your home. It can clear a temporary communication problem between the modem, router, and internet provider, or bring back a router that has stopped responding.
No internet access on multiple devices after the connection suddenly stoppedRestarting is most likely to help when:
- Phones, computers, televisions, and other devices lost internet access at about the same time.
- Both Wi-Fi and wired connections stopped working.
- Your router still appears in the device's Wi-Fi list, but pages will not load.
- The router has become slow, unresponsive, or unable to assign an address to a device.
- The connection works but is unusually slow after a temporary interruption.
It is less likely to help if only one computer or phone is affected. That points to a device-specific setting, Wi-Fi problem, or network adapter issue. An internet provider outage, damaged cable, unpaid account, or equipment failure also needs a different solution. Because a normal restart is reversible and does not change saved configuration, it is still a reasonable first step unless you already know the provider is having an outage.
Before you restart, know which box is the modem and which is the router
The modem connects your home to the internet provider. It usually receives a coaxial cable from a cable outlet, a phone-style line for some DSL services, or another provider connection. Its status lights show whether it has connected to the provider.
The router shares that connection with your devices. It creates your home's Wi-Fi network and usually has several Ethernet ports for wired devices. Some routers include a separate modem, while others combine both functions in one device called a gateway. If you have only one box, use the same restart process on that gateway.
This applies to home modem, router, and gateway equipment; the exact product models and software versions covered are not specified. No Administrator or sudo privileges are needed because this is a physical restart, not a computer command. A normal restart does not require a backup of your settings.
Before you begin, identify both power adapters and make sure each device is connected to power. Also check for an unplugged adapter or loose network cable, and see whether more than one device is affected. If your provider has an outage-status page or app, you can check it, but you do not need to do so before restarting.
Do not press the small Reset button. Restarting and factory-resetting are different: restarting removes temporary operating problems, while a factory reset can erase your Wi-Fi name, password, provider settings, and other custom configuration.
How to restart your modem and router safely
Use the power cables or power switches rather than the factory-reset button. No command or settings path is needed for this physical fix. The order matters because the router needs the modem to reconnect before it can restore internet access.
- Turn off or unplug the router.
- Turn off or unplug the modem. If you have a single gateway, unplug that one device.
- Wait at least 60 seconds. Waiting longer is fine. Keep the router disconnected during this pause.
- Plug in or turn on the modem first. Leave the router off while the modem reconnects to the provider.
- Wait until the modem's main connection light settles. This often takes several minutes, depending on the provider and equipment. A connection light may stop flashing, turn solid, or show another normal status described by the modem's label or manual.
- Plug in or turn on the router after the modem has a stable connection.
- Allow several more minutes for the router to start its Wi-Fi network and obtain service from the modem.
- Reconnect your devices to the usual Wi-Fi network or reconnect an Ethernet cable.
Do not press or hold the button labeled Reset. A normal restart uses the power switch or power cable. A factory reset can erase your Wi-Fi name, password, provider settings, and other custom configuration.
A successful restart should leave the modem in its normal connected state and the router broadcasting Wi-Fi. If the modem never reaches that state, the provider connection, incoming cable, modem, or service account may need attention. If the modem connects but the router does not restore Wi-Fi, the router or its power supply may be the problem.
How to check whether your internet is working again
Start with the modem. Common lights include Power, Downstream or Receive, Upstream or Send, Online or Internet, and Ethernet. A normal connected state is often a steady power light and a steady online or internet light. Flashing lights can be normal while the modem establishes service. Red, amber, or missing connection lights may indicate a provider or cable problem, but light meanings differ by model, so use the labels on your equipment.
Then check the router. Its power light should be on, and its Wi-Fi or wireless light should show that the network is active. On your phone or computer, open the Wi-Fi list and select your usual network. Enter the saved password if prompted. If you changed the Wi-Fi name or password in the past, select that exact network rather than a similarly named nearby network.
Test at least two devices. If possible, use one over Wi-Fi and another with an Ethernet cable connected to the router. Open several familiar websites or apps. The expected result is that each device connects to the network and reaches the internet; seeing the Wi-Fi name alone is not enough.
You can run a speed test after the connection returns. A low result means the connection may still be slow, but it is different from a failed restart if websites load and the test completes. If one device works and another does not, continue troubleshooting the device that failed.
What to do if restarting did not restore the connection
Check the physical connections before changing any settings. Confirm that both power adapters are firmly connected to the outlet and equipment. Check the coaxial, phone, fiber, or other provider cable at the modem, along with the Ethernet cable between the modem and router. If a cable looks damaged, try a known-good replacement of the same type when available.
Look at the modem again after it has had time to reconnect. If its online or internet light remains off, red, or in an unusual state, the provider may be experiencing an outage or the incoming service may not be reaching the modem. Check the provider's outage notices using mobile data or another connection if available.
If the modem shows a normal connection, test a computer with an Ethernet cable connected to the router. If the wired connection works but Wi-Fi does not, inspect the router's wireless settings and move closer to it for a test. If neither wired nor wireless access works, the router, its cable, or its configuration may be the issue.
Contact the internet provider if the modem cannot establish service, several devices remain offline, or an outage is reported. Tell the provider which modem lights are on, flashing, or off, and explain that you completed a normal power restart.
Do not factory-reset the modem or router as the automatic next step. A factory reset erases saved network settings and may require you to recreate the Wi-Fi network or enter provider-specific configuration. Use it only when the provider or equipment manufacturer gives you a reason and instructions, and make sure you know the current settings first.
Conclusion
If the modem is online and the router restores Wi-Fi, reconnect your devices and test both wireless and wired access. If several devices remain offline, check the cables and provider outage information, then contact your internet provider. Leave the `Reset` button alone unless you are prepared to configure the equipment again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will restarting erase my Wi-Fi password?
No. Unplugging or switching off the modem and router normally preserves the Wi-Fi name, password, and other saved settings. A factory reset is different and can erase them.
How long should I leave the modem unplugged?
Wait at least 60 seconds before powering it back on. Then wait several minutes for the modem's connection light to settle before turning on the router, followed by several more minutes for the router to restore Wi-Fi.
Should I restart the modem or router first?
Power off both devices, then power on the modem first. Once its connection light settles, power on the router so it can receive the modem's internet connection.