How To Reset Your Router Properly To Improve Slow Internet Speeds

Slow internet can disrupt everything from work meetings to movie nights. While bandwidth-hungry apps or ISP throttling may be to blame, the culprit is often closer than you think: your router. Over time, routers accumulate connection errors, outdated cache, and firmware glitches that degrade performance. A proper reset can clear these issues and restore optimal speed. But not all resets are created equal. Hitting the reset button without understanding the process can lead to configuration loss or even worsen connectivity. This guide walks through the correct way to reset your router—when to do it, how to do it safely, and what steps to take afterward for lasting improvement.

Why Resetting Your Router Can Improve Internet Speed

Routers are small computers managing data flow between your devices and the internet. Like any computer, they can overheat, run out of memory, or suffer software conflicts after days or weeks of continuous operation. When this happens, latency increases, download speeds drop, and devices disconnect unexpectedly.

A reset clears temporary memory (RAM), stops frozen processes, and forces the router to re-establish a clean connection with your modem and ISP. It’s especially effective after:

• Extended uptime (more than a few weeks)
• Sudden drops in Wi-Fi signal strength
• Multiple devices struggling to connect
• Buffering during streaming or lag in online gaming

“Periodic router resets are like hitting the refresh button on your home network. They resolve minor software hiccups that degrade performance over time.” — David Lin, Network Infrastructure Engineer at NetSecure Solutions

However, a reset isn’t a permanent fix for deeper issues like outdated hardware or insufficient bandwidth. It’s best used as a diagnostic and maintenance tool.

Step-by-Step Guide to Properly Resetting Your Router

Resetting a router incorrectly can erase custom settings or fail to resolve the issue. Follow this sequence to ensure a safe and effective reset.

1. Save critical settings: Note down any custom configurations such as Wi-Fi passwords, port forwarding rules, or parental controls. A factory reset will erase these.
2. Disconnect devices: Temporarily pause downloads, video calls, or smart home functions that rely on constant connectivity.
3. Power down the router: Unplug the power cable from the back of the router. Do not use the power button if present—physically cutting power ensures a full reset.
4. Wait 30 seconds: This allows capacitors to discharge and memory to clear completely. Skipping this step risks incomplete reset.
5. Reconnect the router: Plug the power cable back in and wait for all indicator lights to stabilize. This usually takes 1–2 minutes.
6. Test the connection: Connect a device via Wi-Fi or Ethernet and run a speed test using tools like Speedtest.net.

Tip: Always reset both the modem and router if they are separate units. Turn off the router first, then the modem. After waiting 30 seconds, power on the modem first and wait for its lights to stabilize before turning on the router.

Different Types of Resets: Soft vs. Factory

Not all resets are the same. Understanding the difference prevents accidental data loss and ensures you choose the right method.

Reset Type	What It Does	When to Use	Risks
Soft Reset (Power Cycle)	Turns the router off and on. Clears temporary memory but keeps settings.	Regular maintenance, slow speeds, intermittent disconnections	Minimal—no data loss
Factory Reset	Erases all configurations and returns router to default state.	Forgotten password, persistent bugs, preparing for resale	Loss of Wi-Fi names, passwords, and advanced settings

To perform a factory reset, locate the small recessed button on the back of the router. Use a paperclip to press and hold it for 10–15 seconds until lights blink erratically. Only do this if necessary—and always have your ISP login details ready, as you may need to reconfigure the device from scratch.

Optimizing Performance After a Reset

A reset alone won’t guarantee long-term speed improvements. To maximize results, follow up with these optimization steps.

Update Firmware

Manufacturers release firmware updates to patch security flaws and improve stability. After a reset, log into your router’s admin panel (usually via 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and check for updates under the \"Administration\" or \"Firmware\" tab. Enable automatic updates if available.

Choose the Best Wi-Fi Channel

In dense neighborhoods, multiple routers on the same channel cause interference. Use a free app like Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot (Windows/Mac) to identify the least congested 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz channel. Set your router to use it manually in the wireless settings.

Position the Router Strategically

Even a perfectly reset router suffers if placed poorly. Avoid basements, metal cabinets, or near microwaves and cordless phones. Elevate the router centrally in your home, ideally on a shelf with minimal obstructions.

Tip: If your router has external antennas, angle one vertically and one horizontally to improve coverage for devices in different orientations.

Real-World Example: Fixing a Home Office Connection

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer in Portland, noticed her Zoom calls frequently froze and file uploads took twice as long. Her ISP confirmed no outages, and a direct Ethernet test showed full speed. Suspecting her router, she followed the soft reset procedure: unplugged both modem and router, waited 30 seconds, powered the modem first, then the router.

After reconnecting, her Wi-Fi speed jumped from 18 Mbps to 87 Mbps. She then logged into her router and discovered the firmware was two versions behind. After updating, she changed the 2.4 GHz channel from 6 to 11, reducing interference from neighboring networks. The result? Stable video calls and faster cloud backups—without upgrading her plan or buying new hardware.

This case illustrates how a simple reset, combined with minor tweaks, can dramatically improve real-world performance.

Troubleshooting: What to Do If Speed Doesn’t Improve

If your internet remains slow after a proper reset, consider these possibilities:

• ISP throttling: Some providers reduce speeds during peak hours or after hitting data caps. Run tests at different times of day.
• Outdated hardware: Routers older than 3–4 years may not support modern standards like Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6. Consider upgrading.
• Network congestion: Too many devices streaming or downloading simultaneously can overwhelm your bandwidth. Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize critical devices.
• Malware or unauthorized users: Check your router’s connected devices list. Unknown devices could be leaching bandwidth.

“Before assuming your router is faulty, verify whether the issue persists over Ethernet. If wired speeds are normal, the problem is likely Wi-Fi related—not the internet connection itself.” — Maria Tran, Senior Support Technician at BroadbandCare Inc.

Router Reset Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you don’t miss any critical steps when resetting your router:

• ☑ Back up Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password
• ☑ Note any custom settings (port forwarding, guest network, etc.)
• ☑ Pause active downloads or streams
• ☑ Unplug router power cable
• ☑ If applicable, unplug modem too
• ☑ Wait at least 30 seconds
• ☑ Reconnect modem first, wait for stable lights
• ☑ Reconnect router, wait for full boot-up
• ☑ Test speed on multiple devices
• ☑ Log into router interface to check firmware and settings

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I reset my router?

There’s no fixed rule, but a soft reset every 1–2 months can prevent performance degradation. If you experience frequent slowdowns, consider weekly resets. However, if you need to reset more than once a week, investigate underlying issues like overheating or ISP problems.

Will resetting my router change my Wi-Fi password?

A soft reset (power cycle) does not change your Wi-Fi password. Only a factory reset will revert the network name and password to default values printed on the router label. Always avoid factory resets unless absolutely necessary.

Can I reset my router remotely?

Most standard routers don’t support remote resets. However, smart routers like Google Nest Wi-Fi or ASUS AiMesh models allow rebooting via mobile apps. Some ISPs also provide web portals for restarting leased equipment.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Resetting your router is a simple yet powerful way to combat slow internet speeds. When done correctly, it clears digital clutter, restores responsiveness, and can breathe new life into an aging network. The key is knowing the difference between a soft reset and a factory reset—and following up with smart optimizations like firmware updates and channel selection.

If you're still struggling after a reset, it may be time to evaluate your equipment or internet plan. But for everyday slowdowns, this low-effort fix often delivers high-impact results.

🚀 Take action today: Perform a proper router reset using the steps above, run a speed test, and compare the results. Share your experience or questions in the comments—your insight might help others solve their own connectivity challenges.