The following process is not the same asrestarting a router or modem.

Best Methods for Resetting Routers

Several different router reset methods can be used depending on the situation.

Hard resets,power cycling, and soft resets are commonly recommended.

Illustration of a person in a living room with a television on the wall showing a blocked Wi-Fi signal

Lifewire / Miguel Co

Hard resets do not remove or revert the currently-installed version of routerfirmware, however.

To avoid internet connectivity complications, disconnect thebroadband modemfrom the router before performing a hard reset.

The Reset button is either on the back or the bottom.

With something small and pointed, like a paperclip, hold down theResetbutton for 30 seconds.

Release theResetbutton and wait 30 seconds for the router to fully reset and power back on.

Power Cycling

Shutting off and re-applying power to a router is called power cycling.

Power cycles do not erase saved passwords, security keys, or other parameters saved using the router console.

As with hard resets, the router takes time after power is restored to resume operation.

This may just involve removing the physical connection between the two, not manipulating the software or disabling power.