Restarting home network equipment is one of the oldest pieces of tech advice, and it lasts because it works. Routers and modems run for weeks or months without a break, and over that time small glitches can build up: a stuck connection, a device that will not get an address, or a slowdown nobody can explain. A clean restart clears them out.

The catch is that many people do it in a way that only half works, or press the wrong button and erase their settings. This guide shows the correct order, how long to wait and what to check afterward.

Modem, Router or Both?

Your home internet usually involves two jobs, sometimes handled by two boxes and sometimes by one.

  • The modem connects your home to your internet provider through the cable, fiber or phone line coming into the house.
  • The router creates your home network and Wi-Fi, sharing that connection with every device.
  • A gateway is a single box that does both, which is common with equipment supplied by internet providers.

If you see one box with the provider’s cable going in and Wi-Fi coming out, you have a gateway. If there are two boxes joined by a short network cable, you have a separate modem and router.

Signs Your Network Needs a Restart

  • Several devices buffer or load slowly at the same time.
  • A device shows it is connected to Wi-Fi but says there is no internet.
  • New devices cannot join the network, while older ones stay connected.
  • Websites load partially or time out on every device.
  • Problems began after a power cut or storm, even though the lights look normal.

The Button You Should Not Press

Many routers have a small recessed button labeled Reset, often requiring a paperclip. Holding it usually performs a factory reset, which erases your Wi-Fi name, password and other settings. That is not what you want for a routine restart. Use the power cable or the power button instead, and leave the reset button alone unless your internet provider tells you otherwise.

How to Restart a Separate Modem and Router

  1. Pause or close video on your streaming devices.
  2. Unplug the power cable from the router, then from the modem.
  3. Wait about a minute with both unplugged, which lets them fully power down.
  4. Plug the modem back in first and wait until its lights show it is connected; this can take a few minutes.
  5. Plug the router back in and wait for its lights to settle.
  6. Reconnect your devices and test a channel.

The order matters because the router needs a working modem to connect through. Powering the router first can leave it waiting without a connection.

How to Restart a Gateway

  1. Unplug the power cable from the gateway, or switch it off with its power button if it has one.
  2. Wait about a minute.
  3. Plug it back in or switch it on.
  4. Give it several minutes until the internet and Wi-Fi lights show it is ready.

Some internet providers also offer a restart option in their account app or website, which does the same thing remotely.

Restart Your Streaming Device Too

Once the network is back, restarting the device you watch on helps it reconnect cleanly. On an Android box, unplug it briefly; on Apple TV, use Settings > System > Restart; on a phone, tablet or PC, use the normal restart option. Then open your player app and test.

What to Check Afterward

  • All the expected lights on the modem and router are on and steady, or blinking normally as described in their manuals.
  • Your devices show the usual Wi-Fi name and connect without asking for a password.
  • A website loads on your phone, confirming internet access.
  • The channel that gave trouble now plays smoothly.

How Often Should You Restart?

There is no need to restart on a strict schedule. Do it when something feels off: buffering appears on several devices, a device cannot connect, or the whole network seems sluggish. Some routers offer a scheduled restart option in their settings; if yours does and you like the idea, choose a time when nobody is watching, such as the middle of the night.

Troubleshooting After a Restart

The Internet Light Will Not Come On

Check that every cable is firmly connected, especially the line from the wall. If the light still stays off after several minutes, there may be an outage, and your internet provider is the right contact.

Wi-Fi Name Is Missing

Give the router a little longer, then power-cycle it once more. If the network name has changed to a default name, the router may have been reset; contact your internet provider for help restoring it.

Streaming Is Still Slow

A restart fixes temporary glitches, not weak coverage. Our guides to router placement and why IPTV keeps buffering cover the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I leave the router unplugged?

About a minute is a common recommendation. It gives the equipment time to fully power down.

Will restarting the router change my Wi-Fi password?

No. A normal restart keeps all your settings. Only a factory reset erases them.

Should I restart the router before contacting support?

Yes, it is one of the most useful checks. Our pre-support checklist lists the others.

Do I need to restart the modem if only one device has problems?

Not always. Start by restarting that device. If several devices struggle, restart the network equipment.

A Two-Minute Fix Worth Knowing

Restarting in the right order takes a few minutes and solves more problems than almost any other step. For device setup help, visit the installation page.