How to Factory Reset a Router: Step by Step

What a factory reset does

A factory reset returns a router to the same basic state it had when it left the factory. The router's custom Wi-Fi name, wireless password, admin password, port forwarding rules, and other settings are cleared. For most people, a factory reset is a last resort after a configuration problem or a forgotten admin password.

Before resetting, understand what you are giving up. You will need to plan time to reconfigure the router. If you have a saved backup file from the router's settings page, you may be able to restore it after the reset, but the backup must come from the same router and a compatible firmware version. The IEEE 802.11 standard defines the technical foundation for Wi-Fi, while the reset procedure and management controls are set by the router maker.

• Custom Wi-Fi network name and password are erased.
• Admin username and password return to the factory defaults printed on the label.
• Guest network, parental controls, port forwarding, VPN, and other advanced settings are cleared.
• The router may reconnect to the internet using its default settings, but that is not always enough for your ISP.

Reboot vs reset: know the difference

A reboot simply turns the router off and on again. It keeps your configuration and clears temporary glitches. A factory reset wipes the configuration. If your goal is to fix a slow Wi-Fi moment or a hung router, start with a reboot. If the router still misbehaves or you no longer know the admin password, then a factory reset is the more thorough option.

Use the right tool for the job. A reset button is meant for recovery and troubleshooting. It is not the same as the power button, and it is not a switch you should press while the router is running normally. Some routers label the function clearly; others use a small recessed pinhole.

Find the reset button or pinhole

Look at the back or bottom of the router for a button labeled Reset, or for a small recessed hole. You may need a paper clip or a similar pointed object to press the button inside the hole. The router's manual, or the label on the router, will tell you the exact location.

If you cannot find a reset button on the hardware, check the router's administrative interface. Many routers include a factory reset option in the administration or system tools section. That option performs the same type of reset without requiring a physical press. You can usually reach the admin page by entering the router's IP address in a browser; see how to find the router IP address for help.

Step by step: how to perform a factory reset

The exact procedure varies by router, but the general steps are consistent across most home routers.

Start with the router powered on. Press and hold the reset button or use a paper clip inside the pinhole. Continue holding while you watch the front lights. After a short pause, the router will usually restart or the lights will blink in a different pattern. Release the button and wait for the router to finish booting.

If the router has a software reset option, save any configuration backup first, then choose the factory reset option from the admin page. Confirm the action when the router asks. The router may go offline for a short time while it restores the default settings.

After the router reboots, connect to the default Wi-Fi network or use an Ethernet cable. The default network name and admin password are usually printed on the router label. You may need to forget the old Wi-Fi network on your devices before they can connect to the new one.

If the reset does not seem to work, check that you are holding the button long enough and that the router has power throughout the process. Some reset procedures require the router to be unplugged, then plugged in while holding the button. Check the router's manual for the exact sequence.

What to do after a factory reset

A factory reset is not the finish line. The router is now at its most basic and least secure state, so you should reconfigure it before connecting your main devices.

Set a new admin password first. Routers start with a default admin password that is widely known and should not be left in place. Wi-Fi Alliance notes that WPA3 is mandatory for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED devices and disallows outdated legacy protocols, so choose WPA3 when your router and devices support it. NIST also develops cybersecurity standards, guidelines, and best practices, and the same principle applies at home: change default credentials and keep software current. Start with router security basics and how to change the router admin password.

Next, set up your internet connection. Your router needs the correct connection type and login details from your internet service provider. If you were using a modem or optical network terminal before, reconnect the Ethernet cable between that device and the router's WAN port.

After the internet connection is working, choose a Wi-Fi network name and password. You can keep the same network name and password you used before, which lets most devices reconnect automatically, but you should still type the password again on each device. See how to change the Wi-Fi name and password.

Check for firmware updates before you do anything else. Router makers release firmware to fix bugs and security issues. Updating firmware after a reset is a good habit because the default firmware that shipped with the router may be out of date. Follow how to update router firmware.

Finally, rebuild the features you depend on: guest network, parental controls, port forwarding, VPN, and quality of service. Reconnect your devices individually and verify that each one gets an IP address. If your network uses a mesh system, you may need to re-add each satellite after the main router is reset; see how to set up mesh Wi-Fi.

When a reset is not enough

A factory reset can fix software and configuration problems, but it cannot repair failed hardware. If the router still drops connections, runs very slowly, or shows the same problem immediately after a clean setup, the issue may be with the hardware, the modem, or the internet service itself.

Try one clean setup with minimal changes. Connect a laptop by Ethernet, test the connection, then add Wi-Fi devices in stages. If the problem follows a specific device, check that device's settings. If the problem happens with every device, the router may be nearing the end of its useful life.

When you decide the router needs to be replaced, you do not have to buy the same model. Use the buying guides to match a router to your home size and internet plan: Wi-Fi 6 routers for a balanced upgrade, mesh Wi-Fi systems for whole-home coverage, budget-friendly replacements when you want an economical option, travel routers if you need a compact model on the road, or 4G or 5G routers for cellular internet.

Before you sell, recycle, or pass along an old router, perform a factory reset to remove your personal settings. Doing this helps make sure no saved credentials remain on the device.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Will a factory reset make my Wi-Fi faster?

It can clear configuration problems, but it will not add speed if the limitation is your internet plan, router hardware, or Wi-Fi placement. After resetting, set up the router cleanly and check if the speed problem remains.

Is a factory reset the same as rebooting the router?

No. A reboot restarts the router and keeps your settings. A factory reset clears your settings and returns the router to its out-of-box defaults.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset itself is quick, but the router needs a short time to restart and finish applying defaults. The total time depends on the model.

Will I lose my Wi-Fi password after a factory reset?

Yes. The custom Wi-Fi password is cleared, and the router returns to the default Wi-Fi name and password printed on the label. You will need to set up a new Wi-Fi password and reconnect your devices.

Do I need to reset my router before selling it?

A factory reset removes most personal settings, but it is a good idea to also update the router to its default firmware and confirm that no saved backup files are left behind.