Reset Your Home Network
If you are experiencing network connectivity issues, you may want to restart or reboot your router, which is a very different action that resetting your router. Resetting your router reverts it back to its factory settings. This means that your usernames and passwords for your router, Wi-Fi, and ISP will all be changed. This is generally the last step you want to take when attempting to deal with network connectivity issues and is most often used when someone has forgotten the administrator's password or security key.
Contents
Steps
Using the Reset Button
- Find the reset button. This is a pinhole-sized hole usually in the back of your router. With a paperclip or a safety pin, press in and hold the reset button for about ten seconds.
- Wait for the lights to change. This may mean that the lights begin to blink or that they go from blinking to solid. Each individual model may be different.
- Let go. Your router should now be reset to its factory settings.
Doing a Soft Reset
- Enter your information. Find your IP address and type that into your browser. This will take you to your router's settings.
- Find your advanced settings tab. Different routers may have different tab headings, so you may want to check under Advanced, Maintenance, System, Management, Administration, or the like.
- Select Restore. This may be labelled as Restore Factory Settings or Restore to Default. Some routers will allow you to choose if you would like to maintain your current username and password if you wish.
- Change your settings. Once your router has restarted, type your IP address into your browser again. You will be asked to log in using the factory username and password. Once here, you may change your username, password, and wireless settings.
Tips
- Check all your cables and wires and make sure they are all snug and secure.
- If you have to call Tech support stay positive, talk with the Rep as you would your best friend, tell a joke or try to find things you have in common (i.e. location, weather, sports). They will go the extra mile to help resolve your issue.
- Get familiar with the pattern of the lights on your modem and all network devices. if you know what light is wrong Tech Support can use that to determine what is causing the problem with your Internet connection. Write it down when it is working if you don't know what it normally is.
- If you can't get online check if your modem has a Internet On/Off Button or a Standby Button. If it does try pushing that button and see if the lights change or come on.
- If you have a VoIP modem it may have an internal battery backup. Unplugging the power cord or brick may not be enough to do a complete power cycle; you will need to remove the battery as well.
Warnings
- If you have to call tech support, don't yell at the Rep. They work for the company and are trying to help you. They are your friend, agitating them will reduce their interest in helping you and might delay a resolution to your connection issue.
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