Here’s Why You Should Reboot Your Home Internet Router

Anne Maddison's PhotoAnne MaddisonHome InternetJuly 31, 202560 Views

Have you ever noticed your internet slowing down, stopping completely, or just acting up? Maybe a video keeps buffering, or your game starts lagging. When that happens, one of the simplest fixes is to reboot your home router. It’s an easy step that can help your internet work like it should again — and you don’t need to be a tech expert to do it.

 

Rebooting your router means turning it off and then back on the right way. It only takes a few minutes and can fix common problems like weak signals, slow speed, or lost connections.

 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through why rebooting your router is important, how often to do it, the right way to do it, and a few things to watch out for. By the end, you’ll know how to give your internet a quick refresh whenever it starts acting up.

What Does Rebooting a Router Do?

When you reboot your home router, you’re giving it a short break so it can start fresh. It’s just like restarting your phone or computer when it starts acting slow or not working right.

 

Over time, your router builds up temporary data in its memory. This can slow things down or cause little problems, like a weak signal or trouble staying connected. Rebooting clears out that memory and lets the router work better again. It also helps your router make a stronger connection to your internet provider. Sometimes that link gets weak or stuck, and a quick reboot can fix it.

 

Here’s what happens when you reboot:

  • It clears out old data from the router’s memory
  • It helps fix small problems or glitches
  • It lets the router make a fresh connection to your internet provider
  • It can improve speed and signal for your devices

Rebooting is a simple way to fix a lot of common internet issues. And the best part? You don’t need any special skills or tools to do it.

When Should You Reboot Your Router?

You don’t have to reboot your router every day, but there are times when it really helps. If your internet isn’t working like it should, a quick reboot can often fix the problem.

 

Here are common signs that tell you it’s time to reboot:

  • Your internet is slow or keeps dropping. If websites are loading slowly or your connection keeps cutting out, your router might be getting overloaded or confused. A reboot can clear that up.
  • Devices can’t connect to Wi-Fi. Sometimes your phone, tablet, or laptop won’t connect even though the Wi-Fi looks fine. This could mean your router needs a refresh.
  • Web pages take forever to load. If it feels like your internet is crawling, even simple pages, your router might be stuck handling too many tasks at once.
  • Video calls keep freezing or breaking up. This often happens when your connection is weak or unstable. Rebooting can help get things back to normal.
  • Streaming shows or videos are buffering a lot. If your movie keeps stopping to load, it could mean your router needs a clean start.

In some situations, even if there’s no obvious problem, a reboot is still a good idea:

  • After a power outage. When the power goes out, your router may not restart correctly. A manual reboot can help it reconnect properly.
  • After a firmware update. Routers sometimes update themselves to fix bugs or improve security. After this, a reboot helps the new changes take effect.
  • When you connect a lot of new devices. If you’ve just added smart TVs, phones, tablets, or other Wi-Fi devices, your router might need a reboot to handle the new traffic better.

Even if your internet seems fine, rebooting your router every few weeks can help keep things running smoothly. Think of it like giving your router a short break to stay healthy. It’s a simple way to avoid bigger problems later on.

How to Reboot Your Router (3 Simple Ways)

Rebooting your home router is easy, and you don’t need any special tools to do it. Below are three simple ways to restart your router and get your internet working better.

 

1. Unplug and Plug Back In (The Manual Way)

This is the most common and reliable way to reboot your router. It works for almost every type of home router, and you don’t need to log into anything.

 

Follow these steps:

  • Find the power cord that connects your router to the wall or power strip.
  • Gently unplug it from the back of the router or from the outlet.
  • Wait for 30 to 60 seconds.
  • Plug the power cord back in securely.
  • Wait a few minutes until all the lights on the router turn back to normal.

That’s it. Your router will go through its start-up process and reconnect to your internet provider.

 

Why do you need to wait 60 seconds?


Waiting gives the router enough time to fully power down and clear temporary memory that may be causing problems. If you plug it back in too quickly, the memory may not reset properly, and the issues might not go away.

 

This method is especially useful when your internet suddenly stops working, or after a power outage when things don’t come back online as expected.

 

2. Reboot Using the Router’s Web Interface

If your router is in a hard-to-reach place or you don’t want to unplug anything, many routers allow you to reboot through a web browser. This method might take a little more effort, but it’s still simple.

 

Here’s how you can do it:

  • Open any web browser like Chrome, Safari, or Edge.
  • Type your router’s IP address into the address bar. Most common ones are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
  • Press Enter. You’ll be asked to log in.
  • Use the default username and password, or the one you set before. If you don’t know it, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router.
  • Once inside the settings page, look for a tab called something like “System,” “Maintenance,” or “Advanced Settings.”
  • There should be an option to “Reboot” or “Restart.” Click it and confirm when asked.
  • The router will shut down and restart on its own.

This method is useful if your router is mounted high on a wall or in a place that’s hard to reach physically. It’s also helpful if you want to reboot it without unplugging devices or interrupting other cables.

 

Keep in mind that the design of the web interface may differ depending on your router’s brand. If you can’t find the reboot option, check your router manual or the brand’s support site.

 

3. Use a Smart Plug (Optional but Handy)

If you want to make router reboots even easier, consider plugging your router into a smart plug. A smart plug is a small device that goes between your router and the power outlet. You can control it using a mobile app or even voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.

 

Why use a smart plug for your router?

  • It lets you turn your router off and on remotely using your phone.
  • You can schedule regular reboots (like once a week at 3 AM) to keep your internet running smoothly.
  • It’s helpful for people who travel often and want to reboot the router while away.
  • It’s also great if you work from home and want a fast way to fix internet issues without crawling under a desk or unplugging cords.

Smart plugs don’t do anything to your internet settings. They just turn the power off and on, which works the same as unplugging your router by hand. Some users find this the most convenient way to stay in control of their connection.

What Not to Do When Rebooting

Rebooting your router is a quick way to fix internet problems, but doing it the wrong way can cause more trouble. Here are some things you should avoid when rebooting:

 

Don’t Press the Reset Button

It might sound similar, but rebooting and resetting are not the same. The reset button on the back of your router is usually very small and may require a pin or paperclip to press. Pressing it will erase all your custom settings, like your Wi-Fi name and password. If you’re just trying to fix a slow connection or dropped signal, don’t touch the reset button.

 

Don’t Unplug It Too Quickly

When you unplug the router, you need to give it time to fully shut down. If you plug it back in too fast, the memory doesn’t clear properly and the reboot might not help. Always wait at least 30 to 60 seconds before plugging it back in. This short pause allows the router to reset its internal systems.

 

Don’t Reboot During a Firmware Update

If your router is installing a firmware update (usually shown by blinking lights or a message in the settings page), avoid rebooting or unplugging it. Interrupting a firmware update can cause software issues or even break the router. Wait until the update is done before doing anything.

 

Don’t Reboot Too Often

Rebooting once in a while is helpful, especially when your internet starts acting up. But doing it too often, like every day, is not needed. In fact, frequent reboots can sometimes interrupt important updates or confuse the devices connected to your network. For most homes, rebooting every few weeks or only when there is a problem is enough.

How Often Should You Reboot Your Router?

You don’t need to reboot your router every day, but doing it regularly can help keep your internet running smoothly. A good rule is to reboot it about once a month. This clears out old data and helps fix small problems before they get worse.

 

If you play online games, work from home, or have many devices connected, you might want to reboot your router every one to two weeks. This helps keep your connection fast and stable.

Some people like to set a routine. For example, unplug the router before going to bed once a month and plug it back in the next morning. It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference in how well your internet works.

Reboot vs. Reset: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to mix up rebooting and resetting, but they are very different.

 

Reboot means turning your router off and back on. It’s a safe and simple way to fix common internet problems. Nothing changes in your settings, and all your devices can connect like before.

 

Reset, on the other hand, means erasing everything. It clears out all your settings, like your Wi-Fi name and password, and returns the router to the way it was when you first bought it. You’ll need to set everything up again after a reset.

 

You should only reset your router if you really need to. For example, if your router was hacked, you forgot your password, or something is badly broken and a reboot didn’t help. In most cases, a reboot is enough.

Extra Tips to Keep Your Internet Fast

Rebooting helps, but there are other things you can do to make sure your internet stays fast and reliable.

 

Place your router in a central spot

Keep it in an open area, away from walls or large furniture. This helps the signal reach more parts of your home.

 

Keep firmware updated

Router companies often release updates to fix bugs and improve performance. Check your router settings once in a while and install any updates available.

 

Limit the number of connected devices

Too many devices online at once can slow things down. If possible, disconnect things you’re not using.

 

Use Ethernet for important tasks

For things like Zoom calls, online classes, or gaming, a wired Ethernet connection is usually faster and more stable than Wi-Fi.

 

Upgrade your router if it’s over 5 years old

Older routers may not support the latest speeds or features. If your router is outdated, a newer model can make a big difference.

Here are some of the best routers in the market right now:

TP-Link Archer AX55

The TP-Link Archer AX55 is a solid pick for anyone who wants fast, reliable Wi-Fi without spending too much. It supports Wi-Fi 6 for smoother streaming, browsing, and light gaming—even in homes with lots of connected devices. Setup is easy, and the router updates itself automatically, so you don’t have to worry about checking for security patches.

 

It also comes with TP-Link HomeShield, which gives you basic protection like network scans and simple parental controls. While it’s not loaded with advanced features, it still adds a helpful layer of safety for everyday use. You can manage everything through the user-friendly TP-Link app, making this router a smart, affordable choice for most households.

TP-Link Dual-Band AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router Archer AX55 | Wireless Gigabit Internet Router for Home | EasyMesh Compatible | VPN Clients & Server | HomeShield, OFDMA, MU-MIMO | USB 3.0 | Secure by Design
Affordable and reliable Wi-Fi 6 performance for everyday use. Tap the image to view it on Amazon.

ASUS RT‑AX86U Pro (AX5700)

The ASUS RT‑AX86U Pro is a high-speed Wi‑Fi 6 router built for busy homes. With speeds up to 5700 Mbps, it’s great for gaming, streaming, and using lots of devices at once. It also has a 2.5G port for even faster wired connections—perfect for gaming consoles, PCs, or smart TVs.

 

This router keeps your network safe with AiProtection Pro. It blocks harmful websites, stops online threats, and updates itself automatically—no subscription or setup needed. You also get built-in parental controls and a feature called Instant Guard, which protects your connection when you’re using public Wi-Fi. Everything is easy to manage using the ASUS app on your phone.

ASUS RT-AX86U Pro (AX5700) Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Gaming Router, 2.5G Port, Gaming Port, Mobile Game Mode, Port Forwarding, Subscription-free Network Security, VPN, AiMesh Compatible
One of the most reliable routers in today’s market. Tap the image to view it on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

Rebooting your router is one of the easiest and most effective ways to fix common internet problems. It takes just a few minutes and doesn’t require any technical skills. If your internet is slow, drops often, or devices won’t connect, a quick reboot is often all you need. It clears out the router’s memory, refreshes the connection to your internet provider, and helps your devices run better online.

 

Before calling your internet provider or spending money on a new device, try rebooting first. It’s a simple step that solves more problems than most people realize.

 

Want to make sure your home network stays safe too? Check out our guide on how to stay secure on your home internet connection.

 

Disclaimer: Some links on this page are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them.

Loading Next Post...
Follow
Search
Popular Now
Loading

Signing-in 3 seconds...

Signing-up 3 seconds...