Factory resetting a router erases all of its custom settings and returns it to how it left the factory. Your Wi-Fi name and password revert to the printed defaults, and any custom settings such as port forwarding, custom DNS, and the admin password are wiped. You must set the router up again afterward. Use this only for a forgotten password or a fault a simple restart cannot fix.
Why this happens
A factory reset clears the router's saved configuration completely, not just its temporary memory. Everything you or your provider changed goes back to default.
This is useful when the settings are corrupted, you are locked out by a forgotten admin password, or you are preparing to set the router up from scratch.
Is this normal?
It is a legitimate step, but it is a last resort. Try a restart first, because a reset forces you to reconfigure the entire network.
Does it cause any problems?
Every custom setting is lost, including Wi-Fi name and password, guest networks, port forwarding, parental controls, and custom DNS. Devices will not reconnect until you set the Wi-Fi up again, and some provider routers need setup details from the provider.
How to fix or check it
- Find the recessed Reset button on the back or bottom of the router.
- With the router powered on, press and hold it with a paperclip for about ten to thirty seconds until the lights flash or change.
- Release and wait several minutes for the router to reboot to defaults.
- Connect using the default Wi-Fi name and password printed on the router label.
- Log in to the router settings and reconfigure your Wi-Fi name, password, and any features you need. Have provider setup details ready if required.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between reset and restart?
A restart reboots the router and keeps all settings. A factory reset erases every setting and returns the router to defaults.
Will a factory reset fix my internet?
It can fix problems caused by bad settings, but if the issue is with your provider or the line, a reset will not help. Try a restart first.
Do I need my provider's details after a reset?
Sometimes. Many routers reconnect automatically, but some require login or connection details from your provider to get back online.