How Do I Reset a Router? The Complete 2025 Guide for IT & Cybersecurity Teams

Updated on November 18, 2025, by Xcitium

When your internet slows down, your devices stop responding, or your network becomes unstable, one of the first questions people ask is: “How do I reset a router?” Resetting a router may sound simple, but for IT managers, cybersecurity teams, and business leaders, doing it incorrectly can cause downtime, data loss, or even a security risk.

In fact, according to recent network reliability studies, over 60% of connectivity issues can be fixed by a proper router reset or reboot. This makes it one of the most essential skills for anyone managing a network — whether at home, in an office, or across a large enterprise.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn the exact step-by-step process, the differences between resetting and rebooting, the security risks, and the best practices every organization should follow.

What Does Resetting a Router Actually Mean?

Before learning how, it’s important to understand what a router reset does.

A router reset restores the device to:

Factory default settings
Original network configuration
Original admin username and password
Default security settings

This action wipes out all custom settings, which may include:

WiFi name and password
Guest networks
Firewall rules
VPN settings
Port forwarding
DNS configurations
Security filters

In short:

A reset erases everything you’ve customized.

Reset vs. Reboot: What’s the Difference?

Many users confuse these two terms.

Reboot (Soft Reset)

A reboot simply restarts the router.
It is the recommended first step for:

Slow internet
Unresponsive websites
Device connection failures
Temporary outages
Poor WiFi signal

Rebooting does not erase any settings.

Factory Reset (Hard Reset)

A full reset restores the device to factory settings.

You should only use this option when:

You forgot the admin password
The router is hacked or misconfigured
You have persistent connectivity issues
firmware upgrades caused problems
Settings are corrupted
You are replacing or selling the router

How Do I Reset a Router? Step-by-Step Instructions Below are the exact methods IT professionals use.

Follow carefully to avoid data loss.

Method 1: Physical Button Reset

This is the most common and reliable method.

Step-by-Step:

Keep the router powered on.
Locate the Reset button (usually on the back).
Use a pin or paperclip to press and hold the button.
Hold for 10–15 seconds until the lights flash.
Release the button and wait for it to reboot.

What happens next?

Your router is now restored to factory defaults.

Method 2: Reset Through the Web Interface

This method works when you still have admin access.

Steps:

Open a browser and enter your router’s IP address:

Common addresses:

192.168.1.1
192.168.0.1
10.0.0.1

Login using your username and password.
Navigate to:
Administration → System → Reset
Choose “Factory Reset” or “Restore Defaults.”
Confirm the action.

Method 3: Remote Reset (For IT Teams & MSPs)

Managed networks often use:

Cloud dashboards
Network controllers
Remote monitoring tools

These platforms allow remote factory resets for enterprise routers, such as:

Cisco Meraki
Ubiquiti UniFi
Fortinet
TP-Link Omada

Use cautiously to avoid downtime across sites.

What You Should Do After Resetting a Router

Once you’ve mastered how do I reset a router, the next step is reconfiguring it securely.

Follow these steps:

1. Change the Default Admin Password

Never leave defaults active.
Over 90% of IoT attacks target default router credentials.

Use at least:

12+ characters
Mixed symbols, numbers, and cases

2. Create a Strong WiFi Password

Avoid simple names like “Home123.”

Instead:

Enable WPA3 (or WPA2 if older device)
Use complex passphrases
Avoid sharing passwords openly

3. Update Firmware

Outdated firmware is a major security risk.
Check for updates immediately after a reset.

4. Recreate Network Settings

You’ll need to manually set up:

WiFi names (SSID)
Guest networks
Parental controls
Port forwarding
DNS settings
Security filters

5. Reconnect All Devices

Your devices will no longer recognize the previous network.

Reconnect:

Laptops
Phones
Printers
Smart home devices
Servers
Workstations

Why Your Router Might Need a Reset

Understanding the cause helps prevent future issues.

1. Slow or Dropping Internet

Over time, routers accumulate caching errors.

2. Malware or Unauthorized Access

Hackers often target routers to:

Redirect traffic
Install malicious firmware
Spy on activity

A reset is the fastest way to remove infections.

3. Misconfiguration After Updates

Firmware upgrades sometimes break settings.

4. Forgotten Passwords

If you cannot log in, a factory reset is required.

5. Preparing the Router for Sale/Transfer

Wipe all personal data to avoid exposing your network details.

Is Resetting a Router Safe?

Yes — but only when done correctly.

It is safe when:

You back up configurations
You understand what settings will be lost
You re-secure the network afterward

It is unsafe when:

Default passwords remain active
Firmware is outdated
You skip the security setup afterward

Router Resetting & Cybersecurity: What IT Teams Should Know

For businesses, a router reset can affect:

Firewall rules
VPN tunnels
IPS/IDS systems
Security appliances
Endpoint connections
Cloud identity systems

Always assess the impact before resetting

Especially in environments such as:

Healthcare
Financial institutions
Government
Manufacturing
Retail

A poorly executed reset can cause downtime, data exposure, or security gaps.

Best Practices to Reset Routers Safely

Here are the recommended practices for IT teams:

1. Always Back Up the Configuration

This allows fast restoration.

2. Document Network Settings

Record VLANs, firewall rules, SSIDs, and more.

3. Perform Resets During Non-Peak Hours

Avoid disrupting operations.

4. Reapply Security Policies Immediately

Resetting clears everything.

5. Validate Connectivity

Test:

LAN
WAN
VPN
DHCP
DNS resolution

Common Mistakes Users Make When Resetting a Router

Avoid these common issues:

Holding the reset button too long or too short
Forgetting to save old settings
Resetting instead of rebooting
Not updating the firmware afterward
Leaving the network unsecured
Not verifying ISP settings

How Router Resets Affect Network Security

A reset temporarily weakens your security until you:

Change passwords
Reconfigure encryption
Set firewall rules
Enable threat protection

For organizations with strict compliance standards, this is especially critical.

Regulatory frameworks affected include:

NIST
ISO 27001
PCI DSS
HIPAA

Advanced Troubleshooting: When a Reset Isn’t Enough

If resetting does not fix your issue, check:

1. Faulty Ethernet Cables

Replace damaged or old cables.

2. ISP Outages

Contact your provider.

3. Overheating

Ensure proper ventilation.

4. Hardware Failure

Routers degrade over time.

5. DNS Problems

Try switching to:

Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)
Google (8.8.8.8)

Conclusion: Resetting a Router Is Easy — But Security Still Comes First

Knowing how do I reset a router is essential for anyone managing a network, whether at home or in a business. But resetting is only the beginning. The real protection comes from securing your router afterward and maintaining strong cybersecurity practices.

If you want better network visibility, stronger endpoint protection, and real-time threat detection, the next step is upgrading your security stack.

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