Ever had your Wi-Fi cut out during a work call or right in the middle of your favorite show? Before you panic, the fix might be easier than you think.

Resetting your router the right way can solve many internet problems. But there’s a catch: not all resets are created equal.

You might have heard that factory resetting your router is a good way to fix internet issues. But here’s the truth: a factory reset can actually make things worse.

It erases your Wi-Fi name and password.

It wipes out all your settings.

Worst of all? It could completely break your connection, leaving you with no internet until a technician steps in to fix it.

The good news? You usually don’t need a full reset. Most issues can be solved with a simple reboot (turning it off and on the right way) or some easy troubleshooting steps.

Read our blog and find out:

The difference between a reboot and a reset (so you don’t accidentally break your Wi-Fi).

How to properly restart your router to fix slow speeds and dropped connections.

Troubleshooting steps to get your internet back—without losing your settings.

When to call customer support instead of resetting everything.

Let’s get started!

Reboot vs. Reset Router: What’s the Difference?

Before you press any buttons, let’s clear up a common mix-up. Rebooting and resetting your router are not the same thing.

A reboot is just turning your router off and on again. Think of it like refreshing your computer or phone when it starts acting up. This quick fix clears minor glitches and helps restore your internet connection.

When to reboot:

Your internet is slow or keeps dropping.

Some devices won’t connect.

Streaming shows keep buffering for no reason.

Your router has been running for weeks without a reset.

Factory Reset is the Last Resort (Avoid This!)

A factory reset wipes everything: your Wi-Fi name, password, and any custom settings. Your router goes back to its default state, like when you first took it out of the box.

Why you shouldn’t factory reset – unless support tells you to:

You’ll have to set up your entire Wi-Fi network again.

It can disconnect your router from your internet service.

If your router needs special setup from your provider, a reset could knock out your service completely.

Unless a tech support rep explicitly tells you to do a factory reset, don’t do it. Most problems can be fixed with a simple reboot instead.

How to Reboot Your Router (The Right Way)

Rebooting your router is easy, but doing it the wrong way won’t always fix the issue. If you just unplug and plug it back in immediately, it might not clear out the problem.

Follow these steps to properly reboot your router for the best results:

Step 1: Unplug Your Router

Find the power cable and unplug it from the wall.

If you have a separate modem, unplug that too.

Step 2: Wait 60 Seconds

This gives the router time to fully shut down and clear any minor glitches.

If you unplugged a modem, wait for that to power down too.

Step 3: Plug the Modem Back In (If You Have One)

Wait 30 seconds for it to reconnect.

Step 4: Plug Your Router Back In

Wait another 2 to 5 minutes while it powers up and reconnects to your internet service.

Step 5: Test Your Connection

Try browsing the web or streaming a video to see if your connection has improved.

If things are still slow, move on to troubleshooting.

If your internet gets sluggish often, reboot your router every couple of weeks. It helps keep your connection fresh and running smoothly.

How to Fix Wi-Fi Issues Without Resetting Your Router

If rebooting didn’t fix the problem, don’t panic. There are a few more things you can try before calling support. These simple troubleshooting steps can help you get back online without messing with your settings or doing a factory reset.

1. Check your cables and connections.

Make sure all cables are securely plugged in, especially the power and Ethernet cables.

If you have a separate modem, ensure it’s connected properly.

Try using a different Ethernet cable if yours looks damaged.

2. Restart your devices.

Sometimes the issue isn’t with your router. It’s with your phone, laptop, or TV.

Turn Wi-Fi off and back on on your device.

If that doesn’t work, restart your device completely.

3. Make sure your internet service is up.

Check if your internet provider is experiencing an outage in your area.

Use your phone’s mobile data to visit your provider’s website or check their social media for updates.

4. Move closer to the router.

If you’re getting a weak signal, walls and distance might be blocking your connection.

Try moving closer to the router and see if your speed improves.

5. Reduce Wi-Fi congestion.

Too many devices on your network can slow things down.

Disconnect any devices you’re not using.

Avoid streaming or gaming on multiple devices at once if your connection is struggling.

6. Change your Wi-Fi channel (for advanced users).

If you live in an apartment or a crowded area, nearby Wi-Fi networks can cause interference.

Log into your router’s settings and try switching to a different channel.

If none of these steps work, it might be time to reach out for support.

When to Call Support Instead of Resetting Your Router

If you’ve rebooted your router and tried troubleshooting, but your internet is still acting up, don’t reach for the reset button. A factory reset might seem like the next step, but it can actually make things worse by wiping out all your settings and disconnecting your service completely.

Instead, here’s when it’s time to contact your internet provider’s support team:

1. Your internet is completely down.

If your Wi-Fi won’t connect at all (on any device), it could be an issue with your service provider.

Check if there’s an outage in your area before troubleshooting further.

2. You’re disconnected often.

If your internet keeps cutting out multiple times a day, there might be an issue with your router, modem, or provider’s network.

A support agent can help diagnose whether the problem is on your end or theirs.

3. Your speeds are much slower than usual.

If you’re paying for high-speed internet but everything feels sluggish, there could be a problem with your connection.

Try running a speed test and compare it to your expected speeds. If it’s way off, contact support.

4. You’ve tried everything and nothing works.

If rebooting, checking cables, and troubleshooting haven’t solved the issue, it’s time to get expert help.

A tech support rep can guide you through additional steps or send a technician if needed.

What to expect when you call support:

Be ready to describe the issue and what troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried.

They may ask you to reboot your router again or check certain settings.

In some cases, they may need to send a technician or replace your router.

Final Thoughts on Router Reset

To avoid internet problems in the future:

Reboot your router regularly (every couple of weeks) to keep things running smoothly.
Troubleshoot smartly before assuming your router needs to be reset.
Avoid factory resets unless a support agent tells you it’s necessary.

By following these steps, you’ll keep your Wi-Fi fast, stable, and frustration-free, without accidentally breaking your connection.

If you find yourself resetting your router often, that’s a sign of a bigger issue. And let’s be honest: most ISPs have frustrating customer support, long wait times, and robotic troubleshooting scripts that don’t actually fix the problem.

At Race Communications, we do things differently.

Real, local support, based in your community and ready to help.

Remote troubleshooting for diagnosing and fixing Wi-Fi issues without you lifting a finger.

Next-day appointments, so you don’t wait weeks for a technician.

Get reliable internet and real customer support. Order now and experience the Race difference.