When was the last time you restarted your network device? A slow connection doesn’t always come from your service company.
Many factors can disrupt access—from environmental conditions to temporary service issues.
But often, the problem starts with your local equipment. If you deal with unstable access or reduced performance, check your signal distributor (and the separate unit if your setup uses one).
You can often fix these problems by powering down the device, waiting briefly, and turning it back on. If that doesn’t solve the issue, you might need to restore it to its original setup.
After years of handling setup-related frustrations, I’ve found that restarting or resetting your equipment often solves the problem.
In this walkthrough, I’ll show you how to restore access and what actions to try next if the first steps don’t help.
Give your router a manual reset
To refresh your connection, cut the power to the router, wait a few moments, then turn it back on.
This method clears temporary errors and reinitializes the system. Restarting a glitchy game helps restore regular play, but resetting the router puts it back in a stable working condition.
Restarting a network device resolves most connection issues. The system that manages communication between your equipment and the internet unit can stop working correctly.
Powering the device off and back on is the first step to fixing signal problems.
Do this:
- Unplug the unit from its power source. You can disconnect it from the outlet or the device itself.
- Wait 30 seconds to let it shut down completely.
- Plug the unit back into the power.
- Wait another 30 seconds for it to power up fully. When the lights stabilize, reconnect your equipment to the wireless network.
Check for Battery Backup
Some routers have built-in battery support that lets them stay on briefly during power interruptions.
If your device includes this feature, unplugging it from the wall may not be enough to shut it down completely.
Once you’ve disconnected the power cable, confirm that all indicator lights have turned off.
If any lights remain on, the unit is still powered. Look for a battery slot or compartment, remove the batteries, and ensure the router powers down fully.
After waiting about 30 seconds, reconnect the power and reinsert the batteries.
Restoring Your Router to Factory Settings
If an essential reboot doesn’t fix the problem, reset your router to its factory settings.
It will remove all personalized configurations, such as your network name and password, and assign a new public IP address. The router will return to its original state, like when you first set it up.
Consider this step if you frequently reboot your router or experience slower Wi-Fi speeds than your wired connection.
Before resetting, ensure that your router’s firmware is updated. To reset your router, follow these steps:
- Keep the router powered on.
- Use a paper clip to press the Reset button or the available reset option on some models.
- Hold the button for about 30 seconds.
- Wait a minute or two for the router’s lights to turn back on.
- You can also reset your router through its mobile app or web portal, requiring your login credentials.
How to Determine the Source of Connectivity Issues
When using separate devices for internet connectivity, troubleshoot each one individually.
To verify if the primary device works, directly connect a device to it using a wired connection.
If you gain internet access, the secondary device is likely the source of the problem. If the issue persists, reset both devices. Follow these steps:
- Disconnect both devices from their power sources.
- Wait for about 30 seconds, then reconnect the primary device first, followed by the secondary device.
- Wait a few minutes for both devices to restart completely.
Resetting both devices should resolve most connectivity issues and restore internet access.
Is It Time to Upgrade Your Device?
If you experience frequent slowdowns or interruptions that require you to restart your device regularly, consider upgrading to a newer model.
A well-regarded option delivers strong performance in speed, range, and responsiveness based on comprehensive testing.
Experts advise replacing your device every few years, but if you have numerous connected gadgets or keep up with the latest technology, you should upgrade more frequently.
Remember, the performance of your device heavily relies on the quality of the network it’s connected to.
To pinpoint the cause, run performance tests by directly connecting to the network and compare those results with your wireless speeds.
If the direct connection doesn’t meet your expectations, you might need to switch to a faster service or change providers.