Many people constantly ask the question, if I reset my router will I still have internet? Would my connection to the internet be retained even when I do so?
In this article, we’ll be discussing what happens when you reset your router.
When you reset your router, you would temporarily be disconnected from the internet. You’ll be back online after the device reinitializes and after you reconfigure the router.
If I Reset My Router Will I Still Have Internet? – Yes or No?
The answer is – Yes and No!
Yes, because your connection to the internet won’t be suspended. It will be back up after the reinitialization of the router.
And No, you wouldn’t have an internet connection.
This is because when you perform a reset of your router, the device will be turned off, meaning, its features and functionalities would be turned off, too.
But do you know what resetting is? How is it different from a power cycle or a restart?
What Does Resetting the Router Mean?
Resetting your router is not the same as the power cycle or restart process.
Restarting or power cycling is just turning the device off, completely removing it from its power source, and then turning it back on again.
For resetting, though, the usual process is done by following these steps:
- Locate the Reset pinhole on your router.
- Using a paperclip or a SIM card pin, press and hold the pinhole.
- Release it after 8 to 10 seconds or until the lights on the router refresh.
After you do this, your router should now be reset. For you to grasp a better understanding of this, let us look at a few different things that happen when you reset your router.
Your Device Reboots/Restarts
Basically, your router turns off and turns back on again. This simple action is what proves that you wouldn’t have an internet connection the moment you reset your router.
The analogy is simple – when it’s turned off, the device would not function, and thus, its internet capability wouldn’t function.
This applies to both wired and wireless connections.
NOTE: Your inability to connect to the internet would be temporary, though.
In fact, after three (3) to five (5) minutes after the reset, should work back up again, given that you’re not experiencing any internet-related issues.
All Network Saved Information Will Be Reset
Another thing that separates a reset from a simple reboot or restart is the fact that all network settings on the router will have defaulted back to the manufacturer’s settings.
Everything you customized on the router will be reset.
These would include the following information:
- SSID or the router’s name (network name)
- Passwords
- Saved or recognized devices
- WiFi QR code (if your device recognizes WiFi QR)
NOTE: All of the devices that were previously connected to the router will also cause their “auto-connect” features to reset.
Meaning, you will need to re-enter the password, and other needed information again to be able to connect.
Router Configuration Settings Will Be Defaulted
Last, but most definitely not least would be the defaulting of the configuration settings.
These configuration settings are saved information that the router uses to interact and communicate with all other devices in the network.
There are multiple configuration settings available in every router.
However, the most common ones would be the WiFi channel, the bandwidth settings, global parameters, dynamic and static routing, and all other configuration data saved.
NOTE: The software or firmware version of your router wouldn’t be reset. Only saved configs would be reverted to their default settings.
But if resetting would do these things, why should you do it in the first place? What reasons are there for you to force a reset of your router?
Why Should You Reset Your Router?
Resetting your router is usually done when you have encountered or come across unsolvable problems with the network.
It could be issues with connectivity, sluggish or slow internet speeds, inability to establish a connection, and many more.
On the contrary, rebooting is something that you need to consider doing on a regular basis.
CompTIA, a technology-focused association, said that rebooting a router at least once (1) per week is generally a good idea.
Doing so can help your router be free from unwanted problems and errors, while resetting should, as much as possible, be avoided unless problems appear.
If any of the following situations present themselves, you want to consider doing a reset.
When You’re Having or Experiencing Network Problems
Network problems are vague. To narrow it down a little bit further, the following are the most common problems relating to network or connectivity:
- Inability to access the internet
- Slow or sluggish connection
- Dropping or disconnecting connection
There are a few other network or internet-related connectivity errors you may encounter. These three (3) are just the most common ones encountered by many users.
After a Power or Network Outage
When your area has been affected by a power outage or a network outage, you should consider doing a reset.
Sometimes, sudden changes with the device (be it power or network-related) can cause it to malfunction and resetting it can revert things back to the way it was.
When You’ve Upgraded Your Internet Connection
Changing or upgrading your internet connection can tamper with the current connection that you have.
Because of the updates and the changes with the network, there’s a possibility that it could cause problems.
It could be the reason why you’re unable to connect to the internet or why you’re experiencing problems with your network.
Other Technical Difficulties
If you come across other technical difficulties concerning your router like if it’s not being detected, if you’re unable to log in even if you’ve input the correct password, if you’re connected to it but there’s no internet connection, etc.
With all this information at hand, you’re now aware that resetting your router would mean that you will temporarily be disconnected from your connection to the internet.
Will I still have internet connection if I reset my router? The answer is No, your internet would temporarily be disabled because it will be turned off. You’ll regain connection after the router reinitializes successfully.
Read Next: How To Fix Ethernet Ports Not Working On Router?
Final Verdict
If you’re confused and asking if I reset my router, will I still have internet, you have all the information you need about it here. Know about when and when not to do a reset and you’ll be fine.
Keep this tutorial handy for you to know where to locate it the next time you need to reset your WiFi router.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.