How Long Does It Take to Reboot a Router?

Rebooting a router usually takes only a few minutes, but those minutes can feel much longer when every phone, television, computer, camera, and smart-home device suddenly goes offline. The router may appear to be running before the internet is actually ready, and connected devices do not always come back at the same time.

A basic stand-alone router commonly takes about two to five minutes to reboot and restore Wi-Fi. A combined modem-router gateway may take five to twelve minutes because it must reconnect to the internet provider as well as restart the home network. A full restart involving a separate modem, router, and mesh points may take five to fifteen minutes under normal conditions.

The correct estimate depends on what equipment is being restarted. Many people call every box near the internet cable a router, even when the device is actually a modem, gateway, fiber terminal, mesh router, or a combination of several functions. That difference explains why one household is back online in two minutes while another waits ten.

This guide explains normal router reboot times, how to restart the equipment safely, what the lights mean, why a reboot may take longer, and what to do when the internet does not return.

Quick Answer

A stand-alone Wi-Fi router generally takes two to five minutes to reboot. The router itself may finish starting sooner, but phones, computers, televisions, and smart devices can need another minute or two to find the Wi-Fi network and reconnect.

A combined modem-router gateway often takes five to twelve minutes because it must establish a connection with the internet service provider before internet access returns. Xfinity, for example, currently advises that restarting one of its gateways can take up to 12 minutes.

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Reboot situation	Typical total time	What is happening
Stand-alone router	2–5 minutes	Router starts, creates the Wi-Fi network, and reconnects devices
Router restarted through an app or settings page	2–5 minutes	Software orders the same basic hardware restart
Combined modem-router gateway	5–12 minutes	Gateway reconnects to the provider and rebuilds Wi-Fi
Separate modem and router	5–15 minutes	Modem connects first; router then restores the home network
Mesh router with several points	5–15 minutes	Main router and satellite points restart and re-form the mesh
Reboot during a firmware update	Varies; often longer	Firmware installs and the router may restart more than once

These are planning estimates rather than guarantees. Manufacturer, provider, connection type, firmware, network design, and an existing service problem can all affect the time.

What Does Rebooting a Router Mean?

Rebooting means shutting down and restarting the router’s operating system without erasing the settings. The Wi-Fi network name, password, parental controls, guest network, port-forwarding rules, and other saved choices should remain in place.

A reboot may be started in several ways:

• selecting Restart or Reboot in the router’s app;
• selecting the reboot command in the router’s browser-based settings;
• pressing the router’s normal power button, waiting, and turning it back on;
• unplugging the power adapter temporarily and reconnecting it; or
• asking the internet provider to restart a managed gateway remotely.

The method changes how the restart begins, but it does not eliminate the normal boot time. A reboot command in an app is convenient, yet the router still has to shut down its services, start its software, bring up the wired network, activate its Wi-Fi radios, and reconnect to the internet-facing equipment.

Rebooting is also called restarting or power cycling. Strictly speaking, a software reboot and a power cycle are not identical: a software reboot is commanded through the device, while a power cycle removes and restores electrical power. For routine home troubleshooting, both are used to create a fresh start without erasing the configuration.

What Happens During a Router Reboot?

The home network briefly disappears because the router stops its normal work and starts again. Depending on the model and configuration, the device may:

1. close active network processes;
2. clear temporary operating data;
3. reload its firmware and saved configuration;
4. activate its Ethernet ports;
5. start the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and possibly 6 GHz Wi-Fi radios;
6. request or renew its connection on the internet-facing side;
7. restart services such as DHCP, DNS forwarding, firewall rules, guest Wi-Fi, and parental controls; and
8. allow household devices to reconnect.

The router does not normally erase permanent settings during this process. It reloads those settings from storage.

The internet light may turn normal before every device reconnects. A laptop that is awake may return almost immediately, while a sleeping thermostat, printer, camera, television, or smart plug may check the network less frequently. The network can therefore be working even though one device still appears offline.

Router Reboot Time by Equipment Type

The word “router” covers several common home-network arrangements. Identifying yours provides a better estimate.

Stand-Alone Wi-Fi Router: About 2–5 Minutes

A stand-alone router usually connects by Ethernet to a separate cable modem, fiber terminal, or another provider device. Restarting only the router does not force the provider-facing equipment to register again, so the process is often relatively quick.

Official manufacturer instructions reflect this range. ASUS advises allowing about three minutes for some routers to boot, while Google Fiber says its Wi-Fi 6 router may take up to five minutes for the normal status light to return. Linksys says some routers may reconnect in about a minute after the brief power-off period, although model and network conditions vary.

Combined Modem-Router Gateway: About 5–12 Minutes

A gateway performs the jobs of both a modem and router in one box. Cable providers commonly supply this type of equipment. When it restarts, it may have to reacquire the cable signal, communicate with the provider, establish internet service, obtain network information, start voice service if included, and then restore Wi-Fi.

That is why gateway instructions often give a longer estimate than router manufacturers do. Xfinity currently says a gateway restart may take up to 12 minutes. During that time, the home network is unavailable, and Xfinity Voice service is also unavailable on equipment that provides it.

Separate Modem and Router: About 5–15 Minutes

If the home has two boxes, the most reliable full-network restart is usually performed in stages. The modem or fiber equipment establishes the internet connection first. The router is then powered on so it can receive a working connection and distribute it.

The modem may need several minutes to synchronize with the provider. The router then needs its own two to five minutes. The total is commonly five to fifteen minutes, although a provider outage or line problem can make it much longer.

Mesh Wi-Fi System: About 5–15 Minutes

A mesh system has a main router and one or more points, nodes, or satellites. Restarting the entire network may take longer because the nodes must boot, connect to the main router, and rebuild their wireless or wired backhaul links.

Some mesh apps offer a Restart Network command that handles all units. Other systems let the user restart one point or power-cycle each unit. Follow the manufacturer’s sequence because bringing every unit back at exactly the same moment is not always the recommended approach.

The main router may be online while a distant room still has weak or unavailable Wi-Fi because its local mesh point has not rejoined yet.

Router Reboot After a Firmware Update: Often Longer

A firmware update is more than an ordinary reboot. The router downloads or receives system software, writes it to internal storage, verifies it, and restarts. It may restart more than once.

Never unplug a router simply because a firmware update appears to be taking longer than a normal reboot. ASUS and other manufacturers specifically warn users not to turn off equipment during an update. Interrupting the write process can corrupt the firmware and, in some cases, leave the device unable to start normally.

Use the manufacturer’s stated update time for the exact model. Keep the router powered until the app or settings page confirms completion or the documented ready-light pattern returns.

How to Reboot a Router Properly

The safest method depends on whether the router is responding.

Method 1: Use the Router App or Settings Page

A software reboot is convenient when the router is still accessible.

1. Save any work that depends on the internet or local network.
2. Open the manufacturer’s router app or sign in to the router’s settings page.
3. Find Restart, Reboot, or Restart Network.
4. Confirm the command.
5. Leave the router powered and wait for the normal ready indicators.
6. Reconnect a phone or computer and test the connection.

NETGEAR, ASUS, Linksys, TP-Link, Google Fiber, and other manufacturers provide restart controls for supported models. Menu names and locations differ, so consult the model’s manual if the option is not obvious.

Method 2: Use the Normal Power Button

If the router has a clearly marked power switch or power button:

1. Press the normal power control to turn the router off.
2. Confirm that its lights go out.
3. Wait for the period recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Turn the router back on.
5. Allow two to five minutes for a stand-alone router, or the provider’s stated time for a gateway.

Do not confuse the power button with a recessed Reset button.

Method 3: Unplug and Reconnect the Power

If the router is frozen or has no normal power button:

1. Disconnect the router’s power cable from the router or electrical outlet.
2. Wait the time specified by the manufacturer or provider.
3. Reconnect the same power adapter securely.
4. Wait without repeatedly unplugging it.
5. Test Wi-Fi and internet access when the ready lights return.

Published instructions vary. Some manufacturers say 10 seconds, others say about 30 seconds, and some internet providers advise waiting one minute. There is no need to turn one recommendation into a universal rule. Use the instructions for the actual equipment when available.

How Long Should a Router Stay Unplugged?

For many stand-alone routers, 10 to 30 seconds is sufficient. Some gateways and provider troubleshooting instructions call for one full minute. The waiting period lets the device lose power completely before it starts again.

NETGEAR’s current instructions, for example, say to wait 30 seconds when using the power button on many routers, while its unplugging instructions for certain models say 10 seconds. Linksys commonly recommends about 30 seconds. Xfinity tells customers troubleshooting a gateway to unplug it for one minute.

Waiting five or ten minutes with a normal router unplugged generally does not make the reboot “stronger.” It only lengthens the outage. A longer disconnected period may be requested by an internet provider for a specific modem, gateway, battery, or account procedure, but it is not a universal router requirement.

If the equipment has a backup battery, unplugging the wall adapter may not completely power it down. Follow the provider’s directions before removing any battery, especially when the equipment supplies home phone or emergency calling service.

How to Restart a Separate Modem and Router

When the modem and router are separate, rebooting only the router may restore Wi-Fi without fixing the internet connection. Restarting both can help determine whether the problem is inside the home network or on the provider side.

Unless the provider gives a different sequence, use this general approach:

1. Save work and end important calls or recordings.
2. Unplug the router.
3. Unplug the modem or provider gateway.
4. Wait according to the provider’s instructions, commonly 30 to 60 seconds.
5. Reconnect the modem first.
6. Wait for its online or internet indicator to reach the documented normal state. This may take several minutes.
7. Reconnect the router.
8. Wait another two to five minutes for Wi-Fi and connected devices.
9. Test a wired or Wi-Fi device.

The reason for starting the modem first is practical: the router starts with a working provider connection available. Some providers instruct customers to reconnect both devices together, so follow model-specific instructions when they differ.

Do not press either device’s recessed factory-reset button during a routine restart.

Router Reboot vs. Router Reset

Reboot and reset sound similar, but the results are very different.

Action	What it does	Are settings erased?	Typical use
Reboot or restart	Turns the router’s operating system off and back on	No	Temporary Wi-Fi or connection problem
Power cycle	Removes and restores power	No	Frozen or inaccessible router
Factory reset	Restores original configuration	Yes	Serious configuration issue, forgotten access, ownership change
Firmware update	Installs router system software and usually reboots	Normally no, but backup is wise	Security, stability, and feature updates

The small recessed button on the back or bottom of a router is usually a factory-reset control. Holding it for the manufacturer’s specified time can erase the custom Wi-Fi name, Wi-Fi password, administrator password, guest network, parental controls, and other settings. The router may then broadcast its original default network and require complete setup.

For ordinary troubleshooting, reboot first. Factory reset only when the manufacturer or provider recommends it and after recording or backing up the information needed to rebuild the network.

Does Rebooting Change the Wi-Fi Name or Password?

No. A normal reboot or power cycle should preserve the Wi-Fi network name and password. Devices that connected before should normally reconnect using their saved credentials.

If the network returns with a factory-default name or the old password no longer works, the router may have been reset instead of rebooted, its saved configuration may have failed, or the provider may have replaced or reprovisioned the equipment.

A changed public internet address is possible after some restarts because the provider may assign a new dynamic IP address. That is separate from the private Wi-Fi name and password used inside the home.

How Do You Know When the Router Has Finished Rebooting?

The best indicator is the manual or support page for the exact model because light colors and patterns are not standardized.

In general, the router may be ready when:

• the power light is steady rather than cycling through startup patterns;
• the internet, WAN, or online indicator shows its normal connected state;
• the usual Wi-Fi network name appears on a phone or computer;
• a connected device receives a network connection; and
• a new webpage loads successfully.

Do not judge only by the Wi-Fi icon. A phone can connect to the router’s local Wi-Fi even when the router has no internet connection. Test by opening a new webpage or running the provider’s connection check.

Ethernet activity lights may continue blinking during normal use because blinking can represent traffic. A blinking light is not automatically a problem. Compare the pattern with the manufacturer’s documentation before deciding the router is stuck.

Why Does the Wi-Fi Appear Before the Internet Returns?

Wi-Fi and internet service are related but different. Wi-Fi is the local wireless link between a device and the router. The internet connection is the router’s link through the modem, gateway, fiber terminal, or provider network.

During startup, the router may begin broadcasting the network name before it has a usable connection to the provider. A phone may show strong Wi-Fi while also displaying “No Internet Connection.” That is normal for a short part of the boot sequence.

If Wi-Fi remains available without internet after the full expected reboot time, the router may not be receiving a connection from the modem or provider. Check the modem or gateway’s online indicator, provider outage information, and the Ethernet cable between the devices.

What Can Rebooting a Router Fix?

A reboot can resolve temporary problems caused by a stalled process, short-lived software error, overloaded service, failed connection negotiation, or a device that did not receive network information correctly.

It may help with:

• Wi-Fi that disappeared unexpectedly;
• several devices losing internet access at once;
• a router app or settings page that stopped responding;
• intermittent local connection errors;
• a temporary DNS or address-assignment problem;
• a router that has not recovered cleanly after a provider interruption;
• some devices failing to reconnect after a network change; and
• performance that suddenly became abnormal without an obvious service outage.

A successful reboot does not prove the router was defective. It shows that restarting the involved processes restored normal operation at that moment.

What Will a Router Reboot Not Fix?

A reboot cannot correct every internet or Wi-Fi problem. It will not permanently solve:

• an internet provider outage;
• a damaged coaxial, Ethernet, fiber, or power cable;
• weak service signal reaching the home;
• a router placed too far from the device;
• walls, metal, appliances, or interference blocking Wi-Fi;
• an internet plan that is too slow for current use;
• an overloaded provider network;
• an unsupported or failing router;
• overheating caused by poor ventilation;
• a defective power adapter;
• malware, insecure settings, or outdated firmware by itself; or
• a device-specific problem affecting only one phone, computer, printer, or television.

If the reboot works for only a few minutes or must be repeated daily, treat that as a symptom rather than a maintenance routine. Repeated reboots can temporarily hide the problem without fixing it.

Can Rebooting a Router Improve Internet Speed?

It can restore normal speed when a temporary router problem caused the slowdown. Restarting may clear a stalled process, renegotiate a connection, or allow devices to reconnect cleanly.

It cannot increase the maximum speed purchased from the provider or overcome a weak Wi-Fi signal caused by distance and building materials. It also cannot create more internet capacity when many devices are using the connection at the same time.

For a useful speed comparison:

1. record a test before rebooting;
2. reboot and wait for the network to settle;
3. test the same device in the same location;
4. use the same wired or wireless connection; and
5. compare several tests rather than one isolated result.

If a wired computer reaches the expected speed but Wi-Fi does not, the issue is more likely to involve wireless placement, interference, channel use, device capability, or mesh coverage. If both wired and wireless speeds are poor, check the modem, provider service, plan, and cables.

How Often Should You Reboot a Router?

There is no universal requirement to reboot every router once a week or once a month. A healthy modern router may run for long periods without a manual restart. Manufacturer and provider instructions differ, and some managed gateways update and reboot automatically.

Reasonable times to reboot include:

• when troubleshooting a sudden connection problem;
• after a provider outage if the equipment does not recover;
• when the manufacturer or provider instructs you to restart;
• after certain settings changes;
• after an update when the device requests it; or
• when a documented model-specific issue is resolved by restarting.

Some routers include scheduled restart features, but that does not mean every home needs one. If scheduled reboots are used, choose a time when no one depends on internet calling, remote work, security cameras, streaming, medical equipment, or smart-home services.

Needing frequent reboots is a reason to investigate firmware, heat, power, cables, provider signal, line quality, or failing hardware.

When Should You Avoid Rebooting the Router?

Do not interrupt the router when:

• a firmware update is actively installing;
• the provider is provisioning or activating new equipment;
• the router is restoring a saved configuration;
• another household member is making an internet-based emergency call;
• a security system, medical device, work meeting, online exam, payment, or file transfer currently depends on the connection; or
• the manufacturer specifically says to leave the unit powered during recovery.

If the network includes internet-based home phone service, rebooting the gateway temporarily removes that service. A mobile phone may provide backup calling, but cellular coverage and device condition matter.

The safe choice during an active firmware update is patience. An update can look inactive while the router writes software internally.

What Happens to Connected Devices During a Reboot?

Every device using that router loses its network connection temporarily. This can affect more than web browsing.

Possible interruptions include:

• video calls and internet phone calls ending;
• streaming programs stopping;
• cloud backups and downloads pausing or failing;
• printers becoming temporarily unavailable;
• security cameras going offline;
• smart speakers, thermostats, locks, and plugs disconnecting;
• online games losing their sessions; and
• local network storage becoming unavailable.

Most devices reconnect automatically when the same Wi-Fi name and password return. Some battery-powered smart devices check in on a schedule and can take longer. A stubborn device may need its own Wi-Fi connection toggled off and on or may need to be restarted after the router is fully ready.

Why a Router Reboot May Take Longer Than Expected

Several conditions can extend a normal restart.

The Device Is Actually a Gateway

A combined modem-router must connect to the provider before internet access returns. Waiting up to the provider’s published estimate may be normal.

Firmware Is Updating

An automatic firmware update may add several minutes and cause more than one restart. Do not remove power while the update is active.

The Provider Connection Is Slow to Establish

Cable, DSL, and fiber equipment use different startup and registration procedures. A weak signal, authentication problem, or provider issue can prevent completion.

A Mesh Point Has Not Rejoined

The main router may be online while one node is still booting, too far away, or unable to rebuild its backhaul connection.

The Router Is Older or Overloaded

Older hardware may have slower processors and storage. A complicated configuration with many services can also take longer to initialize.

A Cable Is Loose or Connected to the Wrong Port

The router can finish booting without receiving internet service. Check that the modem or gateway cable is connected to the router’s WAN or Internet port, not an ordinary LAN port unless the documentation says otherwise.

The Power Adapter Is Failing

An unstable or incorrect adapter can cause repeated restarts, freezes, or lights that never reach the normal pattern. Use only a compatible adapter with the required voltage, current, connector, and polarity.

The Router Is Overheating

Routers need airflow. A device inside a closed cabinet, stacked beneath warm electronics, covered by objects, or clogged with dust may become unstable. Rebooting may help briefly because the unit cools while off, but ventilation must be corrected.

What to Do If the Router Does Not Reconnect

Give the equipment its full expected time before changing anything again. Repeatedly interrupting startup can make diagnosis harder.

Then work through these steps:

1. Check power. Confirm the adapter is firmly connected and the outlet works.
2. Check the equipment type. A gateway may need up to the provider’s longer restart estimate.
3. Read the status lights. Compare them with the exact model’s manual rather than guessing from color alone.
4. Inspect cables. Reseat the internet-facing cable and any Ethernet connection between modem and router.
5. Check for an outage. Use the provider’s mobile app, website through cellular data, or support number.
6. Test more than one device. If only one device fails, troubleshoot that device instead of rebooting the whole network again.
7. Restart in the correct sequence. With separate equipment, bring the modem online before powering the router.
8. Try a wired connection. This helps distinguish a Wi-Fi problem from a complete internet problem.
9. Contact the provider or manufacturer. Report the light pattern, model, restart time, and troubleshooting already completed.

Avoid a factory reset until simpler checks are complete. A reset can create a second problem by erasing a configuration that was not responsible for the outage.

What If Only One Device Will Not Reconnect?

If other devices are online, the router reboot succeeded. Focus on the one device.

Try these steps in order:

1. confirm airplane mode is off;
2. turn Wi-Fi off and back on;
3. select the correct network name;
4. wait a minute for the device to request new network information;
5. restart that device;
6. forget and rejoin the network only if necessary; and
7. check whether parental controls, access controls, or device limits are blocking it.

Forgetting the network requires entering the Wi-Fi password again. Do not do it first if the password is not known.

A printer, camera, or older smart device may support only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. If router settings changed during an update, confirm that the compatible band and security mode remain available.

What If the Router Keeps Rebooting by Itself?

Repeated automatic restarts are not the same as a normal one-time reboot. Possible causes include:

• a loose or failing power connection;
• the wrong power adapter;
• overheating;
• unstable firmware;
• an automatic-update or scheduled-restart setting;
• failing hardware;
• an electrical problem; or
• a provider-managed gateway repeatedly losing its connection.

Place the router in an open, ventilated location and check the adapter and outlet. Review the system log or app for update notices when available. If the device reboots at the same time each night or week, inspect scheduled maintenance settings.

Contact the provider if a rented gateway repeatedly restarts. Contact the manufacturer if an owned router remains unstable after approved firmware and power checks. Do not keep factory-resetting it without a diagnosis.

Does Rebooting a Router Make It More Secure?

A reboot is not a complete security plan. It does not automatically remove a persistent compromise, correct a weak administrator password, install missing firmware, or disable unsafe settings.

For better router security:

• install manufacturer-approved firmware updates;
• allow secure automatic updates when appropriate;
• use a strong, unique router administrator password;
• use WPA2 or WPA3 security supported by the devices;
• change default credentials;
• disable remote administration if it is not needed;
• remove unknown devices and review account access; and
• replace equipment that no longer receives security updates.

If a manufacturer or government alert instructs owners of a particular router model to reboot, follow the alert—but also complete every other required step. A restart alone should not be treated as permanent protection.

Is It Better to Reboot Through the App or Unplug the Router?

Use the app or settings-page command when the router is responsive. A software reboot can shut down services in an orderly way and avoids handling cables.

Use the normal power button or unplug method when:

• the app cannot find the router;
• the settings page will not load;
• the router is frozen;
• the manufacturer directs a power cycle; or
• a provider’s troubleshooting process requires it.

Neither method should erase settings. The important exception is the factory-reset button, which must not be used casually.

Planning a Reboot With a Busy Home Network

Choose a low-impact time when possible. Before restarting:

• warn household members;
• save documents and pause important uploads;
• finish internet calls and online transactions;
• note whether security cameras or locks will be unavailable;
• check whether home phone service uses the gateway;
• make sure the Wi-Fi password is available; and
• allow the full 5–15 minute window when restarting all network equipment.

Remote work, telehealth visits, online classes, cloud gaming, and smart-home systems have made a router reboot more disruptive than it once was. A short warning can prevent lost work or confusion.

Related Articles

If you are troubleshooting internet connectivity, improving network performance, or setting up devices, these related guides may also help:

• How Long Does It Take to Reset Wi-Fi?
* How Long Does It Take to Clear Cache on a Device?
• How Long Does It Take to Connect to Wi-Fi?
* How Long Does It Take to Update a Phone?
• How Long Does It Take to Sync Data Between Devices?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Wi-Fi to come back after rebooting a router?

Wi-Fi from a stand-alone router commonly returns within two to five minutes. A gateway or mesh system may need five to twelve minutes or longer. Individual devices can take another minute or two to reconnect.

How long should I wait before deciding the reboot failed?

Wait at least five minutes for a stand-alone router and the full published estimate for a provider gateway. Some Xfinity gateway restarts can take up to 12 minutes. Firmware updates may take longer and should not be interrupted.

How long should I unplug my router before plugging it back in?

Manufacturer instructions commonly range from 10 to 30 seconds, while some providers recommend one minute for a gateway. Use the directions for the exact equipment rather than assuming one waiting period applies to every router.

Will rebooting the router erase my Wi-Fi password?

No. A normal reboot or power cycle does not erase the Wi-Fi name, password, or other saved settings. A factory reset does erase settings and requires the network to be configured again.

Should I press the reset button to reboot my router?

Usually not. A recessed Reset button commonly starts a factory reset when held, which can erase the configuration. Use the app, settings page, normal power button, or power cable for an ordinary reboot.

Should I reboot the modem or router first?

For separate devices, power both off and normally bring the modem back online first. Then power the router. Follow the provider’s instructions if it specifies a different sequence.

Can I reboot my router from my phone?

Many router and provider apps include a restart command. The phone may temporarily lose Wi-Fi during the process, so it may need cellular service to continue displaying status.

Does rebooting a router change the public IP address?

It can, but it is not guaranteed. Providers commonly assign dynamic public addresses, and the same address may be retained or a different one may be assigned. A normal reboot does not change the household Wi-Fi name or password.

Why is the Wi-Fi connected but there is no internet after rebooting?

The router may be broadcasting Wi-Fi before its provider-facing connection is ready. If the condition lasts beyond the normal startup time, check the modem or gateway, provider outage status, and the cable connected to the router’s Internet or WAN port.

Why are the router lights still blinking?

Blinking can be normal during startup or network activity. Because colors and patterns differ by model, compare them with the manufacturer’s documentation. A continuing warning pattern after the full reboot time may indicate a connection or hardware problem.

Will every device reconnect automatically?

Most devices reconnect when the same network name and password return. Sleeping smart devices, printers, cameras, and older equipment may take longer or need their own network connection restarted.

Can rebooting improve slow internet?

It may restore normal performance if a temporary router problem caused the slowdown. It cannot increase the speed of the internet plan, fix a provider outage, or overcome poor Wi-Fi coverage.

How often should a router be rebooted?

There is no universal weekly or monthly requirement. Reboot when troubleshooting, when the provider or manufacturer instructs it, or when a documented issue requires it. Frequent reboots suggest an underlying problem.

Is it safe to reboot a router every day?

A routine reboot generally does not erase settings, but needing one every day is not normal for a healthy network. Investigate firmware, ventilation, power, cables, provider signal, and equipment condition instead of relying on daily restarts.

Can I unplug the router during a firmware update?

No. Manufacturers warn against turning off a router while firmware is being installed. Interrupting the process can corrupt the software and prevent the router from operating correctly.

Why did the internet work briefly and fail again after rebooting?

The reboot may have temporarily cleared a symptom while the actual cause remains. Possible causes include overheating, a failing adapter, damaged cable, provider signal problem, firmware issue, or failing hardware.

How long does a mesh router take to reboot?

Allow roughly five to fifteen minutes for the main router and all points to restart and reconnect. The exact time depends on the number of nodes, their connection method, firmware, and manufacturer.

Can restarting the router interrupt a phone call?

Yes. Wi-Fi calling, app-based calling, and phone service provided through the internet gateway can disconnect during a reboot. Finish important calls first and make sure another calling method is available if needed.

Should I factory-reset the router if rebooting does not work?

Not immediately. Check power, cables, outages, modem status, multiple devices, and manufacturer guidance first. A factory reset erases settings and can create additional setup work without fixing a provider or hardware problem.

Quick Summary

A stand-alone router usually takes about two to five minutes to reboot. A combined modem-router gateway may need five to twelve minutes, and restarting a separate modem, router, and mesh system can require five to fifteen minutes. Firmware updates may extend the process and must not be interrupted.

A normal reboot restarts the router without erasing the Wi-Fi name, password, or other saved settings. A factory reset is different: it removes the custom configuration and requires setup again. For routine troubleshooting, use the app, settings page, normal power button, or power cable—not the recessed reset button.

When restarting separate equipment, the modem generally reconnects first and the router follows, unless the provider gives a different sequence. Wait the full expected time, use the model’s light guide, and test more than one device. Strong Wi-Fi with no internet often means the local network has returned before the provider connection is ready.

A reboot can correct temporary network and software problems, but it cannot repair a provider outage, weak line signal, bad cable, poor Wi-Fi placement, failing power adapter, overheating, or outdated equipment. There is no universal rule requiring every router to be rebooted monthly. If the network needs frequent restarts, identify the underlying problem rather than treating repeated reboots as normal maintenance.

Sources & References

• NETGEAR Support — How do I power cycle or reboot my NETGEAR router?
• NETGEAR Support — Rebooting a router through the web interface
• NETGEAR Support — How do I perform a factory reset on my router?
• Linksys Support — Troubleshooting home Wi-Fi issues
• Linksys Support — Restarting a Linksys mesh system
• TP-Link Support — How to reset or reboot a Deco system
• ASUS Support — How to reboot an ASUS router
• ASUS Support — How to update router firmware
• Google Fiber Help — Set up and restart a Wi-Fi 6 router
• Google Fiber Help — Restart or factory-reset a device
• Xfinity Support — How to restart an Xfinity Gateway
• Xfinity Support — Internet and Wi-Fi connection troubleshooting
• Federal Trade Commission — How To Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network

Editorial Review

Reviewed by Claire Bennett, Managing Editor

Last reviewed: August 2026

Quick Answer Guide publishes practical, research-based answers to common questions about money, technology, health, travel, home improvement, and everyday life. Content is reviewed using official government resources, educational institutions, industry publications, and other authoritative sources when appropriate. Articles are updated periodically to improve accuracy and usefulness.