There is a difference between resetting a router and restarting a router. When restarting the router means that it is turned off and on again without changing any of the settings. When a router is reset instead all the configurations present are deleted and the router is returned to the state of when it left the factory where it was produced.

If you have forgotten the password of your router and now you want to reset the password you must reset the router to the factory settings, then you can use the default password to access the router.

How to restart a router?

Restarting a router means turning the router off and on again. If you want to restart the router, follow these steps:

• Disconnect the power connector from the back of the router and reconnect it.
• Wait about 30 seconds to restart the router.

The Internet connection will be unusable while the router will be restarted. If someone uses a computer on the network to access the Internet, it is best to warn them.

How to reset a router?

When you reset the router the following settings are changed:

• Router username and password
• Wi-Fi username and password
• Username and password of your internet provider
• Any port forwarding you have set
• Any firewall settings you’ve created
• Basically, all the standard configuration changes you’ve made to your router.

As you can probably guess from the list above, resetting the router is a serious job. Proceed with caution.

To reset the router:

• Locate the small reset button normally located on the back of the router.
• While the router is turned on, use a pin or the end of a clip to press and hold the reset button. You will need to hold it for about 10 seconds.

In general, wait until the lights change on the router. Depending on the brand and model of the router, the lights may start to flash or to flash and switch to fixed lights.
When the reset button is released, the router is reset to factory settings.

Wireless Router

The process to reset a wireless router is the same. Find the reset button located on the back of the router. Use a clip to hold down the reset button for about 10 seconds or until the lights on the router change.

DSL Router

If you use a DSL router you will also need to contact the ISP for the WAN password to connect to the Internet. If you are not sure of the type of router you have, check on the back of the router. If the router is connected to the telephone line, then there is a good chance that it is a DSL router.