How To Power Cycle Your Internet Router? [Extensive Guide]

See full bio

Abdul Hadi

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

See full bio

Knowing how to power cycle your internet router is essential since it is an effective fix for several errors. Power cycling speeds up the internet connection and strengthens its security, among other benefits.

Key Takeaways

• Power cycling the internet router refers to shutting off the router, removing the wires, and restarting it after a few minutes.
• You should perform a power cycle when the internet speed becomes slower, you encounter errors, or the online services take too long to load.
• A power cycle clears the glitches and bugs in your internet connection, enhances its security, and improves the network’s performance.

Power cycling, also known as Hard Restart, means turning off your internet router and disconnecting the cables and the power cord for about 5 minutes before turning it back on. The process restarts the router by re-establishing its connection with the Internet Service Provider (ISP) and its connected devices. 

How To Power Cycle Your Internet Router?

It takes about 8 to 10 minutes to power cycle your internet router with the steps below. 

1. On your internet router > Press the power button > Turn off the router.

   

2. Turn off the power supply > Unplug power and ethernet cables from the router.
3. Let it sit for 5 minutes > Reconnect cables.
   
4. Turn on the electric board > Press the router’s power button to turn it on.
5. Wait for the lights to be stable.

   

6. Restore the internet connection on your devices.

When Should You Power Cycle Your Internet Router?

A power cycle intensifies the internet strength on your devices, as well as keeps long-term technical faults at bay. I recommend performing a hard restart on your router once every week to maintain its proper functioning. However, you may need to power cycle the internet device in certain situations, such as when;

• There is a lag or slowness in the internet connection.
• You encounter connectivity errors on your smartphones, gaming consoles, and PC apps.
• You have updated the router’s firmware. It can help enable the smooth installation and operation of the newly installed firmware.
• The installation of new software takes unusually long to complete.
• You are unable to connect your devices to the Wi-Fi.
• You face frequent connection dropouts on your smart devices.
• There is miscommunication in the connection between your modem and the internet router, consequently resulting in the malfunctioning of the router.
• The router is facing technical faults, such as overheating or producing loud noises.
• You cannot stream online videos or games on your PC or gaming consoles.
• You suspect your network’s security has been compromised due to hacking or malware attacks.

Advantages Of Power Cycling Your Internet Router

Power cycling the internet router is the foremost and among the most effective troubleshooting steps for resolving various errors. It can help fix internet connectivity issues on PCs, gaming consoles, mobile phones, home appliances, and more. In addition, it can also solve hardware faults, like the overheating of the router. 

Moreover, the procedure refreshes the internet connection, thereby cleaning any glitches or temporary bugs. Besides, it also frees up memory by removing the unnecessary buildup of data or resources produced by different applications in the router’s cache. Consequently, you will see an increase in your internet’s overall speed and performance.

Plus, power cycling the router renews its connection with the Internet Service Provider and your connected devices. Hence, it boosts the stability and efficiency of your internet network, especially if it is connected to multiple devices simultaneously. Before leaving, make sure to read about how to power cycle a PC. 

Abdul Hadi

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com