How Often Should You Reboot Your Router? (And Why You Should)

It's a huge inconvenience when your router doesn't work and even worse when you can't figure out why. You may need to troubleshoot your internet connection, and rebooting your router is the first step to diagnosing the issue. You should typically reboot your router if you have an intermittent or slow connection.

But you may also need to reboot your router for other reasons, like to stay safe from hackers. Learn why you may need to reboot, how to reboot your router, and when to throw in the towel and replace your equipment. Plus, we recommend tested virtual private networks to help you secure your network.

How often should I reboot my router?

How often you should reboot your router depends on your internet speed and the age of your router. You may need to reboot once a month to maintain optimal speeds. Depending on your internet usage, you may be able to stretch it out every couple of months.

Consider rebooting your router when you:

• Experience a slower connection
• Have no internet connection
• Need to troubleshoot
• Update your firmware
• Consistently experience high latency

Remember that rebooting your router is different from resetting it. Rebooting will keep your router settings, whereas a reset will restore your router to its default factory state. You won't need to reset your router as often as you need to reboot it.

How do I reboot my router?

The specific instructions to reboot your router will vary depending on your internet service provider (ISP). You may want to look up how to reboot the router or call your ISP's customer support line for assistance. We offer guides for select routers below.

Keep reading for general instructions on rebooting your router and options to make it easier.

Manually

Manually rebooting your Wi-Fi router, also known as a power cycle, is probably the simplest method. You won't need to rely on another device or software to reboot your router, so it's often the most efficient choice.

Here are the steps you need to follow to conduct a power cycle:

Step 1: Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet or remove the power cord from the power port on the router.

Step 2: Wait 60 seconds for the router to fully cycle down and clear its memory. Electrical current can travel through the capacitors for several seconds after being unplugged, so it's essential to wait long enough for it to fully shut down. If you don't, then you won't give your router enough time to reboot properly.

Step 3: Plug the power cord back in and ensure it's connected to the electrical outlet and the power port on the router.

Step 4: Wait another minute or two for the network to connect and get fully booted.

Through the router's app

Many ISPs offer an app for their modems and routers. For example, CenturyLink has the My CenturyLink app. One of the features of this app is the ability to reboot your modem and router without having to actually touch them. Many popular router brands, like NETGEAR, also offer apps.

With a router app, you could be in a different part of the house and still reboot your router. You could even do it in a different part of the country. You can also schedule a reboot to automate the process.

Use the web interface

You can use your web browser to reboot your router. It's a good option if you don't have easy access to your router or if you can't access your ISP's app.

Each manufacturer will have a different set of instructions. So make sure you have the right instructions for your router. For this example, we'll go over how to reboot a NETGEAR router:

Step 1: Launch your preferred web browser from a device connected to your router's network.

Step 2: Enter "www.routerlogin.net".

Step 3: Type in the router username and password. You'll have created a password the first time you log in.

Step 4: Click on Advanced and then select Reboot. This will start the reboot process.

Step 5: Wait for the reboot to complete.

Use a smart plug

There are many smart devices to help you automate your home. A smart plug is one such device. It connects to your home wireless network and usually comes with a remote control or a smartphone app. Then you can use the smart plug to control appliances or electrical devices in your home.

It's often used for tasks like turning lights on or off when you're away from home, starting your coffee maker from bed with the app, or scheduling when your child's screen time is allowed.

For your router, you can use a smart plug to schedule automatic reboots. You can also do it manually by using the smart plug app or remote control. This provides you with a lot of flexibility and convenience.

Why should I reboot my router?

Rebooting your router is one of those tasks that is easy to ignore. But it can significantly affect your internet connection and help protect your router from hackers.

Here's a quick overview of the benefits of rebooting your router:

Resolve basic connectivity issues

Simply turning your router on and off again can lead to faster internet connections.

Your router stores short-term memory (also known as the cache) that can build up. These days, it's normal for several devices to be connected to a single Wi-Fi network. Consider all the internet-connected devices in your household, including smartphones, desktops, laptops, smart devices, e-readers, fitness watches, and more. It puts an increasing demand on that network's load.

If it receives too many download requests, it can cause your router to run out of memory or slow down. But a reboot will reset the memory storage and clear up the internet connection.

Prevent hacking

Routinely rebooting your router is part of good cybersecurity. When you reboot your router, it installs the latest operating system and firmware updates. These keep your router secure and up to date with the latest technology to thwart cyberattacks and potentially even malware.

You most likely have a temporary, dynamic IP address attached to your router. Cybercriminals often try to hack your router via its IP address, so changing your IP address occasionally can help protect it.

One way to regularly mask your IP address is by using a virtual private network (VPN) app on your router. 

Best VPN apps for routers

We've tested and compiled a list of the best VPN apps for routers:

Help with overheating

Routers, like computers, generate heat that needs to be dissipated. Improper ventilation can lead to overheating, which can cause a router to malfunction or even damage it.

Rebooting will remove the router's electrical currents and help it cool down. Before turning it back on, move your router away from any heat sources and ensure proper airflow to prevent overheating.

If your router still overheats, you may have too many devices connected to it, which can cause it to stress. If your router is an older model, it may not perform as well as it did in the past. In this case, you may need a newer router to fix the overheating issues.

Troubleshooting problems

You should troubleshoot the issue when you start experiencing internet or router problems. The first step, especially in a home or consumer environment, is to reboot your router. This helps you eliminate potential issues with your router and internet connection. Rebooting may be all you need to correct the issue.

But there's a limit to how many times you can reboot your router before considering other options. If you reboot multiple times a day, you may have deeper problems. You could have faulty hardware or firmware. Or maybe your router is too old to handle your current technological needs. These problems can't be fixed by turning your router on and off again.

You may need to reset your router and restore it to its factory settings. This may help it perform better. But if none of the methods work, you should consider replacing your router.

Bottom line

Rebooting your router can help clear its cache, improve internet speeds, and protect it from cyberattacks. Regularly rebooting your router can help with infrequent Wi-Fi coverage.

Another option is to get Wi-Fi range extenders. This tool can strengthen your Wi-Fi signal in areas of your home where it's weak. But if these methods don't work, you may need to replace your router. A new router ensures you are using the latest technology, like the best VPN apps for routers, which encrypt traffic from all your devices. 

It's recommended that you replace your router every three to five years. You may also want to upgrade your router if you're constantly having Wi-Fi issues and have ruled out your router as the cause.

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