I Accidentally Reset Router: What to do?

“Damn! you accidentally reset your router and don’t know what should be the next task to perform!”

It is a significant problem among those who rely on wifi for their network connections. Sometimes, you may find that the settings and the activity log get deleted after resetting the router.

It may also be the case that you are a new user of a wifi router, and you accidentally pressed the reset button. Fix your worries aside as I have a detailed solution to your problem in this article. If you use a 50Mbps router or a router with more or fewer Mbps, I quickly fix your issues. Happy now?

Follow these 4 steps

  • Gather information
  • Accessing the Router
  • Reconfiguring the Router’s Username/Passwords
  • Adjusting Additional Custom Settings

Let’s quickly go through some simple measures you need to undertake if you’ve accidentally reset your router:

1: Gathering Information

All Login IPs/usernames/passwords will revert to their defaults if you fully reset your router. These usernames and passwords are at the back of the device. You’ll have to re-enter these credentials to obtain access to the router. Look for the sticker at the back of it, which contains all this information.

I Accidentally Reset Router

To connect to the wifi, you’ll need to know the wireless network name as well as the wireless password. The wifi names should be automatically broadcast to you. But if you don’t find it, then go under the Wireless settings.

You enter the router settings using the router login/admin/password. There are more details on this below.

2: Accessing the Router

In any browser address bar of any device connected to the network, type the default Login IP on the back of the router. If there is no wifi connectivity, connect with the help of a wifi cable. Then you should be prompted to enter the admin/password.

This should be the same as the one printed on the back of the router. Now, you have to go to the router’s configuration page. Read the following steps to find out more about what to do after resetting a router.

3: Reconfiguring the Router’s Username/Password

You should be able to reset the router login/username/password once you’re within the router’s settings panels. You need to set a new password and username or use the old information. It should be easily accessible under the security page. Perhaps, there could be a separate option for the passwords and usernames. It differs depending on the router.

Keep in mind that the router’s password and the wifi username or password are two different things. Configure them separately for the best network settings.

The router password and IP are used to access the router’s settings and modify them. The wifi username and password should help to access the wireless network. Finally, use the router to connect to the internet. Find a wifi router on a network list and enter the password to connect. Then, begin surfing the internet on a device you’re using.

Wireless passwords often need updates using the wireless, security, network settings pages, or something similar. You may leave them as defaults, but this is a much less safe and less secure option.

4: Adjusting Additional Custom Settings

Any additional settings you had on the router set by manual setup will be lost. You’ll have to start over. This is especially true for gamers, but other users may also lose their customized settings. This may seem to be a bit of a problem. But you must follow all of these steps after resetting the router.

What Happens If I Reset My Router?

There’s nothing wrong when you reset your router by just pressing the standard “reset button.” Even if you switch off the power socket unintentionally or pull out the plug from the walls, nothing won’t be the reason behind changing your router settings.

However, the disturbance of connection may occur for a significantly shorter period:

You may expect the following things after resetting your router:

  • Every device will stay connected
  • Both password and username will remain the same
  • Connection disturbance, as I’ve mentioned earlier
  • Either downloading may stop at once or resume from where they got paused!

Why Do Routers Need To Be Reset?

Many people nowadays feel safe resetting their routers to get rid of some technical problems. It is better to apply hard resets from time to time, cleaning up unnecessary memories.

On top of that, you can reset your router to save your device from some malware attempts.

Generally, it’s ideal resetting your router after using it for a couple of months, preferably 1-3 months. By doing so, you’ll be able to solve several connectivity problems, including poor network, unexpected turn-off, etc.

If I Reset My Router, Will I Still Have Internet?

The point to be noted is that you’ll lose each network setting and the internet connection after resetting your routers, such as the password you used and the wifi network’s name. It usually happens when you apply force or hard reset.

In that case, you’ll find your device in the default setting and will have to add a new password.

I’ve seen many people online asking, “I reset my router, and now I can’t connect to the internet!” If the same thing happens to you as well, don’t forget to follow the basic steps given below:

  • Logging on the configuration pages of your device
  • Ensuring you’ve added the password and username for the ISP login

How to Restore the Router to Factory Settings?

Restoring routers to factory settings isn’t rocket science! However, it’s necessary to look for the following steps:

Step-1:

Ensure you’ve plugged in your router.

Step-2:

Look for the reset button, which can be found either on your device’s rear or the bottom.

Step-3:

Get your hands on a piece of a paperclip or something like this. This will assist in both pressing and holding the button for around 15 to 30 seconds or so.

Step-4:

Make sure to release the reset button after holding it for up to 30 seconds.

Step-5:

Wait for a while till your router gets the power back.

Why does Router need to Reboot?

Rebooting your router isn’t a task you need to perform daily. However, it sometimes becomes so important for rebooting, especially to instantly get rid of the cache (short memories). By doing so, you can keep your device stable, and it’ll take the runway too smoothly than before.

Furthermore, rebooting also enables your device to pick up the channels once again, especially those which are least crowded for every single frequency. After all, you’re doing nothing but ensuring a more robust connection without trying anything fancy!

How to Reboot My Router?

You’ll be happy to know that there are a couple of different methods available when you look for rebooting your router all by yourself. For instance:

1: Manual Rebooting

This is by far the most common method that most router users utilize. And good to know, it’s the easiest one too. All you need to do is unplug the power cord straight away, wait for a few seconds or a minute, and then plug it again in.

Afterward, this may take around 2-3 minutes to connect with the network once again and get booted entirely up.

2: Using App

This method comes in handy if you’re using any router of CenturyLink. It can be compatible with an extra app named “My CenturyLink app,” helping you reboot your router effectively. Interestingly, there’s an option to set a fixed schedule for rebooting your router the next time.

3: Utilizing Smart Plug

Users may find a smart plug connected to the wireless network. Hands down, it offers optimal convenience and flexibility when it comes to rebooting routers. A smart plug can be included with either paired app or a remote control system, enabling you to activate it from everywhere after adjusting it on the customs plan, including weekly and biweekly.

What Happens If I Reset My Modem?

In the fewest possible words, you’ll find your modem in default settings after resetting it. There’s also a chance of losing all the customized settings right away, including DNS, IP address setup, wifi settings, personalized password, etc.

When Should a Factory Reset Be Performed on the Modem?

When you notice your modem is failing to work as before, or in case you’re unable to change a couple of settings, then keep in mind that a factory reset has to be performed on your modem as soon as possible.

Nevertheless, I suggest performing a basic reboot first, and then you can go for a factory reset.

What Does the Reset Button Do on a Router?

A reset button can be found either on the underside or back of your router.

Router Reset Button
Router Reset Button

While accessing it, you should always use a paper clip (straightened out) or something like that. When you’re unable to recover the network password or thinking of cleaning up your device, ensure to press the button, and you’re ready to go!

Conclusion

So, if anybody asks you, “I accidentally reset the router and what to do now,” show them this post where they will get almost every single solution possible. I’ve tried my level best to give you the right information.

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