How to restart router/modem
Summary
This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to restart router/modem. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.
Quick Tip: Need immediate assistance? 💻 Open a Ticket
Common Causes
Why restart your router?
- Fixes slow internet
- Restores a lost connection
- Stops Wi‑Fi dropping
- Refreshes the connection to your ISP
How to restart your router
-
Find your router
- Usually near where the internet line enters the home
- Often close to the TV or in a corner of a living area
- Look for the box with antennas, flashing lights, or a label such as “Router”, “Modem‑Router”, or your ISP’s name (e.g., Telstra, Optus, TPG)
-
Power off
- Locate the power cable or power button
- Unplug the device from the wall outlet or press the power button to turn it off
- If a firmware update is in progress, do not unplug the device
-
Wait
- Leave the device without power for at least 30 seconds (60 seconds is fine for older hardware)
-
Power on
- Plug the router (and modem, if separate) back into the power outlet
- Press the power button if required
-
Allow the device to start up
- Wait 1–3 minutes for all lights to stabilise
- The power/system and internet/WAN LEDs should become solid green or blue
-
Test your connection
- Open a web browser and load a website, or check why a browser might not load pages
- Verify that Wi‑Fi is working on a phone or tablet, or follow the guide on how to connect to Wi‑Fi
Safety warning: Do not unplug the router or modem while a firmware update is in progress, as this can corrupt the device.
Types of devices
Router only (Wi‑Fi)
- Single device that provides wireless connectivity
- Often has external antennas or a flat design
- May be labelled “Router”
Modem‑router combo (most common)
- One device supplied by your ISP
- Contains both the modem (connects to the telephone line or cable) and the Wi‑Fi router
- Usually displays the ISP’s branding (e.g., Telstra, Optus, TPG)
Separate modem and router
- Two distinct devices connected together
- The modem plugs into the wall socket; the router provides Wi‑Fi
- Both devices should be power‑cycled
What the lights should look like
- Power/System: Solid green or blue
- Internet/WAN: Solid green or blue
- Wi‑Fi: Blinking (activity) or solid (idle)
- Ethernet/LAN: Blinking when devices are connected
Tips
- Restart the router only when you experience connectivity issues or before contacting support
- Keep the router in a well‑ventilated area away from direct sunlight
- Ensure cables are securely connected before powering the devices back on
Hard reset: If a simple power‑cycle does not resolve the problem, press the reset button (usually a small pin‑hole) for 10 seconds to restore factory settings. You will need to re‑configure Wi‑Fi and any custom settings afterwards.
If it still doesn’t work after restart
- Confirm all cables are firmly connected
- Check for service outages in your area via your ISP’s status page or the 220.com.au service status page
- If the issue persists, open a ticket for further assistance
Still Having Issues?
Need more help? If the issue persists after trying these steps, please open a support ticket and our team will assist you.
💻 Open a Ticket
💻 Open a Ticket