Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Yes—unplugging and restarting a Wi-Fi router can restore a connection when the problem is temporary, but it is not a guaranteed fix. A restart makes the equipment reconnect; it will not repair an ISP outage or faulty hardware. If your modem and router are separate, restart the modem first and let it reconnect before powering up the router.
What restarting can—and cannot—fix
A restart, also called a reboot or power cycle, interrupts power and gives the modem or router a fresh connection process. Microsoft Support describes restarting the modem and wireless router as a way to create a new connection to the internet service provider (ISP). Google Nest Help says a modem restart can resolve some connection problems, occasionally help with slow connections, and address common wireless issues.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Those are troubleshooting possibilities, not a promise that every slow or failed connection is caused by the router. A reboot does not identify the underlying cause, restore an ISP service outage, or repair failing equipment. No success rate or guaranteed performance improvement is established in the cited support guidance.
Recommended Free Tools
How to restart your equipment safely
First identify your setup: you may have a separate modem and router, a single modem-router combination, or—on some fibre connections—an ONT alongside a router. Mesh or booster systems may have additional devices. Follow the instructions for your equipment if they differ from these general steps.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Separate modem and router
- Unplug both the modem and the router. If the modem has a backup battery and remains on, Microsoft Support says the battery may need to be removed during the restart.
- Leave the equipment off. Microsoft Support advises waiting at least about 30 seconds; Google Nest Help instead directs users to leave a modem off for 2–3 minutes. Use your modem maker’s guidance where available.
- Reconnect the modem first. Wait for its connection lights to settle or its internet light to turn solid, as applicable to the device.
- Reconnect the router and give it time to reconnect. Microsoft recommends waiting a few minutes before testing.
- Try the affected connection again, then check whether the problem is limited to one device, Wi-Fi, or the broader internet connection.
Router-only restart or a combo unit
If your modem and router are one device, restart that single unit rather than looking for a separate modem. Router-specific timing varies: NETGEAR Support advises waiting 30 seconds when using the power button, or 10 seconds after unplugging a router without a power button; it says some devices can take up to two minutes to reboot. Use the instructions for your make and model if they differ.
What to expect when you unplug it
Everyone using the network will temporarily lose their Wi-Fi connection. Plan the restart around video calls, downloads, smart-home tasks, or other activity that depends on the connection. For its reboot procedure, NETGEAR says the router’s Wi-Fi settings remain saved. Rebooting is not the same as a factory reset: do not press a reset button as a substitute for unplugging, since resetting is a separate operation.
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
If the connection is still unreliable
Use the pattern of the failure to narrow down where it may be happening. Ofcom recommends checking whether someone else is using Wi-Fi for data-heavy activities and, where relevant, restarting the router, boosters or mesh devices, fibre ONT, and the affected device. Start with the device or devices experiencing the problem, then compare wired and wireless connections if practical.
| What is affected | What it may point to | Useful next check |
|---|---|---|
| One device only | A problem with that device or its connection to Wi-Fi | Restart the device and compare it with another device on the same network. |
| Several Wi-Fi devices, but wired internet works | A Wi-Fi or router-side issue is more likely than a complete internet-service failure. | Check the router, mesh nodes or boosters, and their connections. |
| Wired and wireless devices both fail | The problem may involve the modem, its connection, or the ISP. | Where appropriate, test a computer directly on the modem, following the equipment maker’s guidance. |
TP-Link recommends disconnecting the router and connecting a computer directly to the modem to help isolate a wider fault. If the connection remains unstable in that test, the modem or ISP is a likely place to investigate. If the modem works, check the router’s WAN connection and other router-side causes. TP-Link notes that DNS lookup failures and outdated firmware can contribute to intermittent connection problems.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Check the WAN cable and contact your ISP when appropriate
If the router reports no internet or a WAN-port problem, check that the Ethernet cable is the correct type for the connection and securely seated at both ends. TP-Link recommends trying another cable if one is available. If a direct modem test does not restore service, or the modem’s connection lights remain abnormal, contact your ISP; Google Nest Help also advises contacting the ISP when modem problems persist.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Restarting is different from replacing or resetting
A reboot is a sensible first step for some temporary faults, not evidence that a router needs replacing. Consider equipment-specific troubleshooting only after checking whether the problem is limited to Wi-Fi, the router, the modem, or the ISP. A factory reset is also a different action from a reboot and should not be used casually as a synonym for unplugging.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 - Designed with the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, featuring Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Multi-RUs, and 4K-QAM. Achieve optimized performance on latest WiFi 7 laptops and devices, like the iPhone 16 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- 𝟔-𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟔.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐭𝐡 - Achieve full speeds of up to 5764 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 688 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band with 6 streams. Enjoy seamless 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming, and incredibly fast downloads/uploads.
- 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Get up to 2,400 sq. ft. max coverage for up to 90 devices at a time. 6x high performance antennas and Beamforming technology, ensures reliable connections for remote workers, gamers, students, and more.
- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN port and 3x 1 Gbps LAN ports offer high-speed data transmissions.³ Integrate with a multi-gig modem for gigplus internet.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows
- NETGEAR Support: How do I power cycle or reboot my NETGEAR router? (updated July 7, 2025)
- Ofcom: Get help with broadband and Wi-Fi problems (published October 13, 2023; updated August 25, 2026)
- Google Nest Help: Restart modem
- TP-Link: Router Unstable Connection: Troubleshooting Guide (updated April 23, 2026)
- TP-Link: Router Internet Light Off or WAN Port Unplugged: Fix It (updated August 5, 2026)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →
