Does unplugging a router reset it?
Resetting a router or shutting it down briefly is one of those things that people attempt when they are facing some problems with the Internet or their router. But does this mean that when you momentarily unplug a router, the device gets reset to factory default settings? The short answer is typically no, but it is helpful to examine this a little further for a fuller picture.
When a Router is disconnected:
Whenever you disconnect a router from the power outlet, it removes power, that is, it is turned off with all its settings and attached devices. Nonetheless, most of the consumer routers have built-in non-volatile memory that stores the settings/ configuration even when the device is switched off.
Thus, if you unplug a router and then plug it back in, the router will power back on with settings that were active before unplugging. It starts up, connects to the internet as it was before, and lets the wireless devices connect as always.
Turning off a router primarily is only a way to restart the router from the side of technology. It’s the software equivalent of the famous ‘turn it off and turn it on again’ solution. But, unlike other software and connections, FR does clear up the router’s start-up settings but it restarts all the software and connections in the router.
I also found out that unplugging a router will reset it to its factory defaults.
In general, one cannot reset a consumer router by just turning it off for a few seconds to a minute and then boot it up again; before one can reset a consumer router and bring it back to its factory defaults, one has to follow specific procedures. The router configuration will store all the modifications that were made before including configuration of wireless features, forwarding rules, etc.
However, some routers may get rebooted if they are disconnected from power for several hours or more: The battery that supplies power to the CMOS and retains the settings is non-permanent and has its expiry time. After that battery depletes itself without line power, the router resets all the custom settings and works with its manufacturer defaults on plugging the line power back.
Also, some routers have a physical reset button which if you press with the help of a paper clip, then you can reset that router to its default settings. That is an option if you do wish to reset a router and start again from the beginning if necessary.
In summary:
- This means that a 10-60-second unplug reset will not restore the router’s factory default settings.
- Tearing apart a router and noticing that the CMOS battery is depleted may result if a router is left unplugged for hours.
- Identifying this button will enable pressing it to reset the router if it perhaps has one
There are several reasons why one might need to reset a router, such as fixing connection problems, restoring settings, and managing security issues.
While a quick unplug won't wipe your router config, there are some good reasons you may want to reset your router to factory default settings: While a quick unplug won't wipe your router config, there are some good reasons you may want to reset your router to factory default settings:
- Fixing repeated problems with performance or connectivity
- Taking off the additions on a utilized router that you bought
- Eliminating saved settings before the router is transferred to new owners or disposed of in some manner
- Removing the existing malware that may be present in the router firmware
- Having a new Internet Service Provider: Preparing the router for use
Erasing will remove custom static IP addresses, port forwarding rules, VPN credentials, WiFi names and passwords, parental lock and control, etc. It restores the router to its factory setting, as if you have just unboxed it, and you want to set it up all over again.
The important thing to remember is that all your router settings will have to be prepared from scratch after a factory reset. Use this only after attempting other resolutions since it resets your routers back to factory defaults unless you are giving it to another person who wants a new router with new default settings.
What About Modem Resets?
The same thing goes for resetting a modem through power cycling where the same general idea is followed. Immediately pulling the plug for less than a minute can reset the modem but keep all the settings. However, if a modem is left unplugged for a longer period or the button marked ‘reset’ on the modem is pressed, then it will reset the modem to its factory settings.
The first one is that modas unlike routers, might have to be initialized when switched between the ISPs. This is important so that the modem can re-sync with the new provider’s network equipment correctly. Routers are not affected by this problem because they only deal with the local WiFi network so their settings mostly stay the same even if the ISP changes.
In Summary
Turning off a consumer router for a short time is as simple as restarting it – when powered on, it retains all previously set configurations. The following steps are required to achieve a complete power reset of a router: physically press the reset button of the router or disconnect it from the power source for more than 3 hours. All settings customizations are removed through Reset hence useful in solving issues, for example, when changing an ISP, malware removal, and other circumstances.
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