If you’ve ever experienced slow internet or connectivity issues, you’ve likely heard the advice: “Just turn it off and turn it back on again.” While this may sound too simple to be effective, it works more often than you might think. Power cycling, or rebooting your modem and router, can be a simple yet effective solution to many internet-related problems. Here’s a guide on why and how you should power cycle your modem and router.

Why Does My Internet Need a Power Cycle?

There are several reasons why power cycling your modem and router can improve your connection. First, it helps clear out any processes running in the background that may be slowing things down. Your modem and router can get overloaded with data or even overheat, which can affect their performance. By rebooting, you essentially refresh the system and restore it to a “clean state.”

However, it’s important to note that while power cycling can help improve your internet speed temporarily, it doesn’t increase your overall connection speed. What it does do is reset your router, which may allow it to pick a less congested Wi-Fi channel, potentially improving your connection speed in the process.

The Security Benefits of Power Cycling

Not only can power cycling improve your internet performance, but it can also enhance your security. When you reboot your router, you’re temporarily taking your network offline, making it less vulnerable to hackers or unwanted Wi-Fi wardrivers. While firewalls and other security measures are essential, temporarily disconnecting your network adds an extra layer of protection.

How to Properly Power Cycle Your Devices

To properly power cycle your modem and router, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Unplug both your modem and router from the power outlet.

Step 2: Wait at least 30 seconds. This ensures the devices are completely powered down.

Step 3: Plug the modem back in first. Wait at least 60 seconds for it to restart before turning on the router.

Step 4: Once the modem is fully powered on, turn on the router and wait for all the lights to turn green.

Step 5: Test your internet connection by connecting to the network. If possible, test the connection with an Ethernet cable for the most reliable results.

Avoid Using the Reset Button

When power cycling, avoid pressing the “Reset” or “Restart” button on your devices. These buttons often trigger a factory reset, which could erase your settings and configurations. If your modem or router has a clearly labeled power button, that’s the safest option. If there’s no power button, simply unplugging the device is the best approach.

Why Wait?

You might be wondering why it’s important to wait before turning the devices back on. This waiting period is essential for allowing the power capacitors in your modem and router to fully discharge, which ensures that all the memory is cleared. This step ensures that your device is properly rebooted and reset to a stable state.

Conclusion

Power cycling your modem and router is a simple yet effective way to troubleshoot internet issues, whether it’s slow speeds, intermittent connectivity, or a complete lack of connection. Next time you’re facing internet trouble, try rebooting your devices and see if that resolves the issue. It’s a quick fix that can often make a noticeable difference in your connection quality.