When your router won’t connect to the internet after a restart, it’s a frustrating experience that can disrupt work, entertainment and daily life. Your router serves as a crucial gateway between your devices and the vast online world, directing data through complex networks to keep you connected.

A router restart typically resolves connectivity issues by flushing out temporary glitches and refreshing network settings. However, when internet access doesn’t return after a restart, the problem may stem from incorrect configuration, hardware issues, or service provider complications.

Understanding the difference between a router restart and reset is essential – while a restart simply powers down the device temporarily, a reset erases all configurations and returns the router to factory settings. Whether you’re dealing with a standalone router or a modem-router combo, there are several systematic approaches to diagnose and resolve persistent connection issues.

1. Power Cycle Both Devices Properly

A proper power cycle of both the modem and router requires following specific steps in the correct order to restore internet connectivity effectively. Start by unplugging both devices from their power sources completely. Don’t use the power button—remove the actual power cables.

Wait for a full 30 seconds before proceeding with the restart sequence. This pause allows the internal capacitors to discharge fully clearing temporary data from the device memory.

Reconnect the modem first and wait 2-3 minutes until all lights stabilise showing normal operation. Most modems display solid lights for power DSL and internet when fully operational.

Finally plug in the router and allow another 2-3 minutes for complete startup. Look for stable status lights that indicate proper operation:

  • Power LED: Solid green
  • Internet LED: Solid or blinking green
  • WiFi LED: Solid or blinking green
  • LAN LEDs: Lit if cables are connected

This sequential power cycle ensures both devices establish proper synchronisation with the internet service provider’s network and each other before attempting to restore connectivity to connected devices.

2. Check Physical Connections

When troubleshooting a router that won’t connect after a restart, checking physical connections is crucial. Here’s what to examine:

Power Connections:

  • Ensure the power cord is firmly inserted into both the router and wall socket
  • Connect directly to the wall outlet rather than power strips or extensions
  • Test the outlet by plugging in another device to verify power supply

Network Cable Connections:

  • For modem-router combos: Check that the coaxial cable is properly secured
  • Listen for a clicking sound when inserting Ethernet cables to confirm proper connection
  • Verify both ends of all Ethernet cables are firmly seated in their ports
  • Inspect cables for visible damage such as kinks bends or exposed wiring
  • Examine router ports for dust debris or damage
  • Check that cable connectors aren’t loose or damaged
  • Ensure the barrel connector on coaxial cables is snug but not over-tightened

All connections should be secure without being forced. If any cables feel loose or damaged replace them to rule out physical connectivity issues. Proper physical connections form the foundation for reliable internet connectivity.

3. Verify Router-Modem Communication

Here’s how to check if your router and modem are communicating properly:

Examine Physical Connections

    Check all cable connections between your router and modem. Ensure the Ethernet cable is firmly plugged into the router’s WAN port and the modem’s Ethernet port. Verify the coaxial cable connected to your modem isn’t loose or damaged.

    Monitor Status Lights

      Watch the status indicators on both devices:

      • Modem: Look for steady power and internet connection lights
      • Router: Check for WAN port activity and internet connectivity indicators

      If any lights appear unusual or off compare them with your device’s manual for proper status indication.

      Test Direct Modem Connection

      Bypass the router by connecting a computer directly to the modem:

      • Unplug the Ethernet cable from your router’s WAN port
      • Connect it directly to your computer
      • Test the internet connection

      If the connection works your router likely needs attention. If it doesn’t the issue lies with your modem or ISP service.

      Sequential Power Cycle

      Perform a proper restart sequence:

      1. Unplug both devices
      2. Wait 30 seconds
      3. Connect modem first wait 60 seconds
      4. Connect router wait for lights to stabilise

      This methodical approach helps identify whether the communication issue lies with your router modem or the connection between them.

      4. Reset Network Settings

      Resetting network settings can resolve persistent connectivity issues when other troubleshooting steps haven’t worked. Here’s how to reset network settings on different operating systems:

      For Windows:

      1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Status
      2. Scroll down to find Network Reset
      3. Click “Reset now” to remove all network adapters
      4. Wait for the system to restart
      5. Reconnect to your WiFi network

      For Mac:

      1. Access System Preferences > Network
      2. Select WiFi from the left menu
      3. Click the minus (-) button to remove the connection
      4. Click the plus (+) button to add WiFi back
      5. Select Apply to save changes
      • Network reset removes all saved WiFi passwords
      • VPN configurations will be deleted
      • Network adapters will be reinstalled
      • IP addresses will be renewed
      • Paired network devices need reconnecting

      Before performing a network reset ensure you’ve noted down essential network information including WiFi passwords and VPN settings. The reset process takes about 5 minutes to complete and requires a system restart to take effect.

      5. Contact ISP Support

      When troubleshooting steps fail to resolve internet connectivity issues a call to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) becomes necessary. ISP support teams have access to diagnostic tools that can identify problems from their end including:

      • Signal strength issues that affect your connection
      • Authentication problems with your account
      • Network outages in your area
      • Equipment registration status
      • Configuration settings that need adjustment

      Before calling support have these details ready:

      1. Account information and security verification details
      2. Router model number and MAC address
      3. List of troubleshooting steps already attempted
      4. Description of any error messages
      5. Timing of when the problem started

      Your ISP’s technical support can run remote diagnostics to determine if the issue stems from their network or your equipment. They’ll also verify if your modem and router are properly registered in their system and can help resolve configuration issues that might prevent connection.

      If the support team detects a service outage they can provide estimated restoration times. For equipment-related issues they can guide you through additional troubleshooting steps or arrange for technical support if needed.

      Remember: You don’t need an internet connection to contact your ISP as support is available through phone services. The support team can view your connection status regardless of whether you’re currently online.

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