How Often Should You Reboot Your Router

 

There’s no precise rule for how often you should reboot either unit, but the most advisable will be once a month just to refresh wired, and wireless connection also just to clear the memory of the wireless gateway. 

 

Option 1: Power cycle your router

One way to reboot your router is to pull the plug. You won’t hurt it—in fact, power cycling is a better, faster solution than using the app or web-based backend. Why? Because you’re allowing the router’s motherboard to drain any remaining electricity and release data stored in the system memory.

Step 1: Unplug the power cord from the electrical socket.

Step 2: Wait 30 seconds.

Step 3: Plug the power cord back into the electrical socket.

Option 2: Use a compatible app

Many modern routers and wireless gateways now provide mobile apps to manage your wireless network, create a guest Wi-Fi network, and change a few settings. These apps also typically include a button somewhere within the settings that you can tap to reset the device.

Example: Use the Linksys app

From the home screen, do the following:

Step 1: Tap the Internet Slow button located in the bottom right corner.

Step 2: Tap the Restart Your Router link.

You can also reboot the router using the menu. Here’s how:

Step 1: Tap the “hamburger” icon located in the top left corner.

Step 2: Tap Network Administration.

Step 3: Tap the Restart Router button.