If your internet is playing up — slow speeds, dropouts, or just not working at all — the first thing we’ll usually recommend is something simple:
Power cycle your modem/router.
It might sound basic, but it fixes more issues than you’d expect.
How to power cycle your modem or router (the right way)
- Turn the router/modem off.
- Unplug the power cord from the back of the router and modem. Sometimes, when you simply turn off the hardware, it will still have some left-over power and won’t actually turn off or power cycle properly.
- Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute before reconnecting the power. This will get rid of any left-over power, once the power cord has been pulled out, and gives the router and modem an opportunity to clear its temporary memory.
- Plug your cabling back into the modem/router and turn everything on again.
- Wait at least 15 minutes before testing your connection again to allow everything to fully reconnect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is power cycling and why does it fix internet issues?
Power cycling is simply turning your modem or router off and back on properly.
It clears temporary memory, resets connections, and gives your internet a fresh start — which often fixes common issues like slow speeds or dropouts.
Do I really need to unplug the device, or is turning it off enough?
You should always unplug it.
Just turning it off can leave a small amount of power in the device, which means it doesn’t fully reset.
Unplugging ensures it actually restarts properly.
How long should I leave my modem or router off?
Leave it off for at least 30 seconds to 1 minute.
This gives enough time for any leftover power to drain and allows the device to fully reset.
Why does it take so long for the internet to come back on?
After turning it back on, your modem needs time to:
- Reconnect to your provider
- Re-establish your network
- Sync everything back up
This can take up to 10–15 minutes, depending on your connection.
Will power cycling delete any of my settings?
No — it won’t remove your settings or passwords.
It simply refreshes the device and clears temporary issues.
