Router Not Working or No Lights — How to Restart It the Right Way

When the internet stops working, the instinct is to unplug and replug whatever is closest. That approach often works, but doing it in the wrong order can leave your connection stuck. Here is the proper way to restart your home network equipment.

Understand What You Have

First, figure out what equipment you have:

• Modem: Connects your home to the internet via your ISP. Usually has a coaxial or phone-line cable on the back.
• Router: Shares that connection to all your devices via Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Usually has multiple Ethernet ports.
• Modem/router combo (gateway): One box that does both jobs — common with cable and fibre ISPs.

The Correct Restart Order

1. Unplug the router from its power socket.
2. Unplug the modem from its power socket (if separate).
3. Wait 30 seconds. This lets capacitors drain and clears connection state on your ISP’s end.
4. Plug the modem back in first and wait for its lights to become stable — usually 60 to 90 seconds. Look for a solid “Online” or “Internet” light.
5. Plug the router back in and wait another 60 seconds for it to finish booting.
6. On your device, disconnect and reconnect to Wi-Fi.

What the Lights Mean

Router light patterns vary by brand, but in general:

• Solid white or green: Normal operation.
• Blinking: Activity — usually fine.
• Solid amber or red: A problem. On the modem, this often means no signal from the ISP.
• No lights at all: Check the power cable and the wall socket. Try a different socket.

If the Modem Never Gets a Stable Signal

A modem that can’t connect (flashing or red “Online” light after two minutes) usually means one of three things: a service outage in your area, a loose coaxial cable, or a failed modem. Check your ISP’s outage page from your phone data. If there’s no outage, call the ISP — they can push a remote signal test to your modem. Still stuck? Ask us and we can help you interpret what you are seeing.