DIY guideElectronics and smart home

Restart the modem and router in the right order

Unplug both, plug the modem in first and let its lights settle, then the router. It clears most dropped or slow connections.

7 steps

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The modem brings the internet in on a cable or phone line; the router makes the Wi-Fi. Some homes have one box that does both.
Pull the power plug out of the back of each box. Don't press the small reset button: it wipes the settings.
Leave both unplugged for about a minute, so they reset fully.
Plug the modem back in and wait until its lights settle. It can take a few minutes.
Plug the router back in and wait for its lights to settle too.
Open a web page on a phone or computer. Still slow on one device? Restart that device too.
Lights red or dark, or still no internet after a restart: call your internet provider. The line into the house is theirs.

Handyman says: Still down? Call your internet provider.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.