How to Follow the 30-30-30 Hard Reset Rule for Routers

This article explains how to factory reset your router using the 30-30-30 rule. Resetting your router can mean two things: Either you power-cycle it, leaving the settings intact, or you reset it to its factory default condition.

How to Perform a 30-30-30 Router Reset

Although any given router's procedure may differ, in general, the rule for a factory reset usually gets called by the shorthand name of a 30-30-30 reset: Press the reset button for 30 seconds, unplug the router from its power source for 30 seconds, then plug it in with the reset button depressed for another 30 seconds.

1. With the router plugged in and powered on, depress the reset button for 30 seconds. This button is usually a tiny dot recessed into the back of the router. You may need a jeweler's screwdriver or a bent paperclip to access it.

2. While still holding down the button, unplug the router from its power source for another 30 seconds.

3. With the reset button still held down, turn the power back on and hold for another 30 seconds.

After this 90-second process is complete, your router is restored to its factory default state. Your particular router may not require the full 30-30-30 procedure. Some routers can be hard reset after only 10 seconds and without power cycling, but the 30-30-30 approach won't harm the router. Memorizing and following this 30-30-30 rule is recommended as a general guideline.

Choose Whether to Reboot or Reset a Router

Rebooting a router and resetting a router are two different procedures. The reboot is a simpler process and you should try it before the reset. If rebooting doesn't solve the router's problem, the 30-30-30 reset is still available.

A router reboot shuts down and restarts all functions of the unit but preserves all of the router's settings. It's similar to how rebooting your computer shuts it down and then powers it back on. Routers can be rebooted by switching off the power or through the console's menus without going through the 30-30-30 reset procedure.

A router reset reboots the router, changes its settings, and deletes custom configurations that may have been applied to it. This means your wireless network settings, custom DNS servers, and any port-forwarding settings you had previously entered are removed when the software is restored to its default state.

Though it might seem obvious, many people don't think of a router reboot as a way to deal with home networking problems. Rebooting your router helps in the following situations:

• When the administrator console is not responding at its IP address (192.168.1.1 or equivalent).
• When clients are suddenly unable to connect to it (especially Wi-Fi clients).
• After your home has experienced a power outage or a brownout.
• When the router has not been reset in a long time—a month or more.
• To flush the DNS cache of the router.

Can a Router Be Rebooted or Reset Too Many Times?

Like computers, phones, and other devices, a home router can eventually fail if its power is cycled too many times. However, modern routers can be rebooted or reset thousands of times before you'll need to worry. Check the manufacturer's specs for reliability ratings if you're concerned about the effects of frequent power cycling on your router.