How To Reset AT&T Wi-Fi Router: AT&T User Guide

You should know how to reset an AT&T Wi-Fi router to help you get the default setting and fix several performance issues. 

This is a common need on most routers, so manufacturers make it easy for users to do this with a button or through an online portal.

Continuous problems and the need for resets could indicate more significant connection problems with your network devices. 

You don’t always have to take drastic measures since a rest will fix most software and settings issues, and here is a guide on how to reset the AT&T router;

How To Reset AT&T Wi-Fi Router?

Resetting your AT&T router is easy if you have the password for the admin account that has all the functionalities and settings. 

This is all good except for the part where most people want to rest their routers because they forgot passwords or logins.

In this case, AT&T offers a convenient manual option to reset the router so you can use the passwords set by the manufacturer. 

Manually Reset

1. Find the reset button on your AT&T router, and the position will depend on the model you have. Refer to your user’s manual for the location, but it’s usually a small button behind the router.
2. Ensure the router is powered on, then use a small pin or paper clip to hold the reset button for about 15 seconds.
3. The LED will start blinking to indicate the reset is starting so you can release the button. The router will reboot, and the reset process will take a few minutes.
4. When the router is done, it will be in the default settings.

Online Reset

If you remember your admin account logins, you can reset the device from the comfort of your laptop. Here are the steps to follow for an online reset;

1. Connect your phone or computer to the router you intend to reset. 
2. Launch a browser and search your AT&T IP address; the default is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
3. Use your password to log into the interface, which is relatively straightforward, and go to the settings tab.
4. Scroll to the reset button and click it to prompt a confirmation message. Confirm the reset and wait for the router to reboot. This will take a few minutes; your router will have default settings once done.

What Happens When You Reset Your AT&T Router?

You should understand what it means to reset a router and the effects it will have on the device before resetting. It has serious ramifications, so routers are designed to ensure you can’t accidentally reset them. 

Most users think it is similar to restarting, but it’s not. Restarting is harmless as it turns the router off and brings it back on without changing the settings. Here is what happens in a reset;

• All usernames and passwords for the router will go back to the default values given by the manufacturer. The values are indicated on the router label at the back. Your customized password will not work for connecting new devices. 
• All customized settings on the router will be deleted. This includes changes in the number of devices, network channels, security specifications, Wi-Fi network name, and the password you created. 

You will have to reconfigure all the above settings as though the router is new before you can connect new devices. If you are unsure about the new settings, it is better to call a professional or customer service to get recommendations for the best setup for your area. 

• A reset will delete all updates in the router, which can reduce the performance. After a reset, make sure you go to the admin console and check for updates for software for optimal performance. 
• Resetting a Wi-Fi router will remove all the devices connected to the router, including the one used for the reset. This can be annoying if it happens in a workplace or building that has many legitimate users that need to reconnect.

It can also be a great way to eliminate unwanted users who have gotten shady access to your network. 

Resetting the network is a drastic step when there are connectivity issues on the router, so you should attempt other solutions before resetting. You could restart the router and see if there are changes; if not, reset it.

What Problems Can Resetting My AT&T Router Fix? 

People reset their routers for many reasons because it is an added feature that can solve almost any problem with your Wi-Fi system. 

A router reset is mostly a fix for settings or software issues that could have compromised the router’s performance. Here are some of the common issues with routers that a rest could fix;

1. Slow Internet Connection

You could unknowingly press a button or change settings that make your system significantly slower than it used to be. If you are well versed in the settings, you could look at and change them, but most people do not have that knowledge.

The simplest thing for most is resetting the router and returning it to its settings when installed. This will store the network properties and undo any changes that will slow down your network.

2. Unstable Internet Connections

Routers could sometimes get unstable without an apparent reason, so you have difficulty connecting your devices. 

This can be due to a factor of reason, the most common being because the device is too far away from the router or there are obstacles between them.

Sometimes, your devices, like TVs, disconnect from your Wi-Fi connection or connect without the internet. You could try moving the device closer to the router, and if the trouble persists, a reset will help get the router back to normal. 

Sometimes, this can manifest as failure to connect with specific devices while others work on the same network. 

Resetting is the go-to choice to get the network back to normal and clear any cache data that could cause the disparity.

3. Forgetting Passwords

Most people connect to their Wi-Fi networks once and forget about it, so with time, they also forget their login credentials. This becomes a problem if they need to add a new device or change the settings through the admin portal.

Devices come with default passwords indicated behind the router or in the manual, so most people resort to resetting the router. This way, they can use the default password and change it to something they can remember more easily.

4. When The Router Becomes Unresponsive

After using the router for a long time, it might become unresponsive or malfunction in normal working conditions. 

Such issues can be resolved by a reset that will clear any corrupt data and create a better base for your router to work.

Sometimes, this can be caused by firmware being corrupted in the router. Firmware is programming that connects hardware to software and facilitates communication between them so they operate normally.

Corrupt firmware will cripple the entire network framework, and they come about because of various reasons. 

Regardless of the cause, a reset will take the firmware back to its original state so that hardware and software can work optimally.

5. Network Configuration Concerns 

Network administration is a complicated job, so there are bound to be mistakes if you configure your network without the proper information. Some configurations will prioritize downloads over uploads or streaming.

Sometimes, you select the wrong channels or mismatch addresses, so you won’t get a connection. Default settings are the best for most people, so resetting your router will give you a balanced connection that will serve all your needs. 

6. To Remove Malware

Routers give us a direct link to the internet, so they are vulnerable to malware infection. Malware attacks the router’s nonvolatile memory, and it can compromise its performance or data safety.

Resetting the router will clear all temporary data from the router, including malware, to help keep the system safer. 

It is, therefore, a good practice to reset your router every once in a while as a safety precaution and to keep it at peak performance.

Before resetting, consider a few less drastic solutions to your connectivity concerns. One of these solutions is updating the router. 

Go to the admin tab and search for updates since outdated firmware and software can cause most of the former issues.

If your problems persist after resetting and updating the router, call your ISP and have them send specialists to assess the situation and give personalized advice.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you now understand how to reset your AT&T Wi-Fi router and what happens. Most router companies will offer an easy and convenient way to reset your router so you get the best services. This is mainly in the form of a reset button or a tab in their admin portal.

Resetting your router will undo all the changes you made to it in passwords, settings, and updates, and it will get the router back to the manufacturer’s settings. This fixes many problems, such as forgotten passwords, wrong settings, slow connections, and firmware malfunctions.0