A router is a small computer that runs all day, every day. Restarting clears temporary memory, stale connections, and cached network state, which is why unplugging it often makes Wi-Fi and internet problems disappear.
Does this affect you?
Use this if your router or modem/router gateway seems to need a restart to stay stable. An occasional restart is normal maintenance. Restarting several times a week is a sign that the router, firmware, heat, device load, or provider line deserves attention.
Set up automatic restarts instead of doing it manually
If a weekly refresh keeps everything healthy, automate it during quiet hours.
- Open the router app or admin page.
- Look for Reboot Schedule, Automatic Reboot, Scheduled Restart, Administration, or System settings.
- Set the restart for a time like 4 AM when nobody depends on the connection.
- If the router has no schedule option, use a smart plug to power-cycle it. Set the plug to turn off for about one minute, then turn back on.
- After the next scheduled restart, confirm Wi-Fi returns normally and smart-home devices reconnect.
Reduce how often restarts are needed
A router should not need constant attention.
- Check for firmware updates under Administration, Advanced, System, or the router app. Updates often fix memory leaks and connection-handling bugs.
- Move the router into open air if it feels hot. Heat can cause slowdowns, radio instability, or brief restarts.
- Count connected devices. Budget routers with limited memory can struggle in homes with many phones, TVs, cameras, plugs, and laptops.
- Restart the modem or ONT too if the router restart helps only briefly. The upstream device may be the piece losing connection.
More control
A restart also refreshes device addresses
When the router restarts, connected devices often request fresh DHCP leases. That can clear IP conflicts and stale address problems at the same time as the router memory refresh.
Multiple restarts per week is not normal
If the same issue returns within minutes or hours, you may be dealing with failing hardware, overheating, a firmware defect, a weak signal from the provider, or an undersized router for the household.
Sources
- FCC Consumer Guide – Wireless Network Troubleshooting (2024)
- Netgear Support – Why restarting your router helps (2025)
- Xfinity Support – Fix an unstable internet connection (2025)