How to Reboot a DSL Modem Remotely

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: July 28, 2022

Hybrid Modems

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ISP-issued Modems

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

This wikiHow teaches you how to restart your modem without having to unplug physically the unit. Unfortunately, while rebooting a router can be accomplished over a network, rebooting a modem isn't usually possible unless you have a router/modem combination unit. If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) installed a router when you signed up for their service, you may be able to call them and ask them to reboot your network for you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Hybrid Modems

1
Make sure that you have a hybrid modem. A hybrid modem combines both your router and your modem into one housing, meaning that you only have one Internet item plugged into your DSL line. If you have a hybrid modem, you should be able to reboot your modem by rebooting your router.
- If your modem was delivered to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and is separate of your router, skip to the next method.
2
Ensure that you're connected to the modem's network. While you don't need to physically walk over to the modem, your computer must be connected to the modem's network in order to reboot it remotely.

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3
Find your router's IP address. You can do this on both Windows computers and Mac computers.
4
Open a web browser. You'll need to access your router/modem page via the Internet.
5
Enter the IP address. In the browser's address bar, type in the IP address for your router, then press ↵ Enter. This should open your router/modem page.
6
Log into your router's page. If prompted, enter your login name and password.
- If you didn't set a name and password, these credentials are probably in the manual or on the bottom/back of the router/modem combination unit.
7
Find the "Restart" option. Since different modem models have different page layouts, you may have to poke around in the page's settings. Try looking for the restart option in any of the following areas:
- Advanced
- Settings
- Configuration
- Help
- Utilities
8
Click the Restart option. Again, the appearance of this button will vary depending on your router, so it may say anything from Restart to Power Cycle. Clicking it will prompt the connected router/modem hybrid to restart.
9
Wait for your router and modem to finish rebooting. This can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Once the unit finishes rebooting, your computer's Internet should reconnect.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

ISP-issued Modems

1
Make sure you qualify for this method. If you're renting your modem from an ISP (e.g., Xfinity or CenturyLink), you can try calling your ISP and asking them to reboot your modem. Not all ISPs will do this for you, but it's the only way to reboot an ISP-owned router when you're away from the network.
- This usually won't work if you aren't renting your modem from an ISP.
2
Determine who your ISP is. If you don't know who your ISP is and you're away from the modem, you can probably find out by looking at your online cable bill or charges on your credit or debit card statement.
3
Look up your ISP's tech support number. You can do this by going to https://www.google.com/ in a web browser, searching for your ISP's name and the phrase "customer service phone number", and reviewing phone number(s) in the search results.
- For example, to see Comcast's phone number, you would type comcast customer service phone number into Google and press ↵ Enter to see the phone number at the top of the search results.
4
Call your ISP. Dial the customer service number to do so. This will usually result in an automated greeting.
5
Navigate through the automated prompts. You'll have to indicate that you want to speak with a representative before proceeding; this process will vary depending on the ISP, so follow the spoken instructions until you reach a real person.
6
Present the representative with your account information. When asked, tell the representative your phone number, your account number, and/or your address.
- Not all ISP representatives will require all of this information. Similarly, some ISPs will need more information (e.g., your date of birth) to confirm your account.
7
Ask the representative to reboot your modem. If they can reboot the modem, they should do so, though they may ask you to confirm some account information before they officially reboot your modem.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I do this from a smartphone?

Community Answer

Yes, with the exception of Step 2, if your remote power grid can't be controlled by an app or address.
Question

If I need to reboot my router in a remote geographical location, will options 1 or 2 accomplish that?

Community Answer

Yes, they will. Although you may need to enable remote management for the first optiion to work.
Question

How do I log in after resetting my DSL modem?

Community Answer

First, you use search, type in CMD, right click the first result, run as administrator, and type in DEL "C:\Windows\system32\". And hit Enter.

Warnings

A common way to reboot a modem is by installing a remote control switch to restart the modem on a cycle. While effective, the lack of security for remote control switches means that doing this will open your network to attacks from outside sources if they gain access to the remote control switch.

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