How to Reset a Verizon Router? – (Soft and Factory Reset)

Resetting your Verizon router is an effective troubleshooting method when you experience issues with your internet connectivity. A reset restores the router’s factory default settings, which can resolve problems caused by configuration changes.

This guide will provide you with two straightforward approaches to reset your Verizon router:

1. Using the physical reset button
2. Through the router login portal

We’ll also outline what happens after a reset, the set-up process, and potential connectivity issues that can be fixed with this method.

How to soft reset or reboot your Verizon Router?

Soft reset or reboot will not delete your custom router wifi settings. Try doing a soft reset before the factory reset. Here is the method:

1. Unplug the power adapter from the router.
2. Wait for 30 seconds.
3. Plug the power adapter back into the router.
4. Wait for the router to restart, which can take up to 2 minutes.

Read why you should opt for a reset and do basic troubleshooting before a factory reset.

Overview of Factory Resetting a Verizon Router

Before jumping into the step-by-step instructions, let’s overview some key details on resetting Verizon routers:

• It Removes Customizations: Resetting removes any settings/customizations on your router like WiFi names, passwords, port forwarding rules, etc.
• Restores Factory Defaults: The reset process restores the factory default firmware and settings that originally came with your router.
• Reset Methods: There are two main ways to reset – the reset button or router login portal.
• Turn Router On During Reset: Your Verizon router needs to remain powered on while implementing either reset method.
• Fixes Connectivity Issues: Resets can fix WiFi connectivity problems caused by changes made to the router over time.

Now let’s get into the step-by-step guide for each method.

Method 1: Using the Reset Button

The quickest way to reset your Verizon router is by using the physical reset button located on the back of the device. Here is how to implement this approach:

Step 1: Locate the Reset Button

Turn your Verizon router so you can access the back panel. Find the recessed reset button, usually labeled as “Reset”. It should be small and round.

The reset button is typically located on the rear panel of Verizon routers

Step 2: Press and Hold the Reset Button

Use an item like a paper clip to press and hold the reset button for at least 5 seconds. Continue holding until the router’s lights start blinking.

Step 3: Wait for the Reset Process To Finish

Keep the router powered on and wait approximately 1-2 minutes for the flashing lights to become solid again. This indicates the reset is complete.

And that’s it! Using the physical reset button is by far the easiest way to factory reset your Verizon router.

Next, let’s cover the web portal method.

Method 2: Using the Router Login Portal

You can also factory reset Verizon routers through their web login portal. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Access the Router Login Page

Determine your router’s IP address from the sticker on the rear panel. Enter this IP address into your browser’s address bar to access the admin login page.

If you changed the router’s IP address in the past, try entering 192.168.1.1 instead.

The router’s IP address can typically be found on a sticker on the rear panel

Step 2: Login to the Admin Portal

Use the default admin login credentials to access your Verizon router’s control panel:

• Username: admin
• Password: password

These default admin credentials never change.

Step 3: Navigate to Reset Options

Once logged into your router dashboard, locate the reset/restore factory default options. These are usually under an “Administration” or “Management” section.

Reset and restore factory default options in the Verizon router login portal

Step 4: Choose Reset Settings

Finally, select the option to reset or restore factory default settings. Confirm your choice to initiate the reset process. Wait about 1-2 minutes.

And you’re done!Using the web portal to reset your Verizon router takes a few more steps but works if you can’t access the physical reset button.

What Happens During a Verizon Router Reset?

Now you might be wondering, what exactly happens when you factory reset a Verizon router?

As we mentioned earlier, the reset erases any customizations made to the router over time and restores the original firmware and default configurations.

Here are the key changes that take effect after resetting a Verizon router:

• Removes saved WiFi network names (SSIDs) and passwords
• Clears all assigned static IP addresses
• Resets WiFi security encryption to default WPA2
• Disables any enabled port forwarding rules
• Turns off router firewalls and other security settings
• Removes VPN client configurations and entries
• Deletes DHCP address assignments for connected devices
• Removes DNS server entries
• Reinstalls original router firmware/OS

Essentially a factory reset erases all custom settings and restores your Verizon router to its out-of-the-box state.

Setting Up Your Verizon Router After Reset

Once the reset process completes, your Verizon router will have a blank configuration with only default settings enabled.

You’ll have to walk through an initial setup to reconnect your devices and customize details like WiFi names, passwords etc.

Here is an overview of setting up a Verizon router after a factory reset:

Step 1: Connect Your Computer Directly

Use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to one of the router’s LAN ports. This provides network access for the setup process.

Step 2: Access the Router Login Page

Open a web browser and enter the router’s IP address to access the login page. The default IP is typically 192.168.1.1.

Enter the admin credentials when prompted – username admin and password password.

Step 3: Run Through Setup Wizard

A setup wizard should automatically launch to walk you through personalizing details like:

• WiFi Network Name
• WiFi Password
• Router Admin Password
• Connection Type (DHCP vs Static IP)
• Time Zone

Follow the prompts to customize your router’s configuration.

Step 4: Connect Your Devices

Finally, you can reconnect wired/wireless devices like phones, computers, smart home equipment etc. to your newly reset Verizon router.

And that’s it! Expect the setup process to take 5-10 minutes after resetting your Verizon router.

Using Router Reset to Fix Connection Issues

Resetting your Verizon router can solve many Internet connectivity and performance problems.

Try a factory reset if you experience any of the following WiFi issues:

• Can’t connect devices to router WiFi
• Connected devices lose WiFi signal intermittently
• Slow WiFi speeds/bandwidth for connected devices
• Certain sites/services unreachable over home network
• Router frequently needs to be power cycled
• Strange connectivity behavior after router setting changes

A factory reset erases any problematic router customizations or corrupted firmware that might be causing problems. It reverts back to a clean default state.

Reset is also helpful if you are having any light problems on your Verizon router, as mentioned in the below articles:

• Why Does My Verizon Router Have a Yellow Light? Causes and Fixes
• Why is My Verizon Router Blinking Blue? Causes and Fixes
• Understanding & Fixing Verizon Router Red Light Issue
• Fixing A Blinking White Light On Your Verizon Router

However, you should first try basic troubleshooting steps before resetting your Verizon router:

• Reboot the router and modems
• Check WiFi access point/router placement
• Check coaxial cable and ethernet connections
• Verify home network equipment has power
• Scan networks for interference from nearby devices
• Check for ISP fiber cuts or regional outages

If you still experience issues after covering the basics above, proceed with resetting your Verizon router.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully you now understand the complete process to properly reset your Verizon router.

Remember, start by using the physical reset button on the router’s rear. But the web login portal works as well if the button is hard to access.

Expect to lose all custom settings when resetting Verizon routers. So have your WiFi details on hand to reconfigure access after the router reinstalls firmware and finishes rebooting.

A factory reset offers an effective troubleshooting step for solving Internet connectivity problems. But also attempt basic fixes like power cycling first before resetting your router.

FAQs About Resetting Verizon Routers

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about resetting Verizon routers:

How long does a Verizon router reset take?

The reset process usually completes within 1-2 minutes. Light patterns on the router indicate when the reset finishes.

Will a reset delete my WiFi passwords?

Yes, resetting removes all custom router settings, including your saved WiFi network names and passwords.

Do I need to rerun router setup after a reset?

Absolutely! You’ll have to walk through the router web portal setup again to reconnect devices, assign WiFi details, etc.

How often should I reset my Verizon router?

Only when troubleshooting connectivity issues. If your router works fine, a periodic reset is not necessary.

What if resetting does not fix my Internet problems?

First retry power cycling all home network equipment. Also verify Internet functionality by directly connecting a computer to the modem. If issues persist, contact Verizon support.