When your router keeps resetting, you are bound to lose all your previously installed settings, meaning that you have to log in to it once again. The truth is, this can be a frustrating problem. So, why does your router keep resetting, and what can you do about it?
A router reset is almost always a scheduled activity that allows your router a fresh start for better functioning. When a reset happens, you essentially end up with the default settings with which the router came. While it may be a good and beneficial, it can be very frustrating when it happens too often, and too randomly. So, why does your Linksys router keep resetting, and what can you do about it? While there are several possible reasons why your router keeps resetting, the most common one is its firmware. When the router you are using has stayed too long without having its firmware updated, it will keep resetting in an attempt to initiate the said updates.
Below is a step by step guide on how to update the firmware on your Linksys router.
How to Update Firmware on Linksys Router
Step 1: Log in to the Linksys server account, and when you have opened the web interface, procced to find a tab labelled Connectivity.
Step 2: Go to the tab labelled Basic, and under it, find Firmware updates. Click on it, then proceed to select Check for updates. Wait for your router to automatically detect available firmware updates
Step 3: When the router detects available firmware updates, you will see a pop up message labelled Click Here to go to the updates.
Step 4: You will then see a pop up box with Update Firmware written on it. Click on Yes to initiate firmware update. Your router will then start the update process.
When the router is updating, make sure that you do not, at any point, switch it off. Also, do not close the browser window as this may corrupt or compromise the firmware of the router.
Step 5: When the router has finished updating its firmware, it will ask you to reboot the system. When the Reboot Router command pops up, go on and click on Ok to proceed. Make sure you wait a few minutes for the device to complete the reboot. When the reboot is complete, click Ok.
With your router’s firmware is done updating, you are unlikely to experience the random resetting. You might want to consider changing your update settings to Automatic so that your router updates automatically when updates are available.
Other reasons why your router keeps resetting
Below is a breakdown of some of the reasons why your router keeps updating.
Your router keeps overheating
One of the most common reasons why your router keeps updating could be that it is overheating. There are many factors that may cause the router to overheat. For instance, if the router is installed where it is affected by direct sunlight, especially during overly hot seasons, it may overheat faster. Also, having a heat emitting device such as a TV set or DVD player installed very close to the router can make it overheat. If your router does not have room to breathe, especially on its underside, it is bound to overheat.
Try as best as you can to have it installed away from direct sunlight, and away from devices that emit heat as they are working. Also, make sure that there is space under the router that allows it to get rid of excess heat when it is working.
Too many connected devices
When you have too many connected devices that demand high speed internet, your router may have a difficult time supplying sufficiently to them. To try and handle this trouble, your router may update in an effort to increase its capacity to handle as many of the connected devices a possible.
To allow you router more stability as it works, disconnect all devices that are not connected, especially those that demand high speed internet. If there are such devices as gaming consoles that are not in use, or mobile devices such as phones and tablets, make sure that they are all disconnected to keep your router from constantly resetting.
Inadequate power supply
If your router experiences inadequate power supply, it may reset every so often in an attempt to keep itself stable. You may have to check every power connection, including all cables, to make sure that they are all working as well as they should. If there are any broken cables, replace them with new ones, and if there are any loose connections, proceed to fasten them.
Your router is outdated
Router manufactures keep updating their products, and when they do, the new technology may be inaccessible to older models. For instance, if Linksys routers upgrade to higher Wi-Fi standards such as Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6, an old Wi-Fi 4 router will be left behind. This way, even updating the router’s firmware will not be of use to the old device.
If you find that this is the problem with your router, you might want to consider getting yourself another router altogether that will be compatible with current technologies, and that will have no trouble connecting to the internet at all.
Tabulated representation of reasons why your router keeps resetting, as well as possible solutions
Possible Reason |
Recommended Solution |
Outdated firmware |
Go to router’s web interface and initiate firmware update |
Router is overheating |
Install router away from direct sunlight and away from heat emitting devices, make sure it has room to breathe |
Too many connected devices |
Disconnect devices that are not being used |
Inadequate power supply |
Check for loose or broken connections |
Outdated router |
Replace old router with newer router |
Conclusion
Router resets are good every once in a while, but when they become one too many, it may be an indication that there is a problem. For this reason, it is important to find the actual reason why your router is acting as it is, and to find a solution that is lasting and that will facilitate the proper transmission of internet to your devices.
FAQs
How often should a Linksys router reset?
A router should reset once every month. Anything more than that can be indicative of a problem.
Can I install a fan next to my router to cool it?
Yes, you can. However, it may not be necessary, unless you live in extremely hot environments.