How to Restart or Reset an AT&T Router (Wi-Fi and Fiber Gateway)

Your AT&T Wi-Fi suddenly stops working, and even after waiting a few minutes, the connection doesn’t come back. Before calling support or changing your router settings, try restarting the gateway. A restart can resolve temporary connection issues, while a factory reset may help with persistent problems caused by incorrect settings. The steps vary by device, so here’s how to restart or reset compatible AT&T Wi-Fi and fiber gateways safely.

Step 1: Restart Your AT&T Router

Restarting your AT&T gateway is a good first step when your internet connection stops working. It refreshes the device without normally erasing your saved Wi-Fi settings.

Follow these steps:

1. Unplug the power cord from the back of your AT&T gateway.
2. If your model has a removable battery backup, disconnect it according to the device instructions.
3. If you use a DSL connection, disconnect the phone line only if required by your model’s restart instructions.
4. Wait about 20 seconds.
5. Reconnect the cables and power cord.
6. Wait for the gateway to finish starting up.

The startup process may take several minutes. On compatible models, wait for the Broadband or Service light to become solid green before testing your internet connection.

If you use an AT&T All-Fi Hub, check its model-specific instructions. Some models support a quick press and release of the Reset button to restart the device.

Important: A restart and a factory reset are different. Restarting normally preserves your Wi-Fi name and password, while a factory reset removes custom settings.

Step 2: Restart Your AT&T Gateway Using Your Phone

If you don’t want to unplug the device, you may be able to restart it through the AT&T Smart Home Manager app.

The available options depend on your gateway and service.

1. Open the Smart Home Manager app on your phone.
2. Go to Network.
3. Select Home Network Hardware, if that option appears.
4. Choose your Wi-Fi gateway.
5. Select Restart and confirm your choice.

Wait for the gateway to restart, then check whether your devices can connect to the internet again.

If you cannot find the restart option, update the app or consult AT&T’s instructions for your gateway model. Not every device or app version offers the same controls.

Step 3: Factory Reset Your AT&T Router

If restarting the gateway does not solve the problem, you can consider a factory reset.

A factory reset restores the gateway’s original settings. It may help with persistent configuration problems, but it will erase your custom Wi-Fi name, password, and other saved settings.

Before continuing, make sure you have the default Wi-Fi details printed on your gateway’s label. If you have customized network settings, record anything you may need to set up again.

How to Factory Reset an AT&T Wi-Fi or Fiber Gateway

For compatible AT&T Wi-Fi and fiber gateways, follow these steps:

1. Keep the gateway powered on.
2. Find the small, recessed Reset button, usually on the back of the device.
3. Use a paperclip or similar tool to press and hold the button for at least 10 seconds, or follow the timing specified for your model.
4. Release the button and allow the gateway to restart.
5. Wait several minutes for the connection to return.

On compatible models, the Broadband or Service indicator may turn solid green when the connection is restored. The exact light behavior varies by device.

To check whether the factory reset worked, look for the default Wi-Fi network name printed on the gateway label. Connect using the default credentials or configure your preferred network settings again.

Do not use these reset instructions for every AT&T device. Some 5G home internet and wireless gateways have different reset procedures. Check your model number and its official instructions before pressing and holding the Reset button.

Step 4: What to Do If Your AT&T Internet Still Isn’t Working

If your AT&T router is still offline after restarting or resetting it, check the following before trying another reset.

• Check the cables: Make sure the power cord and broadband, Ethernet, or fiber connections are secure.
• Test another device: Try connecting a second phone, laptop, or computer to see whether the issue affects your entire network.
• Check the gateway lights: A Broadband or Service light that stays red, flashes continuously, or never reaches its normal connected state may indicate a connection problem. Check your model’s light guide for the exact meaning.
• Check for an outage: Visit AT&T’s official outage or service-status page to see whether a network issue is affecting your area.
• Contact AT&T support: If the gateway cannot establish a connection, support can help determine whether the problem involves the line, equipment, or service.

Avoid repeating factory resets if the gateway remains offline. A reset cannot fix an external outage or a damaged cable.

Restart or Factory Reset: Which Should You Choose?

Situation	What to try
Internet suddenly stops working	Restart the gateway
Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting	Restart and check the connected devices
Gateway settings appear incorrect	Consider a factory reset
Broadband or Service light stays offline	Check cables and outages
Gateway remains disconnected after a reset	Contact AT&T support

For most temporary internet problems, start with a restart of an AT&T router. Use a factory reset only when simpler troubleshooting steps have failed and you are prepared to configure your network again.

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Final Thoughts

Restarting your AT&T router is a simple first step when your internet connection becomes unstable or stops working. If a restart does not solve the problem, check your cables and gateway lights before considering a factory reset. Remember that a factory reset erases your custom network settings, so keep your Wi-Fi details handy. If your gateway still cannot connect, check for an outage or contact AT&T support.

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