A modem reset is usually a highly efficient method you can use to solve a specific connectivity issue, especially when you can’t seem to pinpoint the actual cause.
However, in some cases, resetting the modem or power cycling your modem may result in a loss of internet connection, which can be rather frustrating.
Why does a modem reset result in loss of internet connectivity, and how can you establish it again after doing a soft or hard reset of your modem?
Keep reading to find all the answers to your burning questions.
Why is there no internet after resetting the modem?
When resetting your modem, it is necessary to understand the difference between a soft reset (also referred to as a power cycle) and a hard reset (which is a factory reset since it brings back the factory settings).
While a soft reset, or power cycling, can eliminate minor bugs and basically “‘refresh” the system, it preserves all of your custom settings and adjustments. There’s no need to repeat the configuration process. A factory reset, on the other hand, erases your network settings and brings everything back to the factory default setting.
In many cases, resetting your modem will fix network issues and solve a recurring connection problem you’ve been experiencing.
However, what could be causing the internet service to go out after you’ve reset your modem? Here are some of the most common problems.
The network card isn’t functioning correctly.
A modem or router reset will not yield positive results if you have an issue with your network card.
In some cases, the network card could get severely damaged (or even fried!) in case of a more complex system bug.
As you can already imagine, without a working network card, your wireless router will receive no signal, hence no internet after resetting the modem.
Faulty IP address
An issue with your IP address will certainly result in problems with internet access, even after you’ve reset your modem.
The IP address could be faulty, or it could be that it hasn’t even been set on your router.
An IP address issue can also occur when your internet system cannot connect to the internet service provider (ISP).
When this happens, your system can also not generate a valid, working IP address.
Outdated modem firmware
Another possibility to consider is that your modem is running on outdated firmware, yet another common problem that could cause issues with your internet connection.
Even after you reset the modem and “refresh” the system, it will still require the latest updates to function correctly and eliminate any system errors and bugs.
Downloading your firmware from unofficial websites is yet another possible reason why there is no internet access. Corrupted firmware can seriously compromise your internet connection.
No internet service
If you have no internet service, this doesn’t necessarily have to mean that there is something wrong with your modem components or the software.
It is possible that, due to power surges, extreme weather conditions, or scheduled maintenance, no one in your area has internet service, and this problem concerns the internet service provider.
It is also important to mention that internet service is directly affected by the state of your modem.
If any cables, wires, or other elements are worn out, damaged, or not correctly connected, this will take a toll on your internet connection and WiFi signal.
How to fix no internet after resetting the modem
If you have no internet after resetting the modem, this doesn’t necessarily mean the reset didn’t work. Sometimes, the reset will take care of some minor setbacks in the system, but the core issue remains.
Keep reading to find out how you can establish a secure internet connection once and for all and solve the core issue that has made you reset the modem in the first place.
1. Check the network card
If you’re a Windows user, you can quickly check if your network card is working correctly or if you need to replace it as soon as possible.
On your Windows PC, right-click on Start, launch the Device Manager and scroll down to Network Adapters in the list of connected hardware.
Once you’ve located your network card in the drop-down menu, choose Disable, and then wait for a few minutes.
You can either scan for hardware changes (option on the top of the Device Manager menu) or Enable the device and see if this affected your internet connection.
2. Check your IP address
As we’ve explained, your router will not get a reliable internet connection without a working IP address. That being said, checking whether your IP address is faulty is necessary.
You can log in to your admin profile through your internet service provider’s official website or app using your credentials. On the admin page, you should be able to see whether your IP address is displayed.
If you don’t see an IP address, click on Renew, which should show up once your IP configuration has been refreshed.
3. Update the firmware
While the firmware updates mainly occur automatically, this isn’t necessarily the case with every modem and every ISP.
To check whether there are any pending updates or newer versions of the firmware available, log in to your admin page (either on the ISP’s official website or through their mobile app), and search for manual updates.
If any options mention the latest version of the software, you should download the file and follow the steps explained on the website to update the system manually.
In case you’re having trouble updating the system on your own, you can always contact ISP customer support and ask for their guidance through this process.
They will also be able to give you more information on the status of your device and internet connection and inform you of any service issues on their end.
4. Use Windows Network Troubleshooter
This method is very convenient for Windows users to test their network and scan the system for any bugs and errors.
To launch the network troubleshooter, go to Control Panel, then select Network and Internet. Find the Change adapter settings menu, locate the name of your internet connection, and double-click on it.
Select Properties, then double click on Internet Protocol Version IPv4 or 4. Now, click on Obtain an IP address, and restart your computer and modem for these changes.
5. Reset the internet protocol
A reset of the internet protocol can instantly remove many bugs and solve many network issues you’ve been dealing with. It can solve problems caused by a virus infection, improperly installed network driver, or an issue with the registry.
To start this process, search for “command prompt” in the search bar. Right-click on the first result in the list, and click on “Run as administrator.”
Paste the command “netsh windsock reset” in the box that pops up, and then hit Enter to start the process.
You may also add another command, “netsh int IP reset,” which will reset the internet protocol to its factory settings and reconfigure it completely.
However, this command will delete all your custom settings, and you’ll be required to configure your modem repeatedly. Once again, if necessary, contact the ISP for some guidance or simply follow the instructions in the user manual.
