---
title: "How to Restart Your Network Equipment Safely | Smart Systems"
description: "The correct sequence for safely rebooting your modem, router, switch, and access points without losing settings."
url: "https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/restart-network-equipment"
---

[Home](https://www.smartsysinc.com/)/[Support](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support)/How to Restart Your Network Equipment Safely

# How to Restart Your Network Equipment Safely

The correct sequence for safely rebooting your modem, router, switch, and access points without losing settings.

Network & Wi-Fi

## When to Restart Your Network

A restart can resolve many common network issues including slow speeds, dropped connections, and devices not seeing each other. We recommend this as a first step before contacting support.

### Proper Restart Sequence

The order matters. Follow these steps:
1. **Power off your modem** (the device from your ISP, usually has a coax cable) — wait 60 seconds
2. **Power off your router or gateway** (Ubiquiti Security Gateway, UniFi Dream Machine, or similar) — wait 30 seconds
3. **Power off your network switch** (if accessible) — wait 15 seconds
4. **Turn on the modem first** — Wait until all status lights are solid (usually 2-3 minutes)
5. **Turn on the router/gateway** — Wait 2 minutes for it to fully boot
6. **Turn on the switch** — Wait 1 minute

### Using a WattBox (Remote Reboot)

If your system includes a WattBox power conditioner, Smart Systems can reboot your equipment remotely without a service call. Contact us and we can often resolve issues within minutes.

### What NOT to Do

- Do not hold the reset button on any device — this can factory reset your equipment and erase all settings
- Do not unplug PoE (Power over Ethernet) devices by pulling the network cable — use the power source

## Related articles

- [Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Dead Zones in Your Home](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/troubleshooting-wifi-dead-zones)
- [What to Do When Your Internet Feels Slow](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/internet-feels-slow)
- [Reconnecting a Device That Dropped Off Your Wi-Fi](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/reconnecting-dropped-device)
- [Setting Up and Managing Your Guest Wi-Fi Network](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/guest-wifi-network)
- [Slow Internet Speeds](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/slow-internet-speeds)

## Still stuck?

Submit a ticket or talk to our support assistant, and we’ll take it from here.

[Submit a Ticket](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support?tab=ticket)[(423) 877-8195](tel:+14238778195)