How to Reset an AT&T Router

To reset an AT&T router without erasing your settings, unplug its power cord, wait 20 seconds, reconnect it, and allow the gateway to restart. To restore factory settings, press and hold the physical Reset button for at least 10 seconds, then release it and wait for the gateway to come back online.

AT&T often calls the router a Wi-Fi gateway because one device may provide both the internet connection and the wireless network. Keep the gateway connected to its normal data cable during either reset unless AT&T support tells you otherwise.

What is the difference between restarting and factory-resetting an AT&T router?

A soft reset, also called a restart or power cycle, turns the AT&T gateway off and back on. It can clear a temporary connection problem without deliberately erasing the Wi-Fi name, Wi-Fi password, or other settings.

A factory reset returns the AT&T gateway to its original settings. It can erase a custom Wi-Fi name, custom Wi-Fi password, port-forwarding rules, firewall changes, and other settings that someone configured after installation.

• Try a restart first when the internet is slow, Wi-Fi has stopped responding, or the gateway appears connected but devices cannot get online.
• Use a factory reset when a restart did not help, the gateway settings are inaccessible, or AT&T support specifically asks for one.
• Before a factory reset, photograph the gateway label and record any custom settings that will be needed again.

How do you restart an AT&T router?

Restarting an AT&T router briefly disconnects every wired and wireless device. Save active work before starting, and do not unplug the gateway while it is installing an update.

1. Find the power cord where it connects to the back of the AT&T gateway.
2. Unplug the power cord from the gateway or electrical outlet. Leave the internet or broadband cable connected.
3. Wait at least 20 seconds so the gateway can shut down fully.
4. Plug the power cord back in securely.
5. Allow several minutes for the gateway to start. Its lights may blink, change color, or turn off temporarily during this process.
6. Wait until the main status, broadband, or service light reaches its normal steady state. The exact light name and color depend on the gateway model; many models show a steady white or green status when service is ready.
7. Reconnect a phone or computer to Wi-Fi and open a new page to test the connection.

If the lights continue changing, let the startup process finish before restarting the gateway again. Repeatedly removing power can interrupt recovery.

How do you factory reset an AT&T router?

A factory reset erases customized gateway settings, so use it only after a normal restart has failed or when a full reset is required. The physical Reset control is usually on the back of the gateway and may be a small button or a recessed pinhole.

1. Leave the AT&T gateway powered on.
2. Locate the control marked Reset. Do not press a nearby WPS or power button by mistake.
3. If the Reset control is recessed, use the end of a paper clip or another narrow, blunt object that fits without force.
4. Press and hold Reset for at least 10 seconds. Releasing it sooner may only restart the gateway instead of restoring factory settings.
5. Release the button when the gateway lights change, turn off, or begin the restart sequence.
6. Wait several minutes without unplugging the gateway. The lights will cycle while factory settings are restored and the internet connection starts again.
7. Check for a steady normal status light, then test the connection from one device.

After a factory reset, a custom Wi-Fi name and password may no longer work. The gateway normally returns to the default network information printed on its label.

How do you reconnect devices after resetting an AT&T router?

A restart normally keeps the existing AT&T Wi-Fi name and password. A factory reset normally restores the default Wi-Fi credentials shown on the gateway label, which may use terms such as Wi-Fi Network Name, SSID, Wi-Fi Password, or Network Key.

1. Read the label on the side, back, or bottom of the AT&T gateway. Make sure the label belongs to the gateway, not a separate extender.
2. Open Wi-Fi settings on the phone, computer, television, or other device.
3. Select the default network name that exactly matches the gateway label.
4. Enter the default Wi-Fi password carefully. Letters, numbers, and capitalization must match.
5. If the device keeps trying an old password, choose the option to forget or remove the saved network, then join it again.
6. Repeat these steps for each wireless device that does not reconnect automatically.

Wired devices may reconnect by themselves after the gateway is online. If you want the previous custom network name or password again, reconfigure it only after confirming that the default connection works.

What should you do if the AT&T router still will not reset?

An AT&T gateway may need support when it shows no lights with a confirmed working outlet, never completes startup, repeatedly turns off, feels unusually hot, has a damaged power connection, or does not respond when the Reset button is held correctly.

• Connect the power adapter directly to a known working wall outlet to rule out a switched outlet or faulty power strip.
• Check that the power plug and broadband cable are seated securely, without forcing either connector.
• Look for visible damage, liquid exposure, a burning smell, or excessive heat. Disconnect power and stop handling the gateway if it appears unsafe.
• Do not keep factory-resetting a gateway that remains stuck in the same light sequence. Record the light color and blinking pattern for support.
• Have the gateway model, account holder’s name, service address, and a summary of the troubleshooting steps ready.

How do you contact AT&T support for router help?

Open {site} and look for Internet support, troubleshooting, or Contact Us. Choose the support option shown for AT&T Internet or Wi-Fi gateway problems.

Tell the representative whether you performed a restart or a factory reset, how long you held the Reset button, and what each gateway light is doing now. Also mention whether any wired device can connect and whether the default Wi-Fi network printed on the label appears. AT&T support can check the service connection, guide model-specific troubleshooting, and determine whether the gateway itself needs attention.