An internet connection that is too slow or doesn’t respond can mess up work, games, and IoT activities.
These problems are usually fixed by restarting your computer, but what if you’re not there?
This article shows you how to reboot a router remotely from afar using web interfaces, mobile apps, smart plugs, and auto-reboot devices that automatically restart themselves.
These tips will help you keep your home, office, or Internet of Things (IoT) network connected.
Table of Content
- Methods to Reboot a Router Remotely.
- Using the Router’s Web Interface
- Using SSH or Telnet (Advanced Users)
- Using a Smart Plug
- Using a Router Device with Auto Reboot (Keep Connect, etc.)
- How to Reboot a Router via Mobile Apps
- Troubleshooting: When Remote Rebooting Fails
- Security Considerations for Remote Rebooting
- Comparison: Keep Connect vs. Smart Plugs vs. Router Software
- Best Router for Remote Rebooting
- FAQs
- Conclusion & Next Steps
1. Methods to Reboot a Router Remotely
Using the Router’s Web Interface
A web-based control panel on most routers lets you connect from afar.
To restart your computer from afar, do these things:
First, get the IP address of your computer. Type ipconfig into the Command Prompt on Windows and look at the Default Gateway, which might be 192.168.1.1.
If you have a Mac, go to System Preferences > Network, pick out your link, and look for the Router IP.
Next, use a browser to enter the router’s IP address and log in. Type in your master username and password, which you can usually find on the router’s label or in your ISP’s instructions.
When you get inside, go to System Settings and find the “Reboot/Restart” option.
Then, accept the restart. The router will turn off and on again, restoring connection.
This method works best for people who need manual control. But it needs to be set up first, and access may be denied if the router stops responding.
Using SSH or Telnet (Advanced Users)
Since some routers support SSH or Telnet, reboots can be done remotely with commands.
First, go to the remote access settings on your router’s web interface and enable SSH or Telnet.
Next, use Terminal on Mac or Windows or PuTTY on Windows to join.
Type the following:
Once connected, type:
Press Enter, and the router will restart.
This approach is perfect for IT specialists, but it needs to be set up, and robust security measures must be implemented to stop unwanted access.
Using a Smart Plug
Using smart plugs to remotely reboot a router is simple.
Connect your router to a smart plug (like Wemo, Amazon Smart Plug, or TP-Link Kasa).
With the brand’s mobile app, turn off the plug, wait 10 seconds, and then turn it back on.
Even though smart plugs are great for home use, you must be connected to the internet to use the remote control.
Using a Router Device with Auto Reboot (Keep Connect, etc.)
Devices such as Keep Connect automate reboots by monitoring the internet connection and resetting the router when it goes down.
First, plug Keep Connect into the power source on your computer. The device will check your internet connection every few minutes and automatically restart the router without the user having to do anything.
Advanced features let you monitor and get alerts remotely using cloud-based services.
Businesses, Airbnbs, hotels, and IoT systems that need a hands-free way to restart to avoid downtime should use this.
2. How to Reboot a Router via Mobile Apps
Some routers have mobile apps that allow remote reboots.
- With the TP-Link Tether App, open the app, go to Tools > System, and tap Reboot.
- For Netgear Nighthawk, navigate to Settings > Router Maintenance > Restart Router.
- In the ASUS Router App, access System Settings and select Reboot Router.
Mobile apps are convenient for home users but require router compatibility.
3. Troubleshooting: When Remote Rebooting Fails
If a remote reboot doesn’t work, check if the router is completely unresponsive. If it is, a manual power cycle may be necessary.
Verify that remote access settings are enabled in the router’s admin panel. Some ISPs block remote logins, so using a VPN may be required.
If all else fails, perform a hard reset by pressing and holding the router’s reset button for 30 seconds to restore factory settings.
4. Security Considerations for Remote Rebooting
Using strong passwords for router admin access is crucial. Remote access should be disabled when not needed to prevent unauthorized logins. A VPN can add an extra layer of security when managing routers remotely.
5. Comparison: Keep Connect vs. Smart Plugs vs. Router Software
|
Method
|
Best For
|
Pros
|
Cons
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Keep Connect
|
Businessess, IoT, Home Users
|
Auto-reboots on internet failure
|
Requires purchase
|
|
Smart Plug
|
Home users
|
Simple, app-based
|
Needs stable Wi-Fi
|
|
Router's Web Interface
|
Tech-savvy users
|
No extra hardware
|
Can fail if the router is unresponsive
|
6. Best Routers for Remote Rebooting
Always Router by Keep Connect is the best choice for automatic self-healing.
It monitors internet uptime and reboots the connection automatically when needed.
This router is perfect for businesses, remote offices, and IoT setups where internet reliability is critical.
TP-Link Archer AX6000 is ideal for home users, offering remote rebooting via the TP-Link Tether App.
Netgear Nighthawk AX12 is best for advanced users who need VPN & SSH access for remote reboots.
ASUS RT-AX88U includes scheduled reboot settings, making it a solid choice for those who prefer automation without extra hardware.
7. FAQs
Most routers don’t need frequent reboots, but a restart every few weeks can help improve performance.
Many routers have a scheduled reboot setting, or you can use a device like Keep Connect to handle it automatically.
Yes, rebooting clears network congestion, fixes temporary issues, and improves overall performance.
Conclusion & Next Steps
For businesses, the best solution is Keep Connect, which provides automatic router reboots to ensure uninterrupted internet. Home users can benefit from smart plugs or mobile apps for simple remote control.
If you need a hands-free, self-healing solution, Keep Connect is ideal for maintaining a stable network without manual intervention.
