Does restarting a router delete history?

Does Restarting a Router Delete History?

When encountering network issues, people often resort to restarting their routers for a quick fix. However, the question arises: does restarting a router delete history?

Understanding the Difference between Reboot and Reset

It’s important to distinguish between rebooting and resetting a router. Rebooting, also known as power cycling, involves turning the router off and back on. This action temporarily disconnects internet access but does not erase any data or history stored on the device.

On the other hand, a full reset, sometimes referred to as a factory reset, completely clears all saved history and settings from the router. It restores the device to its original factory configuration.

Impact of a Router Restart on History

Since a restart does not involve resetting the router, it has no impact on the device’s history or stored data. This includes:

• Web browsing history
• Connected device history
• Network configuration settings
• Parental controls
• Saved passwords

When you restart your router, all these data remain intact and will be available once the device reconnects to the internet.

When to Restart vs. Reset Your Router

Restart your router:

• If experiencing temporary network issues like slow speeds or connectivity drops

Reset your router:

• If you are experiencing persistent network problems that cannot be resolved by a restart
• If you want to remove all stored history and settings, including malware or security breaches
• If you want to change the default password or username for the router

Conclusion

Restarting a router does not delete history because it only involves a temporary power cycle. A full reset, on the other hand, will clear all data and settings, including history. Understanding the difference between rebooting and resetting a router is crucial for maintaining network stability and security.