Do you know how to reset an Xfinity router or gateway? This simple process is widely adopted by users to resolve issues with internet connectivity or overall device performance.
Many users often confuse the reset process with a system restart or power cycle.
The key difference with a reset is that all previous settings and customizations are erased, and the device will reboot with its default settings.
Once the device has booted, you’ll need to spend some time establishing your WiFi credentials, such as the network name and password.
The three main approaches to implementing a reset on an Xfinity device, include using the reset button, using the web portal, or via the WPS button.
Each of these processes is very simple and does not require much technical knowledge.
In this article, we focus on the Xfinity Gateway, which combines the functions of a modem and a router, and detail the approaches and steps you need to take to reset the device.
How To Reset Xfinity Gateway?
Implementing a factory reset of your Xfinity gateway removes all customizations and settings including, the name and password for your network.
If you want to restore these settings, it is useful to take a photo or backup your existing settings while the device is on, so that the setup time after the reset is minimal.
The different reset methods are discussed below.
1. Press the Reset Button
The reset button is located on the rear of the Xfinity Gateway and is the easiest method to reset your device to its default settings. Simply identify and press the reset button and your Xfinity Gateway will reset.
To implement a reset using the Reset button:
- Find the reset button located at the rear of the Gateway device.
- The button normally has a clear label stating “Reset”.
- Once you’ve found the reset button, use a thin object such as a paperclip to hold the button down for at least 10 seconds.
- Once the Gateway lights start to blink, you can release the button.
- Allow the Gateway to reboot automatically and do not disconnect it from the power source.
2. Use the Web Portal
An alternative method to resetting the Xfinity Gateway is through using the web portal. This enables you to access the device settings through a web browser on your PC.
This is also pretty straightforward and allows you to manage the bespoke configurations and functions of the Gateway.
To use the Web Portal to reset:
- Load a web browser on your PC and enter the IP address for your device.
- 0.0.01 or 192.168.1.1 are the typical IP address defaults.
- Once loaded, enter your username and password to log in.
- Select the “Advanced” tab.
- Navigate to the “Administration” center.
- Locate and select the “Reset” button.
- Then select, “Reset to Factory Defaults”.
- Finally, click on the “Yes” button to proceed with the factory reset.
3. Using WPS Button
Some of the latest Xfinity Gateways don’t feature a specific reset button on the device. For these models, using the WPS button is the convenient alternative to implement a manual factory reset without needing to load the web portal.
The reset using the WPS button:
- Locate the WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) button on the rear of the Xfinity Gateway.
- Hold down the button for around 30 seconds or until all lights on the device have been switched off.
- Release your finger from the button and wait until the Gateway boots up automatically.
How Do I Get My Xfinity Gateway Set Up After a Reset?
Once you’ve implemented the factory reset on an Xfinity Gateway, you’ll need to set the device up again once it reboots. This means ensuring all the network preferences and router settings such as the WiFi login credentials are restored.
Note, your internet devices will need to log back into the network after a factory reset once you’ve set your network credentials up.
To set up your Xfinity Gateway via the web portal:
- Connect your Gateway to your PC using an Ethernet cable.
- Load a web browser and enter the device IP address into the search bar.
- Default IP addresses are 10.0.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 if you’re unable to locate it.
- Use the default credentials to log into your router.
- Select the tab named “Wireless”.
- In the “SSID” space, enter the name of your WiFi network.
- In the “Password” field, enter your network password.
- Select the “Save” icon.
- The Xfinity Gateway should now be set up and able to access the internet.
- If this process is unsuccessful and you need more details, consult the Xfinity manual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Xfinity reset process take long?
Typically, resetting an Xfinity Gateway takes 2-5 minutes to complete. During this process, the router restarts itself and loads default settings. Some models may take longer, but it is generally a quick process.
Is a power cycle and a reset the same thing?
A power cycle and a reset of an Xfinity Gateway are different processes.
A power cycle is where you turn the device off, remove all cables and leave it to rest for a few minutes. You then reconnect all the cables and let the device restart. In this process, no configurations or settings are lost.
A reset removes all previous customizations and settings, so requires some time to set up once the device has rebooted. For a factory reset, the device needs to maintain its connection to the power supply throughout the process.
Where can I find the reset button on an Xfinity Gateway device?
The reset button on an Xfinity Gateway tends to be located at the rear of the device or on the bottom panel.
As the button is a pinhole, it may not be easily viewed but it should have a “Reset” label.
To click the reset button, you’ll need a pointed tool like a pin or paperclip. Hold the button down for around 10 seconds, until you notice all the Gateway lights have turned off, then you’ll know that the reset process has begun.
What happens if the factory reset doesn’t solve my internet issue?
Generally, a factory reset is run to solve an issue with your internet connection. If you notice that even after the Gateway has rebooted that your internet issue persists, take the following steps:
- Check all the Gateway cables are connected and not loose.
- Check the device lights to see if any are blinking.
- Update the Gateway firmware to see if that is the cause of the issue.
- Check for local network outages which may be causing the internet connectivity issue.
- Contact Xfinity Customer Support for further assistance.
Final Words
Hopefully, you’re now clear on the different methods of resetting an Xfinity Gateway and the steps you need to take to implement each method.
A reset erases all previous settings and configurations, so it should be a last resort if other approaches to resolving an internet or device performance issue have been unsuccessful.
