A factory reset clears your modem's settings and restores it to the state it shipped in

An Arris modem reset wipes out your current configuration—your Wi-Fi network name, password, and any custom settings—and returns the device to factory defaults. This is different from a power cycle (unplugging it for 30 seconds), which straightforward restarts the modem without erasing anything. You need a factory reset when your modem is stuck in a loop, won't connect to your internet service provider, or has settings you can't recover any other way. After a reset, you'll need to set up your Wi-Fi network again and may need to contact your internet provider to re-register the modem on their network.

There are two ways to reset an Arris modem: using the physical reset button on the device itself, or through the web interface if you can still access it. The physical button is the most reliable method because it works even if you've forgotten your admin password or the modem won't load its settings page.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset erases your Wi-Fi name, password, and all custom settings, so use it only when other troubleshooting has failed.
  • The physical reset button on the back or bottom of the modem is the fastest method and works even if you can't access the settings page.
  • You must hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights on the modem go dark, then wait for them to come back on.
  • After a reset, your modem will use the default Wi-Fi name and password printed on the device label, and you may need to call your internet provider to re-register it.

Locate and use the physical reset button

The reset button on an Arris modem is a small, recessed button usually located on the back panel or bottom of the device. On some models (like the SB6121 or SB6141), it sits next to the power port. On others (like the MG7550), it's on the bottom. You'll need a straightened paperclip, a ballpoint pen, or a similar thin object to press it, because the button is deliberately recessed so you don't hit it by accident.

Make sure your modem is powered on. Press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. You'll see the lights on the front of the modem dim or go out completely. Keep holding until all the lights turn off, then release. The modem will restart automatically. Wait 2 to 3 minutes for all the lights to come back on and stabilize—this means the reset is complete and the modem is ready to use.

Reset through the web interface if you can still access it

If you can still log into your modem's settings page, you can perform a factory reset from there without using the physical button. Open a web browser and type 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 into the address bar (the exact address depends on your model). Log in using the default username and password, which are usually admin and motorola (or sometimes admin and admin).

Once you're logged in, look for a section labeled Advanced, Administration, or System. Inside that section, find a button or link that says Factory Reset, Restore Defaults, or Reset to Factory Settings. Click it, and the modem will ask you to confirm. Select yes, and the modem will restart and erase all settings. This method takes a bit longer than the physical button but gives you a clear on-screen confirmation that the reset is happening.

What happens when ready after the reset

Once your modem restarts, the lights will cycle through their startup sequence. The downstream and upstream lights should turn solid green, and the online light should turn green as well. This means the modem has restarted successfully. However, your modem is not yet connected to the internet—it's just powered up and ready to be configured.

At this point, your Wi-Fi network will broadcast under the default name and password printed on the label stuck to the bottom or back of your modem. The label usually shows something like "ARRIS-XXXX" for the network name and a random string of characters for the password. You can connect to this network temporarily, but you'll want to change both the network name and password as soon as possible for security.

Re-register your modem with your internet provider

After a factory reset, your modem may not automatically reconnect to your internet provider's network. Call your provider's customer service line and tell them you've reset your modem. They'll ask for your account number and the modem's MAC address (a unique identifier printed on the label). They'll then re-register the modem on their network, which usually takes a few minutes.

While you're on the phone, ask them to confirm that the modem is now online and receiving a signal. Once they confirm, hang up and check your modem's lights—the online light should be solid green. If it's not, restart the modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in, then wait another 2 to 3 minutes for it to fully boot.

Set up your Wi-Fi network after the reset

Once your modem is back online with your provider, log into the settings page again at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.100.1 using the default admin credentials. Look for a section labeled Wi-Fi, Wireless, or Network. Here you can change the network name (SSID) and password to something you'll remember. Use a strong password—at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

After you save your new Wi-Fi settings, the modem will restart. Wait a minute or two, then disconnect from the default network and connect to your new network name using your new password. Test your internet connection by opening a web browser and visiting a website. If everything loads normally, your reset is complete and your modem is fully configured.

When to call a professional instead of resetting

A factory reset solves problems caused by corrupted settings or forgotten passwords, but it won't fix hardware failures or problems with your internet service itself. If your modem still won't connect to the internet after a reset and re-registration with your provider, the issue is likely a hardware problem with the modem or a service outage on your provider's end.

If the modem won't power on at all, the power adapter may be faulty. If the lights flicker or behave erratically even after a reset, the modem's internal circuitry may be damaged. In either case, contact your internet provider—many will replace a defective modem under warranty at no cost. If you own the modem outright and it's out of warranty, you may need to purchase a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset delete my internet service or account?

No. A factory reset only erases the modem's internal settings. Your account with your internet provider remains active. You'll need to re-register the modem with your provider so it can connect to their network again, but your service and billing are unaffected.

How long does a factory reset take?

The physical reset button method takes about 2 to 3 minutes from the moment you press the button until the modem is fully restarted and ready. The web interface method takes slightly longer because you have to navigate to the settings page first, but the actual reset process is the same.

What if I forget my new Wi-Fi password after I reset the modem?

Log back into the modem's settings page at 192.168.0.1 using the default admin credentials, navigate to the Wi-Fi section, and view or change your password. Write it down somewhere safe this time, or use a password manager to store it.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No. Once you perform a factory reset, your previous settings are gone permanently. If you had custom settings you wanted to keep, you would have needed to back them up before resetting. For future reference, some Arris modems allow you to export settings as a file before resetting.

Do I need to unplug the modem before pressing the reset button?

No. The modem should remain powered on while you press and hold the reset button. The button itself triggers the reset; you don't need to power cycle the device first.