The fastest way to restart your Xfinity modem
Restart your Xfinity modem by unplugging the power cable from the back of the unit, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging it back in. The modem will take two to three minutes to fully restart — you'll see the lights on the front cycle through different colors before settling into a steady pattern. Once the online light stops blinking and stays solid, your internet connection is back.
This restart clears the modem's memory and forces it to reconnect to Xfinity's network. It fixes most connection problems: slow speeds, pages that won't load, devices that won't connect, or a modem that has stopped responding. You don't need to restart your router separately unless you have a separate device — if your modem and router are combined into one unit, restarting the modem handles both.
Key Takeaways
- Unplug the power cable, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in — this is the only restart method that works for Xfinity modems.
- The modem takes two to three minutes to fully restart; the online light will blink and then turn solid when it's ready.
- A restart fixes most connection issues without requiring a technician visit or a call to Xfinity support.
- If your modem has a reset button, pressing it will erase your settings and require you to set up the modem again from scratch.
Step-by-step restart instructions
Locate the power cable at the back of your Xfinity modem. It's the thick black or white cord plugged into the wall outlet or a power strip. Grasp the cable where it connects to the modem and pull it straight out — do not yank on the cord itself, as this can damage the connection.
Once the cable is unplugged, wait a full 30 seconds. During this time, all the lights on the modem will turn off. This waiting period is important because it clears the modem's temporary memory. If you plug it back in too quickly, the restart won't work properly.
After 30 seconds have passed, plug the power cable back into the modem. The lights will turn on and begin cycling through different colors — usually white, orange, or green. This cycling is normal and means the modem is starting up. Do not unplug it again during this process.
Watch the lights on the front of the modem. The online light (usually labeled "Online" or shown as a globe icon) will blink while the modem connects to Xfinity's network. Once this light turns solid and stops blinking, your modem is fully restarted and ready to use. This typically takes two to three minutes.
What the lights mean during restart
The modem displays different light patterns as it restarts. When you first plug it back in, you'll see the power light turn on. Within a few seconds, other lights will begin to light up in sequence. The modem is running through its startup checks — this is expected and means the restart is working.
The online light is the one you should watch. While it's blinking, the modem is still connecting to Xfinity's network. Once it turns solid (not blinking), the connection is established. At this point, your devices should be able to connect to the internet again. If you have a separate router connected to the modem, the router may take another 30 seconds to a minute to fully restart as well.
If the online light stays off or blinks continuously after five minutes, the modem may not be connecting properly. This can happen if there's an outage in your area or if the modem has a hardware problem. Check Xfinity's outage map on their website to see if service is down in your location.
When to restart versus when to call support
Restart your modem first for these problems: slow internet speeds, pages loading slowly, devices dropping connection, or the modem not responding. A restart fixes most of these issues because they're usually caused by the modem getting overloaded with temporary data. If the problem goes away after restart, you're done.
Call Xfinity support if the problem returns within a few hours, if the online light won't turn solid after restarting, or if you're still having the same issue after restarting twice. You should also call if you see error lights (usually red) on the modem, or if the modem is making unusual noises. These signs point to a hardware problem that a restart won't fix.
If you restart and the modem works fine for a few days but then has the same problem again, this pattern suggests the modem may be failing. Xfinity can send a replacement modem at no cost if yours is still under warranty or if you're renting it from them.
The difference between restart and reset
A restart means unplugging the modem and plugging it back in. This keeps all your settings intact — your network name, password, and any custom configurations stay the same. Your devices will reconnect automatically once the modem is back online.
A reset means pressing the small reset button on the back of the modem, usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it. A reset erases everything: your network name, password, and all settings return to factory defaults. You'll have to set up the modem from scratch, which takes 15 to 20 minutes and requires you to know your Xfinity account information. Only do a reset if support tells you to, or if you're returning the modem and want to erase your data.
Restarting a combined modem-router unit
If you have an Xfinity xFi Gateway (the all-in-one modem and router), the restart process is the same: unplug the power cable, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. The unit will restart both the modem and router functions at the same time. You don't need to do anything separately.
The lights on an xFi Gateway work the same way. You'll see the power light come on first, then other lights will cycle. The online light will blink while connecting, then turn solid. Once it's solid, both your modem and router are ready. Devices that were connected to your Wi-Fi network will reconnect automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for an Xfinity modem to fully restart?
A full restart takes two to three minutes from the moment you plug the power cable back in. The online light will blink during this time and turn solid when the modem is ready. If it takes longer than five minutes, unplug it again and check that the cable is plugged in firmly.
Will restarting my modem erase my internet history or passwords?
No. A restart only clears the modem's temporary memory and reconnects it to Xfinity's network. Your internet history, saved passwords, and any data on your devices stay exactly as they are. Only a reset button press erases modem settings.
Do I need to restart my router if I restart my modem?
If you have a separate router, you don't have to restart it — the modem restart alone will usually fix connection problems. However, if your devices still won't connect after the modem restarts, you can unplug the router for 30 seconds and plug it back in. If your modem and router are combined into one unit, restarting the modem restarts both.
What should I do if the modem won't turn back on after I plug it in?
Check that the power cable is plugged firmly into both the modem and the wall outlet. Try a different outlet to rule out a power strip problem. If the modem still won't turn on, the power supply may have failed. Contact Xfinity support to request a replacement modem.
Can I restart my modem using the Xfinity app instead of unplugging it?
The Xfinity app does not have a restart option. You must physically unplug the modem and plug it back in. This is the only way to fully restart an Xfinity modem.