If your Internet isn’t working right now, here’s what you need to know fast:
Restarting your Cox modem is a quick power cycle that keeps your settings and often fixes slow or dropped connections. Resetting, on the other hand, erases everything and restores factory defaults. Only reset if other steps fail.
Let’s break down when and how to do each—and what to try before resetting.
What’s the Difference Between Restarting and Resetting a Cox Modem?
It’s easy to mix these up, but they serve very different purposes:
Action
What It Does
When to Use It
How Do You Restart a Cox Modem the Right Way?
Here’s how to power cycle your modem (this solves many issues without risk):
- Unplug the modem from the wall and coaxial cable.
- Wait 30 seconds to fully discharge power.
- Plug it back in and reconnect the coaxial cable.
- Wait 2–3 minutes until all indicator lights stabilize.
You’ll stay connected to your WiFi and won’t need to reconfigure anything.
When Should You Reset Your Cox Cable Modem?
Only reset your modem if:
- You’ve already tried restarting and it didn’t help.
- You’re experiencing repeated disconnects or can’t get online at all.
- A technician or Cox support agent tells you to reset.
- You’re preparing to return, replace, or resell your modem.
Resetting can solve deep configuration issues, but it’s not always the fix. Always try restarting first.
How Do You Perform a Factory Reset on a Cox Cable Modem?
If a reset is necessary, here’s how to do it properly:
- Locate the reset button (usually a small pinhole on the back or bottom of the modem).
- Insert a paperclip or pen tip and press/hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
- Release the button and wait for the modem to reboot. Lights will blink during this.
- Wait 3–5 minutes for the process to complete.
Your modem will now be restored to factory settings. You’ll need to re-enter your name, password, and any other custom settings.
Warning: Resetting erases everything—including your login credentials and custom settings. Make sure you’ve written them down beforehand.
Will Resetting Fix My Internet Problem?
Sometimes—but not always. Resetting can help if:
- Your modem has corrupted settings.
- You can’t connect to the Internet even after restarting.
However, it won’t help with:
- Cox service outages.
- Loose or damaged coaxial cables.
- Router issues (if you use a separate router).
In those cases, resetting won’t solve the problem—and you may lose your custom settings unnecessarily.
Is It Time to Upgrade Your Modem Instead?
If you find yourself restarting or resetting often, your modem might be outdated.
Many Cox customers still use older or rented modems that don’t support the full speeds of their Internet plan. A high-performance model like the Hitron CODA cable modem gives you:
- Faster Gigabit speeds for streaming and gaming
- Reliable connections for home offices
- Fewer support calls and fewer resets
It’s a smart long-term solution if you’re dealing with frequent issues.
FAQ
Should I restart or reset my Cox modem first?
Always restart first. It’s faster, safer, and often solves temporary problems without wiping your settings.
How often can I reset my modem?
Resetting should only be done occasionally when troubleshooting serious issues. Frequent resets aren’t recommended.
What happens if I reset a Cox modem I rent?
Cox may remotely reapply basic settings, but you’ll still need to re-enter your login name and password unless they do it for you.
Can I reset using the Cox app?
Only certain Cox-compatible modems allow remote resets through the app. Check the app or website for compatibility.
Why does my Internet still not work after resetting?
There may be a service outage, damaged wiring, or a hardware failure unrelated to your modem settings.
Quick Recap
- Restart first: It’s fast, safe, and keeps your settings intact.
- Reset only if necessary: It erases all custom configurations.
- To restart: Unplug, wait 30 seconds, then plug back in.
- To reset: Hold the reset button for 10 seconds until lights blink.
- Upgrading your modem may eliminate the need for frequent resets and improve performance.
Tired of resetting your modem every time something goes wrong?
A high-performance cable modem like Hitron’s CODA modem can deliver more reliable speeds, fewer interruptions, and peace of mind.
See the Hitron CODA Cable Modem
