Steps to Reboot a Router and Modem 1. Unplug the router and the modem. ... 2. Wait at least 30 seconds. ... 4. 3. Plug in the modem. ... 5. Wait at least 60 seconds. ... 6. Plug in the router. ... 7. Wait at least 2 minutes. ... 8. When the router and modem restart, test to see if the problem went away.