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Troubleshooting

Factory reset your router

A factory reset returns your Insty router to how it shipped. It's a last resort — try a reboot first — but when you need it, it's a 10-second press with a paperclip.

ExplorerLITEGen 2 RouterUpdated July 2, 2026

The short answer

A factory reset wipes your router back to the state we shipped it in. You rarely need it — a reboot fixes most things — but if support asks, or nothing else works: hold the recessed Reset button for 10 seconds with a paperclip and let it reboot.

Try a reboot firstMost "it's acting weird" problems clear with a simple restart, and a reboot keeps all your settings. From the dashboard use the Reboot option, or just unplug the router for 20 seconds and plug it back in. Only reach for a factory reset if a reboot didn't do it.

Factory reset (the button)

  1. Make sure the router is powered on and fully booted (give it 2–3 minutes after plugging in).
  2. Find the small Reset pinhole on the back or side of the router.
  3. Use a paperclip or similar thin tool to press and hold the button inside.
  4. Hold for 10 seconds, until the indicator lights start flashing, then release.
  5. Wait about 3 minutes for the router to reboot to its factory state.

After a reset

  • Your router comes back with its original Wi-Fi name and password — printed on the sticker on the bottom. Join that network again.
  • Open http://192.168.8.1 to confirm it's back up. If your antenna is connected, it'll find it on its own; if not, you'll see "No Insty modem detected" until you plug the antenna in.
  • Your data plan lives on your account, not the router — a reset doesn't touch it. Once the system is back online it picks the plan up automatically.
Reset vs. reboot, in one lineReboot = turn it off and on, keeps your settings. Factory reset = erase and start fresh. When in doubt, reboot.

Still stuck?

If the router won't come back after a reset, or you're not sure it worked, don't keep poking at it — reach out and we'll walk through it live.

Keep going

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