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How to Clear Cache From a Router

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Updated March 4, 2023

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Table of Contents_

What is the Router Cache and Why Clear It?
How to Clear a Router’s Cache
STEP 1 Find the Reset Button
STEP 2 Press the Reset Button
STEP 3 Restart the Router
STEP 4 Check the Connection

If you have been experimenting with your wireless network, you may wonder how to clear a cache from a router. The best routers, after all, need a good cache clearing every once in a while, especially if they’re used consistently by multiple devices at a single time like the best router for small businesses. Keep reading to find out how to do this.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

You should regularly reset or clear a router’s cache to avoid interruptions in the Internet connection.
Each router has a cache reset button, typically located on the rear of the unit.
This process is different from resetting a browser cache, or a DNS cache, both of which involve an address bar, command prompt, and IP addresses.

What is the Router Cache and Why Clear It?

A router’s cache is somewhat different from a computer or web browser’s cache, so there will be no need for an IP address, DNS resolver cache, or related cache entries. A WiFi router with parental control has a cache that is dedicated to storing network information and instructions.

If an error gets stored in this cache, it leads to router malfunctions and dropped Internet connections, particularly if you have learned how to use a router as a WiFi extender. Clearing out the cache avoids this issue. It won’t work if you just reset your router, you must clear the cache. You can follow these same steps with reliable modem routers, especially if they’re giving you trouble.

For more helpful guides, you’ll want to read our other topic discussing how to disable AP isolation on a router.

Insider Tip

If you need to reset your browser cache and not your router cache, you can typically do so via the settings page of your web browser.

How to Clear a Router’s Cache

The process here will not be totally dissimilar to learning how to check data usage on a WiFi router.

STEP 1 Find the Reset Button

Locate the reset button on your router.
The placement will vary according to the make and model of your wireless router, but it should be located in the back somewhere.
It should be red in color and extremely small.
The reset button is actually too small to be pressed by a human hand.

STEP 2 Press the Reset Button

Find a pencil, paperclip, or another tool with an extremely small point.
Press the tool into the red reset button.
Hold the reset button until the front router lights turn off.
Once the lights turn back on, stop pressing the button.

Clear the cache on a router via reset button

STEP 3 Restart the Router

In some instances, the router will automatically restart when the reset button has been engaged.
If this does not happen, restart the router manually.
Unplug the router and wait 30 seconds to one minute before plugging it back in.
Plug the router back in and wait for all of the lights to illuminate.

STEP 4 Check the Connection

Now that the cache has been reset, it is time to check the connection.
Make sure both the router and modem are functioning.
Open up your computer or smartphone and perform tests to ensure that you are receiving a wireless signal.
You should also check on your overall speed via your preferred methods.

STAT: Cache is online data that is temporarily stored in the computer and is designed to speed up certain activities such as web browsing by prioritizing its contents for quick access. (source)

F.A.Q.S

How do I flush the cache on my Orbi system?

To flush the DNS cache of an Orbi system, follow the instructions included with the Netgear device.

How to resolve cache issues on your computer?

This depends on where the issue originated, your computer model, and your operating system. It could be browser settings, default settings, or even a simple command, such as a right-click command prompt.

How to reset your DNS cache?

Resetting your DNS cache depends on your device and operating system. Check the instructions for information on how to reset a DNS cache, as resetting a DNS cache and related cache entries can be complicated.

REFERENCES:

Lawrence Bonk

Lawrence Bonk is a copywriter with a decade of experience in the tech space, with columns appearing in Engadget, Huffington Post and CBS, among others. He has a cat named Cinnamon.