
Yes, they can overheat. But usually not to the point of causing any damage. If you live in a hot climate, or if your router is in a location where it gets direct sunlight, then it’s possible for the router to get too hot and shut down.
If your router does overheat and shut down, don’t panic. Just unplug it and let it cool down for a few minutes. Once it’s cooled off, you can plug it back in and it should work just fine.
If your router is constantly overheating and shutting down, there are a few things we will go through in this article.
What are the signs that a router is overheating?
One of the most common signs that a router is overheating is when the device starts to randomly disconnect from the internet or experience other connection issues. Another sign is when the router starts to emit a burning smell. If you notice either of these signs, it’s important to take action to prevent further damage to the router.
One way to prevent your wifi router from overheating is to keep it in a cool, well-ventilated place. If the router is located in a hot, enclosed space, try to move it to a cooler location. Additionally, make sure that there is plenty of airflow around the router so that it can stay cool.
If you think that your wifi router is overheating, you can try turning it off for a few minutes to allow it to cool down. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the router.
How do you prevent a router from overheating?

One way to prevent your router from overheating is to keep it in a well-ventilated area. Make sure that there is plenty of airflow around the router so that heat can dissipate quickly.
You can also invest in a router cooler, which is a device that helps to regulate the temperature of your router.
Another way to keep your router cool is to disable any unused features or ports, as these can generate heat.
In addition, make sure that you regularly check the vents on your router to make sure they are not blocked. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your router stays cool and operates at peak performance.
What are the dangers of overheating routers?
There are several dangers associated with overheating routers. One of the most serious is the possibility of fire. If the router gets too hot, it could potentially catch fire, and this could cause significant damage to your home or office. Additionally, overheating can also damage the internal components of the router, potentially causing it to malfunction. Finally, if you have multiple devices connected to the same router, overheating could affect their performance as well.
How to cool down a hot router?
There are a few things you can do to cool down a hot router:
Move the router to a cooler location:
If the router is located in a hot, enclosed space, try moving it to a cooler, more open location.
Add ventilation:
If possible, add ventilation to the area where the router is located. This will help to dissipate heat more effectively.
Use a router cooling pad:
A cooling pad can help to lower the temperature of the router by providing additional airflow.
Make sure the router is not overloaded:
A constantly overloaded router can overheat if it receives a lot of traffic. Try to limit the amount of traffic on the router and make sure that it is not being used for more than it is designed for.
If the router is still overheating, it may be defective and should be replaced.
What are some alternative ways to get internet if your router starts overheating?
One way to get internet if your wifi router starts overheating is to use a wired connection. This can be done by connecting an Ethernet cable from your modem to your computer.
If you have a laptop, you can also use a USB tethering cable to connect to your phone’s data plan.
Another way to get internet is to use a public wifi hotspot. This can be found at many coffee shops, libraries, and other public places.
Moreover, you can always use your data plan on your phone as a hotspot to connect your other devices to the internet.
Conclusion:
It’s important to keep an eye on your router and take steps to prevent it from overheating in the first place. In addition, you should also know how to cool down a hot router if necessary.
By following the tips in this article, you can help ensure that your router stays healthy and running for years to come.
If you have any questions about how to prevent your router from overheating, or if you need help troubleshooting an issue, please feel free to reach out to us. We’re always happy to help.
FAQs:
If your router starts to act erratically, or if it seems like it’s working harder than usual, it may be overheating. Another sign of overheating is if the router feels hot to the touch.
Yes, a hot router can cause slow internet. If the router is constantly overloaded with traffic, this can cause it to overheat. Try to limit the amount of traffic on the router and make sure that it is not being used for more than it is designed for.

I am the founder and CEO of Ownrouter. I have been in the industry for over 15 years, and I am passionate about routers. I have a degree in computer science from the University of London and worked as a network engineer for a large ISP. I am also a member of the board of directors for the Open Source Router Project. Learn more