Why Does My Arris Modem Keep Rebooting? [2025 Complete Fix Guide]

If your Arris modem keeps rebooting randomly throughout the day, disrupting your work, gaming sessions, or streaming entertainment, you're not alone. This frustrating issue affects thousands of Arris modem users across models like the SB8200, G36, S33, SBG8300, and SB6190. The good news? Most Arris modem rebooting issues can be fixed without replacing your device.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through 8 proven solutions to stop your Arris modem from rebooting, explain the root causes, and provide expert troubleshooting steps to restore stable internet connectivity.

Understanding Why Your Arris Modem Keeps Rebooting

When an Arris modem reboots, all LED lights turn off momentarily, then cycle through their startup sequence - typically going from power on, to downstream/upstream synchronization, and finally to online status. This process takes 2-5 minutes each time, causing complete internet outages.

What happens during a modem reboot:

• All active connections drop immediately
• The modem attempts to reestablish connection with your ISP
• Device provisioning and authentication restart from scratch
• Your home network goes completely offline until the reboot completes

Arris modems don't reboot randomly without reason. The device is detecting a critical issue that forces a restart - whether it's signal loss, overheating, power fluctuations, or firmware problems.

Common Causes of Arris Modem Reboot Issues

Based on extensive research and technical analysis, here are the 8 primary causes of Arris modem rebooting issues:

1. Overheating Problems

Arris modems, especially high-performance models like the SB8200 and G36, generate significant heat during operation. When internal temperatures exceed 140°F (60°C), thermal protection circuits activate, forcing the modem to shut down and reboot.

Why overheating occurs:

• Poor ventilation and enclosed spaces
• Dust accumulation blocking air vents
• Placement near heat-generating devices
• High-speed data transfers generating excessive heat
• Inadequate internal cooling design

The SB8200 is particularly notorious for overheating issues. Many users report thermal throttling messages in logs showing temperatures reaching 92-95°C before automatic reboots.

2. Loose or Damaged Coaxial Cables

Coaxial cable problems are responsible for approximately 40% of modem rebooting issues. When the cable connection is compromised, signal disruption causes the modem to lose its connection to the ISP, triggering an automatic reboot.

Common cable issues:

• Loose connections at the modem or wall outlet
• Frayed or damaged cable insulation
• Corroded center conductor or connectors
• Low-quality cables not rated for 5-1002 MHz
• Weather damage to exterior cabling
• Moisture ingress causing oxidation

3. Poor ISP Signal Levels

Your modem requires specific signal strength ranges to maintain stable connectivity. When signal levels fall outside acceptable parameters, the modem repeatedly attempts to reconnect, resulting in constant reboots.

Critical signal level ranges:

Upstream power levels consistently above 51 dBmV or below 45 dBmV indicate "hot" or "weak" line conditions that cause instability.

4. Outdated or Corrupted Firmware

Firmware controls your modem's core functionality. Outdated or corrupted firmware can cause compatibility issues with your ISP's network, leading to frequent disconnections and reboots.

Important firmware facts:

• You cannot manually update Arris modem firmware yourself
• Only your ISP can push firmware updates to your modem
• ISPs may not automatically update customer-owned modems
• Firmware updates require proper provisioning from the ISP side

5. Faulty Power Supply or Electrical Issues

Power-related problems account for approximately 25% of modem failures. Arris modems require stable 12V DC power (typically 0.75A to 1.5A depending on model).

Power supply problems:

• Degraded power adapter failing to deliver consistent voltage
• Electrical outlet providing fluctuating power
• Power strips with inadequate surge protection
• Voltage drops during peak usage hours
• Damaged power cable or connector

6. DOCSIS Version Compatibility

Many Arris modem rebooting issues started after ISPs upgraded their networks to DOCSIS 3.1 standards. Older DOCSIS 3.0 modems may struggle with new provisioning requirements, causing reboot loops during firmware updates or network changes.

DOCSIS compatibility issues:

• DOCSIS 3.0 modems on networks optimized for 3.1
• ISP provisioning signals incompatible with older firmware
• Speed tier upgrades exceeding modem capabilities
• Automatic provisioning failures triggering constant reboots

7. Excessive Splitters and Signal Loss

Each coaxial splitter in your line reduces signal strength by 3.5-7 dB. Multiple splitters create cumulative signal loss that pushes levels outside acceptable ranges.

Splitter-related issues:

• Too many splits between the service entry point and modem
• Low-quality splitters from big-box retailers
• Unbalanced splitters not rated for DOCSIS frequencies
• Old splitters with degraded internal components

Best practice: Connect your modem directly to the main service line with a single 2-way splitter maximum.

8. ISP Network Maintenance and Provisioning

Sometimes the problem isn't your modem at all. ISP-side issues can trigger modems to reboot repeatedly.

ISP-related causes:

• Network maintenance during business hours
• Automatic provisioning signals (docsDevResetNow commands)
• CMTS (Cable Modem Termination System) upgrades
• Signal level adjustments at neighborhood nodes
• DNS or authentication server problems

Signs Your Arris Modem is Rebooting

Recognizing reboot symptoms helps you diagnose the problem quickly:

LED Light Patterns During Reboot:

• All lights turn off simultaneously
• Power light returns first (solid or flashing)
• Downstream light blinks green (searching for signal)
• Upstream light blinks green (attempting to connect)
• Online light stays off or amber until connection established
• Full cycle takes 2-5 minutes

Common Reboot Scenarios:

• Reboots at specific times daily (often ISP maintenance)
• Reboots every 5-10 minutes exactly
• Reboots under heavy network load
• Reboots after several hours of operation (overheating)
• Alternating blue and amber lights indicating boot loop

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Arris Modem Rebooting

1. Power Cycle Your Modem Properly

   Unplug the power cable, wait 2 minutes, press and hold the power button for 15 seconds (if available), plug power back, and wait 3-5 minutes for startup.

2. Check and Secure All Cable Connections

   Tighten all coaxial and ethernet cables, inspect for damage, and replace if necessary with high-quality RG6 cables.

3. Verify Signal Levels

   Access 192.168.100.1 to check downstream/upstream power and SNR, ensuring they are within optimal ranges.

4. Improve Ventilation and Address Overheating

   Relocate modem to open space, clean vents, position vertically, and optionally add USB-powered fan to cool the device.

5. Update Firmware Through Your ISP

   Contact your ISP for the latest firmware push and re-provisioning.

6. Check for Splitter Issues

   Remove unnecessary splitters and replace old ones with high-quality, bi-directional 5-1002 MHz rated splitters.

7. Test Different Power Outlet

   Plug modem into a different outlet directly, avoiding power strips or faulty sockets.

8. Factory Reset (Last Resort)

   Hold the reset button for 15-20 seconds to restore factory defaults, then contact your ISP for re-provisioning.

Advanced Troubleshooting Methods

If basic steps don't resolve the issue, access event logs for error messages, isolate modem from router, and request ISP line testing.

When to Replace Your Arris Modem

• Over 5 years old
• No lights with good power supply
• Persistent reboot after troubleshooting
• Does not support DOCSIS 3.1 for speeds above 400 Mbps

Recommended models: SB8200, S33, or S34 verified by your ISP.

Prevention Tips to Avoid Future Rebooting Issues

• Clean modem vents quarterly
• Check cables every 6 months
• Monitor signal monthly
• Keep ambient temperature below 80°F
• Use quality surge protector
• Maintain good ventilation and clear space

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my Arris modem keep rebooting every few minutes?

Frequent rebooting is usually due to poor ISP signal levels, overheating, or modem failure. Check signal levels in your modem's status page and ensure adequate ventilation.

How do I stop my Arris SB8200 from overheating and rebooting?

Place the SB8200 in an open ventilated area, clean dust from vents, position it vertically, and use a USB fan if necessary to cool the device.

Can bad coaxial cable cause Arris modem to reboot?

Yes, damaged or loose coaxial cables are a common reboot cause. Inspect and replace cables and connectors if needed.

Will updating firmware fix my Arris modem rebooting issue?

Possibly, but only your ISP can update firmware. Contact them and request the latest version for your modem.

How do I know if my Arris modem needs to be replaced?

If it is over 5 years old, keeps rebooting after troubleshooting, has no lights with good power, or lacks DOCSIS 3.1 support, consider replacement.