Whether you upgraded to a new router and kept the old one as a backup, or your internet provider sent you a replacement device you have not used yet, knowing how to store a spare router properly will keep it in working condition for whenever you actually need it.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Electronics that sit unused for long periods can develop problems even if they are never touched, including capacitor degradation, dust accumulation, and in humid environments, corrosion on internal components. A little bit of care during storage goes a long way toward making sure your spare router actually works when you eventually need it.
Choose a Dry, Climate-Controlled Location
Avoid storing a spare router in a garage, basement, attic, or anywhere subject to extreme temperatures or humidity. Significant temperature swings and moisture are two of the biggest threats to stored electronics. A closet inside your main living space, where temperature and humidity stay relatively stable, is a much better choice.
Clean It Before Storing
Before putting a router away, give it a proper cleaning, including wiping down the casing and using compressed air to clear out any dust from the vents, exactly as you would for a router in active use. Starting with a clean device reduces the chance of dust-related issues when you eventually power it back on.
Use the Original Box or a Protective Container
If you still have the original box, it is one of the best storage options, since it is specifically designed to protect the device during shipping and handling. If you no longer have it, a sturdy plastic container with a lid offers similar protection against dust and minor impacts.
Protect It From Static Electricity
Wrapping the router in an anti-static bag, if you have one available, adds an extra layer of protection against static discharge, which can potentially damage sensitive internal components. If you do not have an anti-static bag, a clean plastic bag is still better than leaving the device fully exposed.
Store Cables and Accessories Together
Keep the power adapter, any Ethernet cables, and the original packaging together with the router itself, ideally in a labeled bag or small box. Losing the specific power adapter that matches your router can make it difficult to power on later, since adapters often have different voltage and connector specifications between models.
Label It With Key Information
Attach a label noting the router’s brand, model number, and the date you stopped using it. This is especially helpful if you end up storing more than one spare device over time, or if enough time passes that you forget the specific details of the equipment.
Power It On Periodically
Every six months or so, it is worth taking the spare router out of storage, plugging it in, and letting it power on for a short period. This helps verify that it still works and gives any internal capacitors a chance to maintain proper function, which can degrade faster in devices that are never powered on at all.
Check for Firmware Updates Before Relying on It
If you do eventually need to use your spare router, check for and install any available firmware updates before putting it into regular use, since it has likely missed several update cycles while sitting in storage.
When It Makes Sense to Just Recycle It Instead
If your spare router is more than five years old, storing it may not be worth the effort, since it is unlikely to offer meaningful performance compared to a current router if you ever truly need a replacement. In that case, responsibly recycling the device through an electronics recycling program is often the better choice.