How to Reset a Netgear Router

Restore your router's default settings

By Robert Earl Wells III
Updated on August 21, 2021
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
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Reviewed by Ryan Perian
  • Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
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What to Know

  • Insert the end of a straightened paperclip in the small hole on the back of the router to press the reset button for seven seconds.
  • A hard reset will remove all custom passwords, parental controls, and guest networks you had set up.
  • If you want to reboot, unplug your router and modem, wait 30 seconds, then plug in the modem, followed by the router.

This article explains how to reset a Netgear router to the factory defaults and how to do a simple reboot, and other fixes you can try when your router isn't working.

How to Factory Reset a Netgear Router

With your router turned on, look for a small hole on the back. Use the straightened end of a paperclip to press the reset button inside the recess for seven seconds.

Wait about 30 seconds for the router to restart with its factory settings. You can then log in to your Netgear router using the default user name and password found on the bottom of the router.

Netgear Router reset button inside a hole next to the Ethernet port

A reset is not the same as a reboot, which simply restarts the router without affecting its settings.

How Do I Reboot My Netgear Router?

Rebooting a router restarts the device without affecting any settings. If you reboot the router, you should reboot the modem as well.

Unplug the power supply for both devices, wait 30 seconds, and then plug in the modem, followed by the router. After a few minutes, check to see if doing this resolved your connection issues.

Illustration of a modem with the steps to reboot a router on the left-hand side of the image

Lifewire / Miguel Co

What to Do After Resetting the Router?

Since a hard reset will remove all custom settings, you'll have to reconfigure any parental controls or guest networks you had set up. Log in to your Netgear router using the default user name and password, then customize the settings to your liking.

What Happens if You Factory Reset a Router?

Resetting the router restores all settings to the default, including the password (just like it was when you took it out of the box). A hard reset can clear out problems that prevent your router from working properly, but you should first try rebooting to see if that fixes the problem.

In most cases, the default user name for Netgear routers is admin, and the password is password, all lowercase.

Why Is My Netgear Router Not Working?

Rebooting and resetting your router should solve most connection issues, but if you still can't connect to your router's Wi-Fi network, there's likely a hardware issue. One of the cords or ports could have damage, or you might need a new router.

Make sure all of the connections are secure, and try plugging the modem into a different Ethernet port, or try using another Ethernet cable. If none of your troubleshooting efforts work, it's probably time to replace the router.

If you can connect to your Wi-Fi network, but you still can't connect to the internet, then you should try troubleshooting your modem.

FAQ

  • How do I reset a Netgear router's password?

    To reset a Netgear router's password, open a browser and type www.routerlogin.net, then click Cancel when the login window appears. You'll be prompted to enter the router's serial number; enter it, click Continue, then supply answers to the security questions. When prompted, enter the new password and click Confirm.

  • How do I reset a Netgear Nighthawk router?

    To perform a factory reset on your Netgear Nighthawk router, use a straightened paper clip or something similar to press and hold the Reset button on the back of the router for about 30 seconds. Release the button and your router will reset. Or, enter www.routerlogin.net into a browser, enter the login info, and go to Settings > Administration > Backup Settings > Erase.

  • How do I reset a Netgear router's extender?

    If you've set up a Netgear Wi-Fi extender and need to reset it, make sure the device is plugged in and turned on, then find a button labeled Reset or Factory reset (it's usually on the side or bottom panel). Using a straightened paper clip or something similar, press and hold the Reset button for about 10 seconds, releasing it when the power LED blinks.

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