Over the years, the use of Netgear Routers has significantly increased. If you too have one, you can set up the device and fulfill all your online requirements hassle-freely using devices like laptops, smartphones, tablets, iPads, etc. However, instances might occur when you encounter specific device issues and eventually reset Netgear Router to factory settings. While resetting this device is pretty straightforward, there are some recommendations which you need to adhere to. Let’s have a look at them, understand how to reset the router, and get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this device.
What is Netgear Router Factory Reset?
You can always make necessary changes to your Netgear Router settings by logging into the router admin console. However, due to inevitable glitches of the device, you must do a factory reset Netgear Router. When you perform a reset, all your existing router settings get erased, and the settings go to the factory default state. As such, you need to reconfigure the router with the necessary settings by performing a Netgear Router login. It is recommended that you note down the existing router settings on a notepad so that you can refer to them while reconfiguring the router.
Why Do You Need to Perform Netgear Router Factory Reset?
If you are wondering how to reset Netgear Router to factory settings, think twice. This is because router reset should always be considered as the last option. When you reset the router, it erases all the previously configured router settings, which further requires you to set up the device again. Since this is a time-taking process, it is recommended that you execute all the required troubleshooting methods of the router before you reset it. The below-mentioned are the few instances when you can execute certain troubleshooting to fix the router; however, if you fail to resolve the problem, you can opt for a reset:
- Netgear Router is blinking red light
- Flashing of the orange light
- Intermittent disconnection of the internet
- Poor signal strength
- Slow download speed
How to Factory Reset Netgear Router?
Now that you know what a factory reset Netgear Router is, read on to explore the series of steps involved in this process. As discussed earlier, you can note down the current Netgear Router settings on a notepad so that you can refer to them later. Once you are ready for the reset, follow the series of steps mentioned below:
- Locate the reset button of the Netgear Router. You can find it at the rear end of the device.
- Connect the router’s power adapter in an electric socket and press the power button of the router to turn it on.
- Once the router turns on, use a pointed object such as paperclip to reset the router.
- Press and hold the router’s reset button for about 10 seconds, and release it.
- You’ll notice that the status lamps of the router go off and the router reboots.
Upon completion of the steps mentioned above, the reset will be completed. You can then connect the router to your computer either wirelessly or with an Ethernet cable to log into the router admin console and reconfigure the device. In case you see that the Netgear factory reset not working or the Netgear Router not working, it means that the reset process is not followed properly. For a better understanding, you can take help from the user manual which comes along with your router. After you reset Netgear Router to factory settings, you might want to change the wireless network name and the password as well. All you need to do for this is to log into the router admin console, locate the ‘Wireless Settings’ option, and click on it.
The ‘Wireless Settings’ page will prompt you to enter the new wireless network name and the password. Once you enter these details, click on the “Apply” button to save the changes. You can then log out of the router admin console and use any compatible Wi-Fi-enabled devices to connect to the wireless network using the newly set wireless network credentials.
Resetting a Netgear Nighthawk Router
The series of steps we discussed above is applicable for resetting most of the models of Netgear Router. For a Netgear Nighthawk, the process of router reset is a little different. If you’ve already tried resetting this device; however, see that the Netgear Nighthawk factory reset not working, use the 30-30-30 method to reset the router.
To start with this process, press and hold the router’s reset button for about 30 seconds and disconnect the router’s power adapter from the electric socket. The next step requires you to connect the power adapter back and keep on pressing the reset button for another 30 seconds. Once you notice that the router restarts, it means that the reset is complete.
Common Issues with Netgear Router Factory Reset
- What do I do after I factory reset my Netgear Router?
Once you reset Netgear Router to factory settings, you need to reconfigure the router by logging in to the router admin console. You can do so by opening a web browser on your computer and browsing the router’s IP address.
- How do I hard reset my router?
Performing a hard reset of your router requires you to press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds. Once the router’s status lights go off and the router restarts, the reset is completed.
- How do you reprogram a Netgear Router?
To reprogram a Netgear Router, press and hold the router’s reset button for about 10 seconds. You can do it by using a pointed object like a paperclip. The reset will be completed once the status lights stop flashing and the router restart.
- Will resetting my router mess up my internet?
When you reset your router, all your previous router settings are erased. As such, you need to log into the router admin console and reconfigure the device according to your unique requirements.
Final Thoughts
Factory reset of your Netgear Router erases all the previously configured settings. As such, it is recommended that you note down the settings on a notepad before you perform a reset. You can refer to the notepad while reconfiguring the router. If you don’t know how to factory reset Netgear Router, press and hold the router’s reset button for about 10 seconds and you will notice that the router restarts. Upon router restart, you can connect it to your computer using either an Ethernet cable or wirelessly so that you can gain access to the router admin console, update Netgear Router, and make other necessary changes to the router settings.
