How to Reset a Netgear Router: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to reset your Netgear router to its factory defaults.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

On Most Netgear Routers

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Reset-a-Netgear-Router-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-a-Netgear-Router-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Reset-a-Netgear-Router-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Reset-a-Netgear-Router-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's on the back of the router and may be labeled "Reset" or "Restore Factory Settings." [1] [2]
    • The button is small and recessed to avoid accidental resets.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Reset-a-Netgear-Router-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-a-Netgear-Router-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Reset-a-Netgear-Router-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Reset-a-Netgear-Router-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [3]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Reset-a-Netgear-Router-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-a-Netgear-Router-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Reset-a-Netgear-Router-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Reset-a-Netgear-Router-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The power light will begin to blink. [4]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Reset-a-Netgear-Router-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-a-Netgear-Router-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Reset-a-Netgear-Router-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Reset-a-Netgear-Router-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The router will reboot and the power light will glow a solid green or white.
    • The Netgear router will be restored to its factory settings. Follow the instructions in the documentation for your model to set up and configure your router .
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

On DGN2000 or DG834Gv5 Netgear Routers

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Locate the buttons on the side of the router labeled "Wireless" and "WPS." [5]
  2. 2
    Press and hold the "Wireless" and "WPS" buttons simultaneously for 6 seconds. The power LED will blink red.
  3. 3
    Release the buttons. The router will reboot and the power LED will be solid.
    • The Netgear router will be restored to its factory settings. Follow the instructions in the documentation for your model to set up and configure your router .
    4. Advertisement


Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Submit
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Common Questions: Resetting Your Netgear Router

What happens if I reboot my Netgear router?

Rebooting your router can resolve many internet problems, including connection problems and slow network speeds. To properly reboot your router, unplug its power cable for 60 seconds and then plug it back in.

Why is my Netgear router not working?

If you can't connect to your Netgear router, you might have a weak wireless signal. The router may also be misconfigured, not plugged in, or need an update.

What should you do if a factory reset is not working?

Not holding the reset button down long enough can prevent your Netgear router from resetting. If your router's settings have not returned to their defaults after a factory reset, try holding the reset button for at least 15-30 seconds. If that doesn't work, unplug the power cable for 60 seconds, plug it back in, and then try resetting it again.

How do you change the password on a Netgear router?

While connected to your Netgear router via Wi-Fi or ethernet, go to https://www.routerlogin.net , log in using "admin" as both the username and the password," and go to Advanced > Administration > Set Password to create a new password. [6]

Things You'll Need

  • Pen or paper clip


You Might Also Like

How to Update Your Router's Firmware
How to Forward a Port on Any Router: Easy Guide
How to
Change a Netgear Password
How to
Configure a Router to Use DHCP
How to
Connect Two Routers
How to Find a Router Password: Admin & Wi-Fi Passwords
10 Ways to Fix the Red Light on Your Spectrum Router
Access Your Router: Easy Steps to Log In & Change Settings
How to
Connect One Router to Another to Expand a Network
4 Simple Ways to Configure Your Home Router
How to
Change a TP Link Wireless Password
How to
Clear the Router History
Simple Guide on How to Connect 2 Internet Routers for Wi-Fi Boost
5 Simple Steps to Sign in to Your Linksys Router
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ Stan Kats. Cybersecurity Expert. Expert Interview. 24 June 2021.
  2. ↑ https://kb.netgear.com/9665/How-do-I-perform-a-factory-reset-on-my-NETGEAR-router
  3. ↑ Stan Kats. Cybersecurity Expert. Expert Interview. 24 June 2021.
  4. ↑ Stan Kats. Cybersecurity Expert. Expert Interview. 24 June 2021.
  5. ↑ https://kb.netgear.com/31010/How-do-I-perform-a-factory-reset-on-my-DGN2000-or-DG834Gv5-router
  6. ↑ https://kb.netgear.com/20026/How-do-I-change-the-admin-password-on-my-NETGEAR-router

About This Article

Article Summary X

1. Locate the "Reset" button.
2. Insert a bent paper clip.
3. Gently press and hold the button for 7 seconds.
4. Release the "Reset" button.

Did this summary help you?
In other languages
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 467,335 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Apr 8, 2017

    "I'm not tech-savvy, so the pictures and step-by-step directions were awesome! Thank you!"
Share your story

Is this article up to date?

Advertisement