Reset Netgear Router

Sometimes, the only way to solve your networking or internet connection issues is to reset Netgear router to factory defaults. This obliterates any changes you’ve ever made to the router and restores it to the way that it operated the day it came out of the box. This is usually a good idea if you’ve tried all other troubleshooting methods, and your Netgear router still seems to be not acting properly. It’s also good to note that after resetting your Netgear router, its internal username and password will go back to its default settings: “admin” and “password” respectively.

To reset your Netgear router, you will need:

• A Netgear router
• A small narrow object such as an unfolded paper clip or safety pin
• A computer to reconfigure it

1. Pick up the Netgear router and flip it over so that you are looking at the back of it. You should be looking at the back where all of your cords are plugged in at. You’ll need to look for a small hole that has the word “Reset” just above or below it. The hole contains the button to ensure that it is never accidentally pressed.
2. To reset your Netgear router, insert the paper clip, safety pin or other object into the hole and firmly press the button down. You will need to hold it for ten seconds. The router may seem to power down while holding for this small period of time, but don’t release until ten seconds has passed.
3. Wait as the router fully turns back on. You’ve successfully reset the Netgear router, but now you must wait for it to fully turn back on.
4. Open your internet browser. You’ll need to access the router to configure it, so type “192.168.1.1” (no quotes) into address bar and press enter. This address may be slightly different for your particular router, so refer to your manual if “192.168.1.1” doesn’t work.
5. Use the default username and password to log onto your router. You’ll be able to do this once your browser prompts you with a box for them. Press “OK” when you’ve entered the information.
6. Perform the setup. This is the last and final step, and your router will take you through the setup wizard for configuring your router. Once you’ve finished this setup, your Netgear router will be ready to use!