How To Reset Netgear Router? [3 Methods To Do It]

Are you having trouble with your netgear router? resetting it to the factory settings can be a quick way to fix common issues.

Because, when you reset your router restores it to its factory default settings. It firmware goes back to the factory settings.

It can resolve problems like slow internet speed or connectivity issues.

If you are not a tech savvy guy like me and don’t know what is the process to reset the netgear router. Do not worry, I am here to assist you with that.

 In this guide, we’ll walk you through two methods to reset your Netgear router: soft reset and hard reset.

When should you Reset Your Netgear Router?

Althogh factory restore is a quick process but you should always consider doing it when nothing works. Because, if you attempt factory reset too many times, it may become the reason for router failure.

So in my opinion, you should reset the router in only following cases.

• If you have forgotten the admin credentials and unable to access the admin panel.
• Ongoing connectivity problems
• Network slowdowns or frequent disconnections issue.
• Issues with custom settings that need to be cleared
• Preparing the router for a new user or location.

How many types of reset are available?

Generally, wireless router has two types of factory restore methods. You can use anyone of them as per your convenient.

1. Soft Reset: Soft reset is nothing but just a method to reboot your router. This method reboots the router without deleting any custom settings or configurations. It’s useful for solving temporary issues.
2. Hard Reset (Factory Reset): This method erases all settings and restores the router to its default state. Any custom configurations, WiFi passwords, or network names (SSID) will be deleted.

Method 1: Soft Reset (Reboot Your Router)

Whenever you are facing no internet issues on netgear router, you may soft reset your router.

1. Disconnect the router’s power cord from the electrical outlet.
2. Let the router sit without power for at least 30 seconds.
3. Reconnect the power cord and wait for the router to power on fully. The lights on the router will blink as it goes through the reboot process.

Method 2: Hard Reset (Factory Reset)

If the soft reset doesn’t resolve your issues, A hard reset will restore the router to its factory default settings.

This is helpful when you’ve forgotten the admin password. Also, it is helpful when you want to start from scratch. Here’s how to perform a hard reset:

Step 1: The reset button on Netgear routers is usually located on the back of the device. It’s a small, recessed button that you’ll need a paperclip or pin to press.

Step 2: Use a paperclip or pin to press and hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds.

You’ll know the reset is happening when the router’s lights start flashing. Keep holding the button until the lights stabilize or blink rapidly, which means the reset process has started.

Step 3:  Release the reset button and wait for the router to reboot. This can take a few minutes. Once the router has restarted, the power LED will light up, indicating the process is complete.

Step 4: After the reset, the router will return to its factory default settings. You’ll need to reconnect to the default WiFi network, which is usually printed on the label on the bottom or back of the router.

• Open a web browser and go to “routerlogin.net” or “192.168.1.1”.
• Use the default login credentials:
  Username: admin
  Password: password (unless changed by your ISP).
• Follow the on-screen instructions to reconfigure your WiFi network name (SSID), password, and other settings.

To know more, you can follow: How to setup netgear smart wifi router?

Method 3 – Reset the Router using admin panel –

If you know the admin password for your netgear router, you can also reset it from the router’s admin dashboard.  Here are the steps to do that.

1. First of all, you need to open the browser.
2. Go to the routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1 and click on the ok button.
3. Enter the admin credentials and click on the ok button.
4. Finally, your router will be logged into the admin account. you neeed to click on the advanced tab.
5. Now click on the maintenance and then click on the back settings.
6. Now scroll down a bit and then click on the factory reset button.
7. Finally, you will see a confirmation window, here you need to click on the reset.

That’s it you have factory restored your router. You may now go ahead and setup it freshly.