How to Reset a Netgear Router

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

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
On Most Netgear Routers

  1. Image titled Reset a Netgear Router Step 1
    1
    Locate the "Reset" button. 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. Image titled Reset a Netgear Router Step 2
    2
    Insert a bent paper clip into the recess.[3]
  3. Image titled Reset a Netgear Router Step 3
    3
    Gently press and hold the button for about 15-20 seconds. The power light will begin to blink.[4]
  4. Image titled Reset a Netgear Router Step 4
    4
    Release the "Reset" button. The router will reboot and the power light will glow a solid green or white.

Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
On DGN2000 or DG834Gv5 Netgear Routers

  1. Image titled Reset a Netgear Router Step 5
    1
    Locate the buttons on the side of the router labeled "Wireless" and "WPS."[5]
  2. Image titled Reset a Netgear Router Step 6
    2
    Press and hold the "Wireless" and "WPS" buttons simultaneously for 6 seconds. The power LED will blink red.
  3. Image titled Reset a Netgear Router Step 7
    3
    Release the buttons. The router will reboot and the power LED will be solid.

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Is every router's process the same when it comes to factory resetting it?
    Stan Kats
    Stan Kats
    Professional Technologist
    Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals.
    Stan Kats
    Stan Kats
    Professional Technologist
    Expert Answer
    No, it's going to be unique from brand to brand. On most routers, there's a little pinhole on the back with a button you can push using a paper clip or something like that. You can typically do that on most devices to reset them.
  • Question
    How long does it take for the router to reset?
    Stan Kats
    Stan Kats
    Professional Technologist
    Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals.
    Stan Kats
    Stan Kats
    Professional Technologist
    Expert Answer
    This is going to be a little different from router to router, but it's usually going to take 15-20 seconds.
  • Question
    How do I change my router's password?
    Stan Kats
    Stan Kats
    Professional Technologist
    Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals.
    Stan Kats
    Stan Kats
    Professional Technologist
    Expert Answer
    You're going to do this in the web interface. You typically just browse your device's IP address, then you can change the password so long as you have the permissions on your user account.
  • Question
    How can I reset my password for a Netgear router?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Press the reset button, and if that doesn't work, do a 30/30/30 reset. Hold the reset button for 30 seconds, then unplug the router while still holding the reset button for 30 seconds, then plug the router back in while holding the reset button, so overall you have held it down for 1minute 30seconds. If this doesn't work, connect to your router with your terminal.
  • Question
    What should I do if the lights don't come back on after I press the reset button?
    Eyecue
    Eyecue
    Community Answer
    Check the power connection to make sure it's still okay. If that does not cure the problem, there may be damage to the unit from resetting it.
  • Question
    How do I change my Netgear password?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Delete the system32 folder on Windows. You then restart the computer and it will ask for a new password.
  • Question
    How do I reset my router using a tablet?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You cannot reset a router wirelessly. You must go to the physical router and reset it manually.
  • Question
    How do I add a password to a router?Asked 15 days ago
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    See Wikihow's article on How to Add a Password to Your Wireless Internet Connection (Wifi).
  • Question
    Do I have to contact my internet provider to reset my router?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If they didn't provide the router to you, then no. Resetting the router does reset the password back to the router's defaults, so if your provider gave you the router, you may get locked out.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen or paper clip


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References

  1. ↑ Stan Kats. Professional Technologist. 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. Professional Technologist. Expert Interview. 24 June 2021.
  4. ↑ Stan Kats. Professional Technologist. Expert Interview. 24 June 2021.
  5. ↑ https://kb.netgear.com/31010/How-do-I-perform-a-factory-reset-on-my-DGN2000-or-DG834Gv5-router

About This Article

Stan Kats
Co-authored by:
Stan Kats
Professional Technologist
This article was co-authored by Stan Kats. Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals. This article has been viewed 424,402 times.
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Co-authors: 17
Updated: July 1, 2021
Views: 424,402
Categories: Router Networking Devices
Article SummaryX

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.

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