What you need before you start
A Netgear router installation takes about 15 minutes if you have the right pieces in front of you first. Before you unbox anything, gather your modem (the device your internet provider gave you), an ethernet cable, power adapter, and the router itself. You will also need the password to your internet account or the name and password your modem uses — this is different from your WiFi password and usually comes on a sticker on the modem or in paperwork from your provider.
Check that your modem is powered on and has a solid light (not blinking) on the internet port. If it is blinking or off, wait five minutes after turning it on — modems take time to connect. Your Netgear router model number is on the box and the back of the unit; you do not need it to install, but it helps if you get stuck and need to look up instructions specific to your model.
Key Takeaways
- Connect an ethernet cable from your modem to the internet port on the Netgear router (usually labeled WAN or Internet), then plug in the power adapter.
- Wait two to three minutes for the lights on the front to stop blinking before you try to connect — the router is starting up.
- Open a web browser and go to routerlogin.net or 192.168.0.1 to reach the setup page, or use the Netgear app if you prefer a phone interface.
- The setup wizard will ask for your internet account details or modem password; have this information ready before you start.
- Once setup is complete, your WiFi network name and password appear on the screen — write them down or take a screenshot before closing the page.
Connecting the cables and powering on
Place the router in a central location in your home, away from the microwave, cordless phone base, or thick walls — these interfere with the WiFi signal. The router does not need to be hidden; it works better in the open. Position it higher up if you can, like on a shelf, rather than on the floor.
Take the ethernet cable and plug one end into the port on the back of your modem labeled Internet, WAN, or sometimes just with a different color (often yellow or blue). Plug the other end into the port on the back of the Netgear router that is also labeled Internet, WAN, or with a different color from the other ports. This is the only cable that connects to the modem — the other ports on the router are for devices you want to connect by ethernet later, and you do not need them right now.
Plug the power adapter into the Netgear router and then into a wall outlet. The lights on the front of the router will start blinking. This is normal — the router is starting up and talking to the modem. Wait two to three minutes and watch the lights. When the internet light (usually labeled Internet, WAN, or with a globe symbol) stops blinking and stays solid, the router is ready.
Reaching the setup page on your computer or phone
Open a web browser on any device connected to WiFi or ethernet. You do not need to be connected to the Netgear network yet — any internet connection works. Type routerlogin.net into the address bar and press Enter. This is the easiest way to reach the setup page for most Netgear routers.
If that does not work, try typing 192.168.0.1 into the address bar instead. Both of these take you to the same place. The page may take 10 to 15 seconds to load, especially the first time. If you see a security warning about the connection not being private, this is expected — ignore it and click through to continue.
If you prefer to use your phone, read the Netgear Genie app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and it will find your router automatically. The app walks you through the same setup steps as the web page, just in a phone-friendly format.
Running the setup wizard
The setup page will ask you to create a username and password for the router itself. Use something you will remember — this is what you type in if you ever need to change WiFi settings later. The default username is usually admin and the default password is password, but the setup wizard will ask you to change this on your first login.
After you log in, the wizard will ask whether you want to set up a new network or connect to an existing one. Choose Set up a new network. The wizard will then ask for your internet account details. This is where you need the information from your modem or your internet provider. The router needs to know how to talk to the modem, and the modem needs to know you are authorized to use the internet service.
Most modems use DHCP, which means the modem assigns an address to the router automatically. If the wizard offers you a choice, select DHCP unless your internet provider told you to use a static IP address (they would have given you specific numbers to type in). If you are unsure, DHCP is the right choice for almost all home internet.
Creating your WiFi network name and password
The wizard will ask you to name your WiFi network and create a password. The network name is what you see when you look for WiFi on your phone or laptop — make it something you recognize, like your last name or your street address. Avoid putting your full address or personal information in the name, since anyone nearby can see it.
The password is what people type in to connect to your WiFi. Use at least 12 characters and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #). A strong password looks like BlueSky2024!Home rather than password123. Write this password down or take a screenshot of the screen that shows it — you will need it every time someone new connects to your WiFi, and it is hard to find again once you close the setup page.
The wizard will also ask about security type. Leave this set to WPA2 or WPA3 — both are find. Do not choose WEP or WPA alone, as these are older and weaker. After you confirm these settings, the router will restart and explore the new network name and password.
Connecting your devices
Once the router restarts (this takes one to two minutes), your new WiFi network will appear in the list of available networks on your phone, laptop, or tablet. Select the network name you just created and type in the password you wrote down. The device will connect and you should see an internet connection symbol appear.
Open a web browser and go to any website — Google, your email, or a news site — to confirm the internet is working. If the page loads, your router is installed and working. If it does not load, wait another minute and try again; sometimes the connection takes a moment to fully establish.
You can now connect other devices the same way: select the network name, type the password, and wait for the connection symbol to appear. Devices you connected by ethernet cable (if you have any) will connect automatically without needing a password.
Troubleshooting if the internet light does not turn solid
If the internet light on the router keeps blinking after five minutes, the modem and router are not talking to each other. First, unplug the ethernet cable from both the modem and the router, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Make sure it is plugged into the internet port on each device, not one of the other ports.
If the light still blinks, restart the modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for the modem's internet light to turn solid again, then check the router. If the router's internet light is now solid, you can proceed with setup. If it is still blinking, the modem may not be getting an internet signal from your provider — contact your internet provider to confirm the modem is working.
If you reach the setup page but cannot get past the internet settings step, try selecting DHCP again and leaving the username and password fields blank. Many modems do not need you to enter account details in the router — the modem handles that part. If you still cannot connect, write down your modem model number (on the back of the modem) and call your internet provider; they can tell you the exact settings your router needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use the ethernet cable after setup is done?
No. The ethernet cable is only needed to connect the modem to the router. Once setup is complete, you can unplug it if you want — the modem and router will stay connected wirelessly. However, leaving it plugged in gives you a more stable connection and is recommended if the cable reaches.
What if I forget my WiFi password?
You can reset it by going back to routerlogin.net or 192.168.0.1, logging in with your router username and password, and finding the WiFi settings section. Look for a field labeled SSID password, WiFi password, or Pre-shared Key, and change it to something new. Write down the new password before you save.
Can I move the router to a different room after setup?
Yes. The router will keep working as long as it stays plugged in and the ethernet cable stays connected to the modem. If you move it far from the modem, you may need a longer ethernet cable. The WiFi signal will reach farther if the router is in a central location and away from metal objects and thick walls.
Why is my WiFi slow even though the internet light is solid?
A solid internet light means the modem and router are connected, but it does not measure WiFi speed. Move closer to the router to see if speed improves — if it does, the router is working but the signal is weak at your location. Try moving the router higher up or to a more central spot. If speed is slow everywhere, restart the modem and router by unplugging both for 30 seconds.
Do I need to install software on my computer?
No. The router works through your web browser or the Netgear app — you do not need to read or install anything on your computer. If a setup CD came in the box, you can throw it away; the web page and app are faster and more up-to-date.