The fastest way: use the default password or recovery email

If you set up your Netgear router recently and never changed the password, try the default credentials printed on the router's label or in the manual. Most Netgear routers ship with a default username (usually admin) and password (usually password). Log in at routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1 in your web browser.

If you created a Netgear account during setup and linked it to your router, you can reset the password through that account. Go to my.netgear.com, click "Forgot password," and follow the email recovery steps. Once you reset your Netgear account password, you can log into the router using those same credentials.

This method works only if you remember the email address you used or still have access to it. If neither applies, move to the hardware reset option below.

Key Takeaways

  • The default username and password are printed on your router's label — try those first before resetting anything.
  • If you created a Netgear account during setup, you can reset your password at my.netgear.com and use those credentials to log in.
  • A factory reset erases all your settings, including your Wi-Fi network name and password, so write down your current Wi-Fi details before you start.
  • The reset button is a small recessed hole on the back or bottom of the router — hold it for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pin while the router is powered on.
  • After a factory reset, the router returns to default settings and you must set up your network again from scratch.

Factory reset: erase everything and start over

A factory reset wipes all settings from your router, including your Wi-Fi network name, password, and any port forwarding or security rules you configured. Use this only if you cannot recover your password any other way, and only after you have written down your current Wi-Fi network name and password so you can reconnect your devices afterward.

Locate the Reset button on the back or bottom of your router. It is a small recessed hole, not a regular button. While the router is powered on, use a straightened paperclip, ballpoint pen, or the tip of a pin to press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The lights on the front will blink or go dark. Release the button and wait two to three minutes for the router to restart.

Once the lights stabilize, the router is back to factory defaults. Log in at routerlogin.net using the default username admin and default password password. You will then walk through the setup wizard to create a new Wi-Fi network and a new router password.

Finding the reset button on your specific model

Netgear routers vary by model, and the reset button location differs. On most desktop models like the Nighthawk series, the reset button is on the back panel near the power port. On wall-mounted or compact models, it may be on the bottom. Some models hide it under a small rubber plug you have to peel back first.

If you cannot find the button, check the manual that came with your router or search for your model number online plus the words "reset button location." Your model number is printed on the label on the bottom or back of the device and looks like "R7000" or "RAX120" — include that in your search.

What happens after you reset the password

Once you log back in with the default credentials, Netgear will prompt you to create a new admin password. Choose something you can remember but others cannot guess. Write it down in a safe place, or use a password manager to store it.

You will also need to set up your Wi-Fi network again. The router will ask you to name your network (SSID) and create a Wi-Fi password. These are separate from the router admin password — your Wi-Fi password is what your phone and laptop use to connect to the internet, while the admin password is what you use to log into the router settings.

Reconnecting your devices after a reset

After you finish the setup wizard, your old Wi-Fi network no longer exists. Every device that was connected — phones, laptops, smart home devices, printers — will show it as unavailable. You must reconnect each one manually using the new Wi-Fi network name and password you just created.

Start with devices you use most often. Go to your device's Wi-Fi settings, find your new network name in the list, select it, and enter the new Wi-Fi password. Repeat for each device. Smart home devices like security cameras or smart speakers may take longer to reconnect and might require you to open their companion app and re-add them to your network.

Preventing lockout in the future

Write down your router admin password and store it somewhere find — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a note in your phone's find notes app. Many people forget their router password months or years after setup because they rarely need to log in.

If you use a Netgear account, make sure you can still access the email address linked to it. If you change email providers or abandon an old email account, update your Netgear account email address so you can recover it later if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I hold the reset button?

Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. You will see the lights blink or change. If nothing happens after 15 seconds, release and try again. Do not hold it longer than 30 seconds — that will not speed up the process.

Will a factory reset fix my internet connection problems?

A factory reset clears all settings, which can sometimes fix connection issues caused by corrupted configuration. However, it will not fix problems caused by your modem, internet service provider, or damaged hardware. If your internet was working before you forgot the password, a reset may help. If it was already broken, the reset will not repair it.

Can I reset the password without losing my Wi-Fi settings?

No. A factory reset erases everything — there is no way to reset only the admin password while keeping your Wi-Fi network and other settings. Your only option to keep settings is to recover the password through your Netgear account or use the default password if you never changed it.

What if the reset button does not work?

Make sure the router is powered on and you are pressing the actual reset button, not a different button. The reset button is recessed and requires a thin object to press. If you are certain you are pressing the right button and nothing happens, the button may be stuck or broken. Contact Netgear support for your model, or consider replacing the router.

Do I need to call my internet provider after I reset the router?

No. A factory reset only affects the router itself, not your internet service. Your modem will still be connected to your internet provider. Once you set up the router again and connect it to the modem, your internet should work normally.