The fastest way: use the default password first

Before you reset the router completely, try logging in with Netgear's default username and password. Open a web browser, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and press Enter. When the login screen appears, enter admin for both the username and password. If the router has never been changed from factory settings, this will get you in.

If the default password does not work, someone has already changed it and you will need to perform a factory reset. This erases all your custom settings — your WiFi name, password, port forwarding rules, and any other changes you made — and returns the router to how it came from the box.

Key Takeaways

  • The default Netgear login is admin/admin, and trying this first takes 30 seconds and avoids erasing your settings.
  • A factory reset requires holding the Reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on, which clears all custom settings.
  • After a factory reset, you must set up your WiFi name and password again from scratch using the default login.
  • The Reset button is usually a small recessed hole on the back or bottom of the router; use a paperclip or pen to press it.
  • Your internet connection will drop during the reset and take one to two minutes to come back online.

Performing a factory reset on your Netgear router

Locate the Reset button on your router. On most Netgear models, it is a small recessed hole on the back panel or the bottom of the unit. You cannot press it with your finger — you need a paperclip, ballpoint pen, or similar thin object to reach it.

Keep the router powered on. Press and hold the Reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. You will see the lights on the front of the router blink or turn off as the reset happens. Release the button and wait one to two minutes for the router to restart completely. The lights will stabilize once the reset is finished.

Do not unplug the router during this process. If you interrupt the reset, the router may not restart properly.

Logging in after the reset

Once the router has restarted, open a browser and go to 192.168.1.1 again. This time, the default username admin and password admin will work. You are now logged into the router's settings page.

The first thing you should do is change the admin password to something you will remember. Look for a section called Administration, System Settings, or Change Password — the exact name varies by model. Enter a new password, confirm it, and save the changes.

Setting up your WiFi again

After the factory reset, your WiFi network name (SSID) and password have been erased. You need to create them again so your devices can connect to the internet.

In the router settings, find the Wireless or WiFi section. You will see fields for the network name and security password. Enter a WiFi name you want to use and a strong password — at least 12 characters, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols. Save these settings.

Your devices will no longer see the old WiFi network. You will need to "forget" the old network on each device and then reconnect using the new password you just created.

If you cannot find or access the Reset button

Some Netgear models have the Reset button in difficult-to-reach locations. Check the back panel, bottom, and sides of the router carefully. If you still cannot find it, look up your specific model number — it is printed on a sticker on the router — and search for "[model number] reset button location" to see exactly where it is.

If the Reset button is broken or unresponsive, you may be able to reset the router through the web interface instead. Log in with the default admin/admin credentials if possible, then look for a Restore Factory Settings or Reset option in the Administration or System Settings menu. This performs the same factory reset without needing to press the physical button.

What happens to your internet after a reset

During the reset, your internet connection will drop completely. Devices connected to the WiFi will lose their connection and will not be able to go online until the router finishes restarting and you reconnect them with the new WiFi password.

The restart usually takes one to two minutes. If your internet does not come back after three minutes, unplug the router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This performs a power cycle and often fixes connection issues after a reset.

Preventing this from happening again

Once you have set a new admin password, write it down or store it in a password manager. Many people use the same strong password they use for other accounts, or they keep a list of router passwords in a find location.

You can also change your WiFi password separately from your admin password. The WiFi password is what your devices use to connect to the internet; the admin password is what you use to log into the router settings. Keeping these different makes it easier to change one without affecting the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the router affect my internet service?

The reset itself does not change your internet service or your account with your provider. Your modem (if you have a separate one) will continue working. You will just need to reconnect your devices to the WiFi using the new password you create after the reset.

How long does a factory reset take?

The actual reset takes about 10 to 15 seconds of holding the button. The router then restarts, which usually takes one to two minutes. During this time, you will have no internet connection.

What if I reset the router but still cannot log in?

Try using 192.168.0.1 instead of 192.168.1.1 — different Netgear models use different default addresses. If neither works, the reset may not have completed properly. Unplug the router, wait one minute, plug it back in, and try the reset button again.

Can I reset the router from my phone?

You cannot perform a factory reset from your phone — you must press the physical Reset button on the router itself. However, once the router is reset and you have logged in from a computer, you can change settings from your phone if you log into the web interface.

Do I need to reset the modem too?

No. If you have a separate modem and router, resetting the router does not affect the modem. Your internet service will continue working through the modem. You only need to reset the modem if you have forgotten its password or it is not working properly.