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 the username and password for the password. If the router has never been changed from factory settings, you'll get in when ready.

If that doesn't work, the password was changed at some point and you'll need to perform a factory reset. This erases all your custom settings — your Wi-Fi name, Wi-Fi 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 username is admin and the default password is password; try these before resetting.
  • A factory reset erases all custom settings and returns the router to its original state, so use it only when you cannot log in any other way.
  • The reset button is a small recessed hole on the back or bottom of the router; you must hold it for 10 to 15 seconds with a straightened paperclip or pin.
  • After reset, log in with the default credentials, then when ready create a new Wi-Fi password and admin password you can remember.
  • If the reset button doesn't work, try unplugging the router for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and attempting the default login again.

Locating and using the physical reset button

On most Netgear routers, the reset button is a small recessed hole labeled Reset on the back panel or bottom of the device. You cannot press it with your finger — it's designed to be pressed only intentionally. Straighten a paperclip or use a ballpoint pen, and have it ready before you start.

With the router powered on, insert the paperclip into the reset hole and press firmly. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds. You'll see the lights on the front of the router blink or go dark as it resets. This process takes about one to two minutes total. Do not unplug the router while it's resetting.

Once the lights stabilize and stop blinking, the reset is complete. The router will restart with all factory settings restored. You can now log in using the default username admin and default password password.

Logging in after the reset

Open a browser and go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Enter admin as the username and password as the password. You should now see the router's admin panel.

The first thing you'll want to do is change the admin password so you don't lose access again. Look for a Administration or Advanced tab, then find Set Password or Change Password. Enter a new password twice to confirm it, and save the change. Write this password down or store it in a password manager.

Resetting your Wi-Fi network name and password

After you've changed the admin password, you'll need to set up your Wi-Fi again. The reset erased your Wi-Fi name (SSID) and Wi-Fi password, so your devices won't connect until you create new ones.

In the admin panel, look for a Wireless or Wi-Fi section. You'll see fields for the network name and security password. Enter a Wi-Fi name you'll recognize — this is what appears in your device's list of available networks. Create a strong Wi-Fi password (at least 12 characters, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols) and write it down. Save these settings.

Your devices will now see the new Wi-Fi network name. When you try to connect, they'll ask for the new Wi-Fi password. Enter it exactly as you typed it — passwords are case-sensitive.

What to do if the reset button doesn't respond

If you've held the reset button for 15 seconds and nothing happens, the button may be stuck or the router may not be responding. Unplug the power cable from the back of the router and wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in and let it fully restart — this usually takes two to three minutes, and you'll see the lights cycle through different patterns.

Once it's fully restarted, try logging in with the default credentials again. Sometimes a power cycle alone can restore access if the router's memory became corrupted. If you still can't log in, try the reset button one more time, holding it for a full 15 seconds.

If neither the reset button nor the power cycle works, the router may have a hardware failure. At that point, you'll need to contact Netgear support or consider replacing the device.

Preventing this from happening again

Once you've regained access and set a new password, store it somewhere you can find it later. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password keeps passwords encrypted and searchable. If you prefer paper, write it on a sticky note and tape it to the router itself — the physical security of your home protects it better than you might think.

You can also write down the answers to your security questions (if the router offers them) in the same place. Some Netgear routers let you set a recovery email address, which allows you to reset the password without a factory reset. Check your router's admin panel to see if this option is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the router disconnect my devices from Wi-Fi?

Yes. The reset erases the Wi-Fi network name and password, so all your devices will lose connection when ready. After you set up a new Wi-Fi network and password, you'll need to reconnect each device manually by selecting the new network name and entering the new password.

Do I need to reset the modem too, or just the router?

Just the router. The modem is the separate device that connects to your internet service provider's line. Resetting only the router won't affect your internet connection. If you have a combined modem-router unit, resetting it will disconnect your internet temporarily, but it will reconnect on its own once the reset completes.

What if I don't know the default IP address for my router?

Try both 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1 — one of these works for almost all Netgear routers. If neither works, check the bottom or back of the router for a sticker listing the default gateway or management URL. You can also open your computer's network settings and look for the default gateway address listed there.

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

Not with the physical reset button — it always performs a complete factory reset. Some Netgear routers offer a password recovery option through the admin panel if you can still log in, but if you're locked out, the physical reset is your only option.

How long does the reset process take?

The button press itself takes 10 to 15 seconds. The router then restarts, which usually takes one to three minutes depending on the model. Wait until all the lights on the front stop blinking before you try to log in.