How to Reset a Netgear Router: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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]
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  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.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

On DGN2000 or DG834Gv5 Netgear Routers

  1. 1
    Locate the buttons on the side of the router labeled "Wireless" and "WPS."[5]
  2. 2
    Press and hold the "Wireless" and "WPS" buttons simultaneously for 6 seconds. The power LED will blink red.
  3. 3
    Release the buttons. The router will reboot and the power LED will be solid.
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Expert 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.
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Things You'll Need

  • Pen or paper clip


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References

  1. ↑ Stan Kats. Cybersecurity Expert. 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. Cybersecurity Expert. Expert Interview. 24 June 2021.
  4. ↑ Stan Kats. Cybersecurity Expert. 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 449,649 times.
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Co-authors: 20
Updated: February 3, 2023
Views: 449,649
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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