First, is it really off?
A Netgear router with no lights is not always dead. Some models have a control that turns the indicator lights off, so the router can be working while looking dark. A quick test is whether your devices can still see the Wi-Fi network. If they can, the router has power and the issue is probably just the lights. If there is no Wi-Fi and no lights, work through the steps below.
Step 1: Check for an LED on/off switch or button
Some Netgear models, including certain Nighthawk models, have an LED on/off switch or button on the back or side. Look for a button labeled for the LEDs, or a small switch, and toggle it. Consult your model’s manual for the location. Some models can also turn lights off in settings or in the Netgear app, so check there if you can still log in.
Step 2: Check the outlet
- Plug a lamp or phone charger into the same outlet to confirm it works.
- Try a different wall outlet.
- Plug the router directly into the wall instead of through a power strip, surge protector or extension cord, at least as a test. A tripped or faulty strip is a common cause.
- If the outlet is controlled by a wall switch or a smart plug, make sure it is on.
Step 3: Check the power connection
- Make sure the adapter is pushed fully into the router’s power port and the wall.
- Check that you are using the right adapter. Netgear equipment uses specific voltage and current ratings, and these are printed on the adapter and the router. A wrong adapter can fail to power the device or damage it.
- Check the cable for kinks, cuts or a loose barrel connector.
- Some models have a power button on the back. Make sure it is pressed in or on.
- Look for a warm adapter or a burning smell. If you notice either, unplug it and do not keep using it.
Step 4: Disconnect everything and try again
- Unplug the power adapter from the router.
- Disconnect Ethernet cables and any USB devices.
- Wait about a minute, then plug only the power back in.
- Watch for any light on the router during start-up. Many routers show a power light that is amber or white briefly and then changes as the device finishes booting.
A stuck or flashing power light can indicate a start-up problem instead of no power at all. In that case, see Netgear’s guidance for your specific model’s light behavior.
Step 5: Try a different compatible power adapter
If you have a spare adapter that matches the router’s required voltage and polarity, and at least the required current rating, try it. Check the label on both the router and the adapter. If you are unsure, buy a genuine replacement from Netgear or an authorized seller using your exact model number rather than a generic one. A multimeter can help an experienced person test the adapter, but it is not necessary for most users.
Step 6: Reset if it powers on but is acting strangely
If lights come on but the router behaves oddly, a factory reset may help (our guide to factory resetting a Netgear Nighthawk covers the steps). This erases your settings, including Wi-Fi name, password and any custom configuration, so note down what you can first.
- With the router powered on, find the small Restore Factory Settings button, usually recessed on the back.
- Press and hold it with a paperclip for the time shown in your manual, then release.
- Wait for the router to restart fully before setting it up again.
Check your model’s manual for the exact procedure. A reset will not fix a router with no power.
Is the problem the modem rather than the router?
If the router has its lights but there is no internet, the fault may be with the modem or your provider. Power cycle the modem and router together: turn both off, wait a short while, switch the modem on first and let it settle, then the router. Netgear’s support documentation also suggests checking whether the router has received an internet address from your provider on its status page (routerlogin.net) if you can log in. For what other lights mean, check your model’s manual, or read how to fix a red light on a Netgear router.
When to replace or repair
If the router stays completely dark with a known-good outlet and adapter, the router itself may have failed. Contact Netgear support with your model and serial number, and check the warranty. If the router is supplied by your internet provider, contact them for a replacement. If the router is old, it may also be time to think about whether a newer model would suit you better; start with how to tell if your router needs an update. Overheating can sometimes cause shutdowns or failure, so also see whether a hot router affects your internet.
If you recently used a timer or smart plug, double check it, since scheduled power can look like a dead router. See how to set a timer on your Wi-Fi router for common setups. For a similar problem on another brand, see an ASUS router with only the power light on.
Frequently asked questions
How do I troubleshoot my Netgear router? Start with power: outlet, adapter, cable and any LED switch. Then try a restart and, if needed, a factory reset.
What do the different LED lights on my Netgear modem mean? Meanings vary by model and color, so check the manual for your exact device.
Is my Netgear Nighthawk outdated? Age alone does not make it unusable, but older models may lack newer Wi-Fi standards and may no longer receive firmware updates. Check Netgear’s support page for your model.
My cable modem isn’t connecting to the internet. What can I do? Power cycle it, check coax connections, and contact your provider if it still will not connect.