A factory reset puts a Netgear Nighthawk router back to the settings it had when it left the box. It is a useful last step for some problems, but it also erases your setup, so it is worth being sure it is the right tool first. This guide covers the two common ways to do it and what to expect afterwards.
Exact steps and timings can vary by Nighthawk model and firmware. If your router came with a quick start guide or you can find the official Netgear support page for your model, treat that as the final word.
Restart vs factory reset
These two are often confused:
- Restart (reboot): turns the router off and on. Your settings stay as they are. This fixes many temporary glitches.
- Factory reset: erases your custom settings and returns the router to its defaults.
If your problem is slow or dropping internet, try a restart first. A reset is better suited to situations such as a forgotten admin password, a router that behaves oddly after a failed firmware update, or when you are passing the router to someone else.
What a factory reset erases
Generally, a reset removes:
- Your custom Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password
- The admin password you set
- Port forwarding, parental controls, guest network and other custom settings
- Any custom internet (ISP) login details
The router goes back to the default Wi-Fi name and password, which are normally printed on a label on the router. Anything you connected will need to join the network again.
Before you reset
- Note your internet details. Some providers require a username and password for the connection. Find these on your bill or account page if you are not sure.
- Back up your settings if you can. Many Nighthawk models can save a settings file from the web interface (look under Advanced and Administration; if you need to reach the admin page, see where to find your router password and login). This is optional but can save time.
- Write down anything custom, such as a reserved IP address list or port forwarding rules.
- Leave the router powered on during the reset.
Method 1: Use the reset button
- Make sure the router is plugged in and the power light is on.
- Find the small recessed Reset (sometimes labeled Restore Factory Settings) button, usually on the back near the Ethernet ports.
- Press and hold it with a straightened paperclip or similar tool. Netgear guidance generally describes holding it for around 7 seconds or more, until the power light starts blinking.
- Release the button and wait a few minutes for the router to restart on its own.
Do not unplug the router while it is rebooting. If the lights do not change, try holding the button a little longer, and check that you are pressing the reset pinhole rather than a WPS button.
Method 2: Use the web interface
If you can still log in, this avoids the paperclip.
- Connect to the router over Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable.
- Open a browser and go to routerlogin.net (or the address in your manual).
- Log in with your admin username and password.
- Find the option to erase or restore factory settings. On many models it is under Advanced > Administration (the menu names vary by firmware), often within a backup settings section.
- Confirm, and wait for the router to restart.
After the reset: reconnect and set up again
- Connect to the default Wi-Fi name using the password on the router label, or use an Ethernet cable.
- Open routerlogin.net. The router should walk you through setup, including creating a new admin password.
- Enter your internet provider details if asked.
- Choose a new Wi-Fi name and a strong password, then reconnect your devices.
If the internet does not work once you are set up again, see no internet after resetting your router.
What is the default admin password?
On older Nighthawk models and firmware, the default login is often cited as username admin and password password. Newer firmware usually asks you to create your own password during first setup, so the default may not apply. The label on the router and the manual for your model are the most reliable sources. Change any default password as soon as you can. If the login still fails, see Netgear security questions not working and Netgear password recovery not working.
If you can’t connect or the reset does not work
- Try a wired connection from a computer to a LAN port.
- Repeat the button reset, holding it a little longer, with the router powered on.
- Try a different browser or a private window for the login page.
- If the router keeps resetting on its own, that is a separate problem. See why a Nighthawk router keeps resetting itself.
- If it still will not respond, contact Netgear support, especially if the router is under warranty.
FAQ
Is it good to factory reset your router? It is not something you need to do regularly. It is a troubleshooting step that is useful in specific cases. A simple restart is gentler.
What happens when you factory reset a router? Your custom settings are erased and the router returns to its defaults, so you need to set up Wi-Fi and internet again.
Will I lose my internet service? Your service itself is unaffected, but the router may need your provider login details before it can get online again.