Netgear Factory Reset Not Working? Complete Fix Guide

In case Netgear factory reset not working, there are plenty of things you can do to fix this issue, and luckily most approaches are easily accessible by anyone.

With our troubleshooting methods, there is no doubt that your Netgear factory reset will work!

Depending on the method you’re trying to factory reset your Netgear router there could be different problems. The hardware button might be stuck or broken as well as software issues preventing you from resetting from the control panel. Either way, we’re here to help!

Netgear routers can be factory reset in several different ways. You can even manually install fresh firmware in which case you won’t even need to factory reset.

We’ll discuss that later because first, we need to take a look at what might have gone wrong with your Netgear router.

Why Is Netgear Router Factory Reset Not Working?

Here are the 3 general reasons that could be preventing you from properly resetting your Netgear router:

Problem With the Reset Button

It is possible that the button has gone faulty, or hardware damaged.

Faulty/Outdated Firmware

The firmware must be up-to-date for the router to perform a factory reset successfully.

Power Issues

The insufficient or bad power supply can prevent your Netgear from performing its fundamental features.

Having all that in mind, next we’ll prepare accordingly and try each possible way to reset your router until you succeed.

How To Factory Reset Netgear Router In 05 Ways

If your Netgear factory reset not working, there is nothing to be concerned about. There are plenty of ways to reset your router and here you’ll learn about all of them.

We’ll share with you the proper way of each approach and what could possibly go wrong and prevent you from completing the reset.

Before we start you need to ensure 3 simple things:

• There is a strong network connection.
• Your Netgear router’s power supply is reliable.
• Your power adapter and Internet cable are plugged accordingly.

When you’re ready let’s start with the fastest way:

Method #1 Use The Hardware Button to Reset

Every single router, including Netgear, has a little phone on the back panel. Inside that little hole stands the reset button and in order to reach in, you’ll need something sharp.

You can use everything from a toothpick to a pencil, as long as it fits and presses the button.

If using the reset button didn’t work the first time around, follow the steps:

1. Reach inside the pinhole using a sharp object.
2. Repeatedly apply force towards the button.
3. Release for a few seconds.
4. Reach inside again, press the reset button and hold for 15 seconds.

Note: If your router is still not factory resetting, it is most likely for your reset button to be faulty.

If this is the case let’s try using Netgear’s control panel

Method #2 Reset Via Netgear Control Panel

If your Netgear factory reset is not working when using the reset button we have good news for you.

There is a way to factory reset your router, only by accessing the online control panel of your device.

Note: You will need your Netgear account log-in credentials. If you’ve lost or never had login information you can contact Netgear for establishment.

Once you’ve got your login credentials you’re ready to start:

1. Open any internet browser.
2. Paste in the search field “http://192.168.1.1” or “routerlogin.net”.
3. Hit Enter.
4. Insert your Netgear log-in information and press Enter.
5. Once inside the control panel locate the Reset tab.
6. Locate the Reset to factory settings and click on it.

At this point, your Netgear router should start resetting to factory settings. If it does not work, update your router to the latest firmware and try again.

On this pop-up window, you will confirm and a router update will follow up. After the update is finished, try factory resetting again.

Method #3 Reset Via Netgear App

If nothing has worked for you so far, then maybe you should try updating your router through the official router app.

You can download it from both iOS and Android stores and it will usually automatically scan for your router if your phone has Bluetooth enabled.

Choose your router to pair with and voila! You’ll have access to all router settings as if you’re using a desktop PC.

Here is how it’s done:

1. Open the respective application store.
2. Search for Netgear Mobile.
3. Download & install the app.
4. Log-in, using your Netgear credentials.
5. Navigate to the Reset tab.
6. Choose Reset to factory settings.

Method #4 Reset After The 30-30-30 Fix

For all of the users who are unable to perform a manual restart, we recommend performing the so-called 30-30-30 fix method.

This will perform a general restart of your router, hopefully resolving any issues preventing you from factory reset the device.

Here is how it’s done:

1. Reach inside the pin-hone and hold the reset button for 30 seconds.
2. Unplug the power cord from the power for 30 seconds.
3. Press and hold the reset button for another 30 seconds.

Note: This technique is known to have helped many people with weird Netgear issues and hopefully, it will help you as well.

Once you’re ready, scroll up and try resetting your router with one or all reset methods described above.

Method #5 Manually Install Fresh Firmware

This method is rather long but is for the ones of you that are still not able to factory reset their router.

Luckily there is a way to manually install fresh firmware but to do it properly you need to follow the steps below precisely:

1. Hook up a PC with an Ethernet cable to your Netgear router.
2. Using the PC, visit Netgear support.
3. Provide your router’s model number.
4. Go to Downloads.
5. Select the most recent firmware version and press download.
6. Enter the Netgear’s control panel.
7. Log in by using your Netgear account.
8. Go to Advanced > Settings > Administration.
9. Next, choose Firmware update.
10. Select Choose File and upload the firmware you’ve downloaded in Step 5.
11. Press the Upload button.

Note: To enter Netfear’s control panel paste “routerlogin.net” into your browser’s search field.

Immediately after you’ve uploaded the (.chk or .img) file, your router should restart and install the fresh firmware. Now your older software is gone and maybe, the reset functionality via the control panel will now work as intended.

To fix your Netgear router that refuses to perform a factory reset, first ensure you’ve pressed the hardware button hard enough. If it does not work, you can use Netgear’s control panel or mobile app. As a last resort, you can manually install fresh firmware.

Read Next: Why Does Netgear Router Keeps Dropping WiFi?

Bottom Line

The Netgear factory reset not working issue is widely popular and most of the time is either the power button or the software’s fault.

However, in this post, we covered every possible way and if nothing works, we’ve shared with you how to manually install the firmware.

If you’re looking forward to more helpful guides such as this one, you can support us by reading some of our other posts, found within our technical blog!