Why Netgear Router Keeps Dropping WiFi? Complete Fix Guide

If your Netgear router keeps dropping WiFi constantly no matter what you do, we may have a suitable solution for you!

Since many users are complaining of their Netgear router frequently dropping connections there are many solutions available and we’re about to share them all with you!

The reason behind your Netgear router outages might be outer interference, network overloading, outdated firmware, or inappropriate WiFi settings. To fix your network you can restart the router, change WiFi channels, update the firmware or perform a factory reset.

Before we jump into the solutions, let’s first take a look at some possible causes and how to avoid them.

Why Router Keeps Dropping Wifi On Netgear?

Some causes might require advanced troubleshooting while others simply need your attention.

Let’s have a look at the most frequently reported causes when it comes down to Netgear WiFi outages.

1. Temporary Glitch

WiFi connection often gets impacted by long device up-time. All users should perform a maintenance router restart every week.

2. Device out of Range

If your device is out of range from your router’s coverage, you’ll constantly experience network outages.

3. External Interference

Large metal objects or electronic devices nearby your router can disrupt the WiFi transmission.

4. Router’s Issue

It could be a hardware issue as a result of physical damage, dust, or overheating. On the other hand, the problem could be software-based and easily resolvable.

Now that you know what might have gone wrong with your network, let’s proceed with the most effective troubleshooting methods. Based on the user’s opinion we’ve managed to put them all together in one ultimate guide.

How To Fix Netgear Router Keeps Dropping WiFi Issue?

It is suggested that you first try to restart your router. With a little luck, this would be all you need to fix your WiFi.

On the other hand, it is recommended to call your supplier to check for maintenance, so you won’t waste your time troubleshooting if the issue is not on your side.

Once you are ready with the preparation, let’s start with the easiest approach:

Method #1 Ensure Your Device Is In Range

If you’re not using a PC where you have established your router, then better make sure that your device is in range with the network.

Otherwise, you will lose connection every time you step out of the network coverage, which could be annoying at some point.

If you’re feeling like your network’s coverage is shrinking over time, then you should probably check the antennas of your Netgear router. They could have fallen all the way to the floor, which will ultimately reduce the range you will be getting connected in.

The best way to justify this would be to stand right next to your router and test your WiFi. 

If it’s better then you’re either too far away or using a 5Ghz network, which hardly travels through more than 1 wall. In that case, you can try switching to the 2.4Ghz WiFi.

Method #2 Ensure Nothing Is Blocking the Signal

When your Netgear router keeps losing WiFi, it could be an object constantly interfering with the network.

For instance, if you have your router placed on the floor of your household, then any large metal object, especially electronic devices could interrupt the WiFi.

To fix that issue, try moving the objects away to see if the outages will stop. If they do, then you might have to consider placing the objects elsewhere, to prevent the signal from being cut off again.

Note: Even if placed on top of your desk, the router’s connection can be blocked too by any object overlapping your router.

Method #3 Disable Guest Network Feature

Another thing that could cause constant WiFi outages is the guest networks being enabled.

If you dig into the community and not only Netgear’s, you will have to find out that ghost networks are the cause of constant WiFi outages as well as slow internet and other issues.

You may have accidentally enabled these features while establishing the router, so here are the steps to how to disable them:

1. First, go to the router login page, found at http://www.routerlogin.com/net.
2. Enter the control panel using your Netgear account.
3. Click Wireless located under the BASIC tab.
4. Clear the enable SSID Broadcast feature checkmark.
5. Confirm by clicking on Apply.

Now, power cycle your router by unplugging it from the power for about 3 minutes and test for network outages.

Method #4 Disable VPN

The whole problem might NOT be in your Netgear router, instead, you might have VPN installed on your device.

The VPN software basically changes your IP every couple of minutes and depending on the country it chooses your network packages have to go there and then return to your home.

For instance, if your IP is masked and has to travel long-distance back and forth the time it requires will be a downtime (outage) on your side.

Make sure to remove any VPN software before we continue any further as we’re taking this troubleshooting one step further.

Method #5 Update Netgear Router

Sometimes whenever there is an update pending, your router may often lose WiFi connection until it is updated. You can check and update the current version through the provided by the manufacturer’s Netgear app or within the control panel

How Do I Get The Netgear App?

The Netgear app can be downloaded from the App Store for iPhones and the Google Play Store for Androids.

If you’re wondering how it is going to detect your router, you just have to enable the Bluetooth on your phone and hover your device over the router.

This should make your router pop up in the app and once you click it, both of the devices will connect with each other.

Once you’ve got the app follow the steps below:

1. Open the Netgear app.
2. Log on using your Netgear account information.
3. Go to Menu > Settings > Firmware Version.
4. Choose Firmware Update.
5. Nextselect Check For Updates.

Note: If you don’t have an account you can reach out to Netgear customer service to assist you with its establishment.

Once you’ve checked for updates, if there is any firmware update available it should appear.

Don’t hesitate to download and install right away. When ready your router will restart and you should be able to test for WiFi outages.

Method #6 Factory Reset

If your Netgear router keeps dropping connection even after updating its firmware, then it’s time to perform a factory reset. This will erase all settings, configurations, and data from your router.

The only thing you’ll need to prepare for would be to configure your WiFi networks from scratch. In that regard, we recommend saving all settings by taking images of how your WiFi is currently configured.

Here is how to factory reset the Netgear router via the control panel and recover your WiFi settings:

1. Open your internet browser:
2. Paste routerlogin.net into the search field and hit Enter.
3. Log in using your Netgear account.
4. Go to Advanced Settings.
5. Go to Network Settings.
6. Choose WiFi and select a network.
7. Take an image of ALL WiFi settings.
8. Go to the Reset tab.
9. Choose Reset to factory settings.

Your Netgear router will now restart and recover to factory default settings. Once ready, reach inside the control panel and configure your WiFi networks from scratch using the backup images you’ve taken.

Note: If you have a hard time configuring your WiFi, you can contact Netgear customer service for assistance.

When ready you can connect your device and test for outages.

Method #7 Change WiFi Channels

If you didn’t know, some routers emit more than one WiFi. For example, you could have a 2.4Ghz network as well as 5Ghz. Each WiFi network uses its own network channel. 

Whenever a channel is overwhelming all WiFi within it might have interruptions.

Luckily, when you’re in the Netgear control panel you can go to WiFi networks, choose which network you want to configure, and change the channel.

There is a little drop-down menu that will allow you to change the channel and restart the router afterward.

Pick any channel, it really does not matter as long as you change it. If the outages are still there, try another channel, and hopefully, you’ll see a change.

To fix constant WiFi outages from your Netgear router, you can try power cycling the device, disabling the guest network feature, and keeping your device’s inconsiderable distance from the router. You can also update, reset and even change your WiFi channel to resolve network outages.

Read Next: Why Does Netgear Router Reset Itself?

Bottom Line:

Now that you know why the Netgear router keeps dropping WiFi, using our methods you should be able to resolve the issue at home.

Even if you’re still not able to fix your problem you can always reach out to Netgear customer service for additional help.

If you’re looking towards more helpful posts related to Netgear router’s issues, you will definitely find answers in our blog so don’t miss it out!