How to Fix Netgear Router WAN Port Not Working?

It can be frustrating if you have a Netgear router WAN port not working error. You can’t get access to the Internet, which is essential nowadays.

Fortunately, we have the solution for you!

Using these proven solutions, we were able to get our Netgear router’s WAN port working again in under 10 minutes.

Continue reading to find out how to fix this problem!

To fix the Netgear WAN port malfunction, first, restart your router to refresh your connection. If this doesn’t work, cool down your router. It may be overheating; thus, you experience slow Internet or lose the connection altogether.

Before proceeding to the troubleshooting steps, let us discuss the possible reasons your Netgear WAN port isn’t working.

Determining the cause will help you choose the appropriate solution.

Why Is My Netgear WAN Port Not Working

Some users claim that when they connect the wired Internet cable to their laptop, they get Internet access.

But, when they connect to the WAN port, they have no Internet connection.

You know you have a non-working Netgear WAN port if the LED light is not blinking when you connect a network cable to the WAN port.

It might lose connection if the port is not functioning properly or there is damage to the cables. It is best to figure out the main cause to take the best action.

1. Damaged Cables

Loose or broken wires can lead to a faulty Internet connection. If your WAN port isn’t working, there may be damage to your Netgear’s wirings.

2. Malfunctioning Port

If the cables are fine, but you’re still not getting Internet access, the port on your router may not be working.

It means your router is faulty and needs a replacement.

3. Wrong Configuration

You may have set your router with the incorrect settings, or you are dealing with DNS resolution problems.

4. Service Outage

Your Internet Service Provider may have maintenance, causing the connection to go down. If several users in your area have no Internet, there may be an outage.

5. The Device Is Overheating

The outlet of your router may be broken. You may smell a burnt plastic odor or experience slower speeds and dropped connections.

These are some possible reasons your Netgear WAN port isn’t working.

Once you determine the culprit, you can apply the best solution to your Internet connection problem.

How to Fix Netgear Router WAN Port Not Working

When fixing a Netgear router WAN port not working, always start with the simplest yet effective solution.

Try restarting your Netgear router first before moving on to more advanced methods.

To restart your router, shut off all connected devices, from your laptops to personal computers. Power off your router and modem, then wait a few moments.

Finally, turn on your devices in the following order: modem, router, and connected devices.

If a simple restart doesn’t solve the issue, proceed to the solutions below.

Solution #1: Power Cycle Your Netgear Router using Nighthawk

Sometimes, a restart is all that’s needed to solve basic connectivity issues.

However, there are cases when it’s not enough, especially when the problem involves your device’s memory.

If the bug is in your router’s memory, it will return the moment you turn it on.

The way to fix this would be to discharge your router, as it’s the only way to flush out the contents of its memory module.

Here’s how to power cycle your Netgear router:

1. Press the On/Off button to power it off.
2. Unplug your router from the wall outlet.
3. Wait for at least 2 minutes.
4. Plug the router back in.
5. Press the On/Off button again to power it on.

Note: It can take up to two minutes for your router to power back up after unplugging it from the wall outlet.

Solution #2: Cool Down Your Netgear Router

If your router is hot to the touch and you smell a burnt plastic odor, it is a sign of your device overheating.

Heat is a router’s worst enemy as it can affect its performance significantly.

Slow speeds are the most common symptom, but it can also manifest with ports getting disabled.

You want your Netgear router temperature below 90 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid connectivity problems.

There are a lot of ways you can help cool it down. Of course, the most effective one would be not to use it for a couple of hours.

If you can’t help it, here are the other ways you can do to cool down your router:

1. Position it in a cool area away from direct sunlight.
2. Place it on a flat hard surface so air can flow underneath your device.
3. Use a cooling mat or a USB fan underneath it to promote airflow.
4. Clean its surroundings and keep dust and dirt away.

Note: Always keep the vents of your Netgear router clean. Proper ventilation is key to extending the life and performance of your device.

Solution #3: Do a Loopback Test on Your Router’s WAN Port

Perform a loopback test to determine whether your Netgear router is working properly. It’s a test that will let you know if certain ports are still working.

This is an easy step to take since you don’t need another device.

You simply want to connect a port on your router with another one. You’ll know the results by looking at the LED notification lights.

Here’s how to perform a loopback test on your Netgear router:

1. Make sure that your router is powered on.
2. Remove all of the router’s connections.
3. Get an ethernet cable.
4. Plug one end into the WAN port of your router.
5. Plug the other end into one of the LAN ports.

Tip: You want to see the LED lights of the connected ports light up white, green, or even amber.

Solution #4: Check the Connection Between Your Modem and Router

If the WAN and ethernet ports aren’t working, you may be dealing with a hardware problem. The issue commonly occurs in cable connectors.

Check the connection between your Netgear router and modem and see if they are properly installed or broken.

1. Inspect the cables at full length.
2. Pay attention to the jacket and the connectors.
3. Check if the cable has been bent or damaged.
4. Check the plugs if they are complete.

Note: If you have confirmed that the connection is the root cause of your problem, tighten or change the cables as necessary.

Solution #5: Enable Dynamic DNS on Your Router

One of the reasons your WAN port can stop working is that your router isn’t assigned an IP address by your provider.

Setting Dynamic DNS on your router ensures that it will constantly renew its IP address, so you always have connectivity.

IP addresses are automatically refreshed every day. However, if your router is not set to automatic, your internet provider won’t be able to grant it on unless it requests one.

You also don’t want to set it to static since if someone already owns the IP address you want, your router won’t connect to the internet.

Here’s how to enable Dynamic DNS on your router:

1. Log in to your router’s web interface.
2. Go to the Advanced tab, then select Advanced Setup.
3. Choose Dynamic DNS.
4. Select Use a Dynamic DNS Service, then Netgear.

Note: Make sure the IP address listed matches the WAN IP address of your Netgear router.

Solution #6: Reset Your Netgear Router

If none of the above solutions work, reset your Netgear router to its default settings.

It solves most connectivity problems but will wipe out all of your customized settings.

Here’s how to perform a factory reset of your Netgear router:

1. Press the Reset key at the back of your router.
2. Hold it for the next 30 seconds.
3. Restart the router and reconfigure it.

Tip: Before you reset your router, check if the system is up to date. Login to your Netgear router and see if it is running the latest firmware version.

If you have had your Netgear router for a very long time and the issue persists after trying all of the above methods, consider contacting Netgear customer support.

Read Next: Netgear Router Firmware Update Failed? – Fixed

Bottom Line

A Netgear router WAN port not working issue can occur due to hardware issues, incorrect configuration, and even overheating.

Once you determine the root cause, you can apply the appropriate solution to our list.

If none of them works, try resetting your device to its default settings, or consider getting a new Netgear router.