How to Reboot My Netgear Router Remotely?

Wondering how to reboot my Netgear router remotely? Keep reading to find out!

There is an easy way to restart a Netgear router remotely. In fact, there are two different ways to do so, one of which, does not even require the users to be at home.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step tutorial in regard to both methods so let’s learn more!

One way to restart a Netgear router remotely is by downloading and using the Nighthawk application which is available for both Android and iOS smart devices. An alternative method to restart the router remotely is by reaching the Netgear Control Panel.

Let’s now jump straight into the first method which is easier and widely preferred:

Can I Reboot My Netgear Router Remotely?

The straightforward answer is YES.

There are two different methods to reboot the Netgear router remotely so let’s jump right in!

Method 1. Use The Nighthawk Application

The Nighthawk application is made by Netgear for users to easily monitor and control the WiFi from anywhere.

The user does not even have to be home since the app makes an instant connection to the router’s settings.

Tip: You can even set up voice assistants such as Alexa and Google to manage features!

Step #1 Download The Nighthawk Application

You’re probably aware that you don’t need the NETGEAR Nighthawk app to set up and use your Netgear router.

This is why you’ll need to acquire the application from the application store on the smart device that you’re going to use as a primary controller.

Follow the steps below to download the NETGEAR Nighthawk application:

1. Open the App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android.
2. Type “Nighthawk” in the search field.
3. Select and Download the “NETGEAR Nighthawk” application (first result).

Proceed only once the Nighthawk application is installed and make sure that the Netgear router is connected to the power and turned ON.

Let’s next login to our Netgear accounts!

Step #2 Sign In or Create A New Account

To use the Nighthawk application you’ll need an existing Netgear account to login to or create a new profile from within the application.

Based on your case, follow the steps below:

• Sign In To Netgear

Insert your Email and Password in the Netgear Nighthawk app > Press NETGEAR SIGN IN.

• Create A Netgear Account

Choose Create Account on the bottom right of the screen. Create an account and Sing In.

Once you’re logged into the application with your Netgear account, only then you’ll be able to add a new device and establish the connection to your router.

Step #3 Connect To The Netgear Router

Sadly, for this step, you need to be close to the Netgear router. However, this is only necessary for the first-time installation.

Once this is done, you’ll be able to log in to your router’s control panel from anywhere and won’t need to re-do these steps.

Follow the steps below to connect to the Netgear router:

1. Allow access to the Camera by pressing Enable Camera and Scan.
2. Scan the QR code on the sticker located on the Netgear router panel.
3. The application would require users to restart their Netgear routers manually.
4. Follow the instructions to connect the Netgear equipment.
5. On your smart device go to Settings > WiFi and join the router’s WiFi (NETGEAR##).
6. Personalize your WiFi name and features.

The app and Netgear router are connected. One more step and you can restart remotely!

Step #4 Set Up Admin Login

This is the last step before we can start restarting our Netgear router remotely from anywhere!

You’ll need to set up an Administrator login to be able to reach Netgear’s control panel and manage all settings within.

Press on Remember Me, to log in automatically!

• Username – “Admin”
• Password – “Password”

These are the default values that you can use to log in immediately. In case you’re planning to use the browser method of logging in, it’s better to have the login credentials saved for autofill.

Note: In case the password is not “password” try “admin”.

Step #5 Reboot The Router Remotely

When you’re finished with setting up Admin Login, the application might take some time to take charge of the Netgear router and sometimes even require an Update.

We strongly recommend keeping up-to-date to be able to utilize the most recent Netgear firmware!

Once you see the “Up and Running” message in the middle of the screen, you are ready!

Here’s how to reboot your Netgear router remotely:

1. Press the Home Icon on the dashboard (left on the screen).
2. Choose REBOOT.
3. Confirm the prompt that would appear.
4. Tap on Reboot.

You’ll see a rebooting screen that shows how the restart goes and how much time is left.

From now on you can reboot your router anytime using the Nighthawk app and you won’t even need to be connected to Netgear’s WiFi. You can restart your router from anywhere, anytime!

Note: The restart usually takes 2 minutes so be patient in case you lose control over the device!

That was how to reboot my Netgear router remotely using the Nighthawk app. In case you want to get technical and restart your router remotely, the good old way, keep reading!

Method 2. Use A Browser

Another way to restart your Netgear router remotely is by reaching the Control Panel from a device such as a smartphone, tablet, and desktop computer.

In the past, we didn’t have apps that we can use to manage our router so the local connection to the panel was the only way!

Alert: The connection requires the device to be connected to the Netgear router’s internet.

Step #1 Connect Device To Netgear Internet

This can be done in two ways:

1. Connect the Device To The Netgear router’s WiFi

From the Settings go to the WiFi and select Netgear’s router WiFi.

2. Connect Device To Netgear Router Via Ethernet Cable

You don’t necessarily have to connect a desktop computer to the router’s WiFi, however, it would also work if you have a USB WiFi receiver or LAN card for laptops.

Via Ethernet cable, you can directly hook up a desktop PC or a laptop to the Netgear Router.

Tip: On the Netgear router plug the Ethernet cable into one of the yellow ports!

Step #2 Log-In The Netgear’s Control Panel

In order to reach Netgear’s Control Panel from a regular computer or smartphone browser, you’ll need to know the local host address of your router.

The default localhost is 192.168.1.1.

Type http://192.168.1.1 in the search bar of your browser and check whether it will work!

In case it does not work, follow the steps below to access the Netgear router Control Panel:

On your Windows computer!

1. Open the Start Menu and Type “CMD”.
2. Start the Command Prompt as an Administrator.
3. From there, type “ipconfig” and hit the Enter button.
4. Copy the Default Gateway IP address.
5. Paste the address into the browser’s search field.
6. Use Admin/Password credentials to log in to the Netgear router’s Control Panel.

After logging in, you can now reboot your Netgear router without interacting with the device in any physical variety.

It all happens through the panel so let’s learn how to perform a restart.

Step #3 Restart The Netgear Router!

Once you’re in, simply select Reboot on the top of the screen and wait for your Netgear router to restart.

This type of restart can only be done as long as your computer or device is connected to the Netgear router’s WiFi.

You won’t be able to reach the panel outside of the local host area.

You’ll see a restart screen that will show how much time is left until the router is online!

That was how to reboot Netgear router remotely by using a browser!

Tip: Using the Nighthawk app, overcomes the distance limitation. Scroll up to find the method.

Quick Recap:

Hence, to restart a Netgear router remotely, you’ll need to download the Nighthawk application, log in or create a new account and connect to the modem. Once connected you’ll be able to restart your router remotely anywhere, anytime!

Read Next: How to Fix Netgear Router WAN Port Not Working?

Final Thoughts:

Now that we’ve learned how to reboot my Netgear router remotely in two different ways, feel free to manage the device the way you want.

The remote reboot could be extremely helpful when your non-techy family loses internet connection while you’re out.

Would they have to wait for you to come back home? Simply restart the router from a distance and fix the internet problem like magic!