Netgear Router Won’t Reset to Factory Settings? Let’s Fix It!

So, you are trying to reset your Netgear Nighthawk router but facing trouble in doing so. Don’t worry. We can help. Perhaps you are using the hard reset method only to reset your device. But maybe you do not yet know that there is more than one method to reset your Netgear router. In this guide, you will not only find the instructions for other methods to reset the router, but also find tips using which you can resolve the Netgear router won’t reset to factory settings issue. Thus, stick to reading.

Netgear Router Reset via Web Interface

Resetting the Netgear router using the Reset button is very common. But you can also reset your Netgear router using the web-based interface or the Netgear Nighthawk setup page. Here is how:

Power up the Netgear router by connecting it to an active wall socket and then turning the power button on.
Connect it to the modem using an Ethernet cable to ensure a proper internet connection to it.
Now, visit www.routerlogin.net on any internet browser and access the Netgear Genie dashboard by logging in.
Get to the Settings of the router here and click on the Reset button and then click on Reset to Factory Settings.

This will reset your Netgear router to the factory settings.

Hence, if your Netgear router won’t reset to factory settings using the Reset button, then you can opt for this method at any point in time. For instance, if the Reset button is broken then the web-based interface method will help you out to reset your device.

However, if you are not able to reset your Netgear router by any of these methods, then of course your router needs some troubleshooting. Let us help you with that too.

Netgear Router Won’t Reset to Factory Settings: Resolved

Other than the broken Reset button, there can be various reasons that can lead to Netgear router reset-related issues. Obsolete firmware and power supply issues are the most common reasons for this. Here is what you can do to get the issue fixed:

1. Reboot Router

Though the reboot process is very simple, it can help fix major issues. Temporary technical glitches are mostly the reasons that prevent you from getting some tasks done with your technical devices. The reasons for why these technical glitches occur, however, remain undisclosed. To get them eliminated, you can try rebooting the device. Thus, power off your Netgear router and unplug it from the power socket. Let it have some rest. After a while, plug it back and toggle the power button to turn it on. The second your router is booted up, try resetting it to the factory settings either by using the Reset button or using the browser method. If the Netgear router won’t reset to factory settings even now, then follow the next step.

2. Fix Power Issues

Time to verify the power supply has come now. Commence by looking at the power adapter. In most Netgear routers, you will get the power adapter along the router in the box. Make sure you are using the same power adapter to supply power to it. Also, ensure that it is plugged in properly to a wall socket that is non-damaged and working properly. If it is faulty, then unplug the router from here and then plug it into another active power socket. Only after you are sure that the power supply to the Netgear router is adequate, try resetting it to the factory settings. Did it work this time? No? Try the next hack in the list.

3. Update Firmware

Now that other hacks mentioned in this guide haven’t been of any help to fix the Netgear router won’t reset to factory settings issue, the probability of having corrupted firmware installed on your router increases. So, you need to manually reinstall the firmware on your router now. Here is the entire process:

Ensure that your Netgear router is plugged in and powered on.
Take the help of a computer or a laptop and launch any internet browser on it.
Download the latest firmware for the respective Netgear router that you have. You need to save it at any safe location on your computer.
Now open a new tab and visit routerlogin.net.
Input the Netgear router admin username and password and log in to the router to access the Netgear Genie dashboard.
Click on the Advanced option and then click on Settings.
Now select the Firmware Update option under Administration.
Clicking on the Browse button will help you navigate and select the firmware file that you had already downloaded.
Finally, click on Upload to install the firmware on your Netgear router.

The most recent firmware version is now running on your Netgear router. Here while downloading the firmware you need to ensure that you download the firmware file for the Netgear router model that you own.

To Briefly Conclude

With the hope of helping you out, here we conclude our helpful guide about what to do when the Netgear router won’t reset to factory settings. The steps given in this guide will help you reset your router for sure. Under any circumstances, if your Netgear router is adamant to reset, then know that you can always take support from our expert technical team to help you out.