It is essential to understand when you need to reset the Netgear extender. You can not reach to reset it for every tiny connection issue you face. The resetting process could be helpful for the device because it might need a fresh start to eliminate some issues and bugs.
The reset process should only be done if you forget the admin password or suspect your network has been hacked. If you need help for these two reasons and want to learn how to reset a Netgear extender, continue reading below.
How to Reset a Netgear Extender
You have two options to reset your Netgear extender. The first is using the physical reset button on the Netgear extender device, and the second is doing that via the web interface. Do not turn off the power until the device turns on because it will result in unsuccessful resetting.
The first method is quite simple and can be done in seconds. Every network device has a reset button that is often so tiny that you can not press it with your finger. The button is made unreachable on purpose to prevent unwanted or accidental resetting.
This is why you need a paperclip or a similar object to help you reach the reset button. When you press the reset button, you must hold it for around 10 seconds until the device receives the order to reset. Then, wait until the device LEDs turn on again.
The second option is to reset the Netgear extender via the web interface. Log in to the extender with the Nighthawk app on your smartphone or via a web browser on a computer. Open the web browser and type routerlogin.net, then enter the router admin username and password.
Read more: How Often Should You Reset Your Router
Which reset method is better?
Web reset
The web reset is always a more recommended option. This kind of reset is also known as “Soft reset” because you do it via a web or mobile application without pressing a physical reset button.
The main advantage of this reset method is the fact that you can see the changes and settings you have made and write them down so that you can restore them later. To make the soft reset, you must log in to the website or open the app on your smartphone.
Then, you should enter the Netgear extender admin username and password, which are usually written in the extender’s manual. You can also find the default username and password online by finding your extender model.
But, one drawback might stop you from soft-resetting your extender and make you go with the factory reset button option. That’s if you have changed the username and can not remember it now.
If you don’t know these two pieces of information, you can not log in to the website and reset your Netgear extender.
Factory reset
The factory reset method is known as “Hard reset” because you reset the device through its hardware. You should use this method if you face difficulties with the previous one.
To factory reset your Netgear extender, you need to locate the reset button on the device. Depending on the Netgear extender model, it might be placed on the device’s back, bottom, or side panel. The reset button is usually named “Reset”. It is last on the line or right next to the power button.
As we previously mentioned, it is not an actual button but a small hole you must press with a needle or paperclip. You must consider the 10-second time you should hold the button pressed because it is the time needed for the device to deliver the information everywhere.
The most significant advantage of the hard reset method is that it happens fast, and you do not need to enter any passwords or get permission. It takes 10 seconds to reset the settings and return them to default.
On the other hand, as a drawback, we will mention that this will erase all changes you have made, and you will not have a chance to write them down and restore them.
Read more: What Wi-Fi Extender Works Best With Spectrum?
Things to consider before resetting the Netgear extender
Check the cables
Check the cables before factory resetting your Netgear extension. In most cases, the loose cables might be the reason that disrupts the internet connection. Check the cables and ensure they are correctly plugged in.
Check the LEDs and see if they are all stable and on. If any light blinks, it might be a sign that there is some problem. Check the power outlet and determine the reason for the blinking light.
Ensure the wireless connection stability
Your WiFi extender does not always cause a bad internet connection. Call the network provider service and ask if there is any issue with the network speed and connection before declaring the extender the culprit for the unstable network.
Power cycle the router
Power cycling your extender means resetting it. Even the internet-providing service will tell you to restart the router before factory resetting it. The power cycling will help the extender erase unnecessary data and free up some space for new information.
When power cycling the extender, you must wait a few seconds between the cycles. Leave the extender to deliver the command and fix the minor issues that slow down the network connection.
If the connection is as terrible as before, you can freely reset the Netgear extender using any of the methods mentioned above.
Also read: What WiFi Extenders Work With AT&T?
Conclusion
We believe our article has helped you find a way to reset your Netgear extender. Try the soft reset method first since it will help you restore the changes you have made before. Switch to the hard reset method if you do not succeed with the first one.
We will be happy if you share these methods with your friends and let them know how to reset a Netgear extender, too.