Covers how to factory reset Netgear WiFi range extender routines. Indeed, Netgear® has created a vast line of WiFi range extenders. Many of these have a factory reset button. This button, when pressed, erases any custom settings. It then returns the Netgear extender to default values. E.g. A factory reset restores the settings to what they were when the unit shipped from the factory. Reset the Netgear range extender to default state if it shows strange symptoms. These could include failing to link to the primary Wi-Fi network. Or, the extended or extension network slows or freezes, and so on. Try resetting before buying a new range extender. A simple reset might save you the cost of that new extender.
Here, we offer a simple method for how to factory reset a Netgear WiFi range extender. Hopefully, a factory reset will fix most problems you might see in these WiFi network extenders.
How to Factory Reset Netgear WiFi Range Extender: Step by Step
1. Find Good AC Power
Never interrupt power during the factory reset. Why not? Because this can corrupt the extender’s memory or break the installed firmware. Thus, the extender may not start up after reset. So, we suggest plugging it directly into a well-fitting and non switched AC wall outlet. Do not attach it through an extension cord. This avoids the loose and spotty connections often found in cheap or worn out cords.
2. Power On your Extender
Wait until the Netgear extender finishes booting before proceeding to the next step. Typically, booting can take between thirty seconds and one minute.
3. Write Down Any Extender Settings you’ve Changed to Continue with How to Factory Reset Netgear WiFi Range Extender
Save any changed settings you’ve made to the extender before reset. These might include the extended WiFi network name, password, WiFi channel numbers used, and so on. Since the extender erases these settings during factory reset, write them down first. You’ll need this settings list afterwards. With it, you can easily apply them again if you wish.
4. Start Factory Reset by Either of Two Ways
If you want to use the physical reset button on the extender itself, skip ahead to step 9. Or, do a factory reset via the device’s admin web pages. Most Netgear® WiFi extenders give both options).
To factory reset via the web, go on to the next step. Doing this at the web site saves you from digging out the extender from behind furniture. But using the web may not always be easy, like when the extender freezes or locks up. So, choose how to reset based on your specific circumstances.
How to Factory Reset Netgear WiFi Range Extender via the Netgear® Genie® Web Site
1. Log In to the Extender’s Admin Web Site
Once the extender powers up and fully boots, connect a computer to it. Then, on that computer, bring up the web browser. Then, visit the http://mywifiext.net/ site. The Netgear® Genie® web site front page then displays.
Finally, follow the prompts through the Netgear login to the site.
2. Find the Factory Reset Option on the Netgear Genie Web Site
You often find the reset link under the Settings->Other section.
3. Click the RESET Button
This brings up a restore default settings confirm prompt screen. You may choose not to factory reset at this point. In that case, just leave the reset page. But if you still wish this, move on to the next step.
4. Click the YES Button to Continue with How to Factory Reset Netgear WiFi Range Extender
Clicking or tapping this link is like pressing the reset button on the unit. That is, factory resetting takes the Netgear extender offline while it restores the default settings.
The extender will also log you off of the http://mywifiext.net/ web site during this time. Lights will go out for some seconds, then start flashing as the reset takes effect.
5. Done with How to Factory Reset Netgear WiFi Range Extender via the Web Site !
Now, you may move your extender to a new spot and set it up there. Or, it’s now ready for the next user if you’re going to sell or gift it.
How to Factory Reset Netgear WiFi Range Extender with its RESET Button
1, Find the RESET Button
The button is quite small. Plus, you often find it inside a hole on either the back or bottom of the extender. The button is red, black, or silver in color, and likely in a hole in the case surface. Use a flashlight if you put your extender in a dark spot.
2. Press and Hold the RESET Button for Ten to Twenty Seconds
Since the reset button port is often small, use the tip of a pen or paper clip to reach it. Also, this button is delicate and so, easily broken or jammed. So, raise your pressing pressure only until you feel the button give (click) into the pressed position. Then, keep pressing with that same strength until the extender starts resetting.
3. Release the RESET Button to Continue with How to Factory Reset Netgear WiFi Range Extender
You can tell when factory reset begins because the lights will all go out, except for perhaps the power lamp. You need not continue holding the reset button in, once it starts. Pressing for too long can, again, damage the button. So, only hold it in as long as it takes to start the process.
4. Wait for the Extender to Finish Factory Resetting
This can take up to four minutes. So stay calm, and DO NOT UNPLUG (POWER DOWN) YOUR EXTENDER WHILE RESETTING!!!
Again, turning off most any network device while it’s resetting can brick it. If that happens, you may have to send the extender to Netgear® for proper re flashing. That is, if they can re flash at all. For cheaper extenders, factory re flashing may not be worth the expense. So, get it right the first time. That is, never stop an extender while factory resetting.
Factory reset completes when the lights on the extender stop blinking. You should also see the extender’s admin setup web pages at http://mywifiext.net/ after this.
5. Reapply Any Customized Settings
Once reset completes, make any changes to the extender’s settings that your specific network needs. Visit the http://mywifiext.net/ site to update those settings.
6. Done with How to Factory Reset Netgear WiFi Range Extender Using the RESET Button !
What ever way you reset your Netgear extender, it is now ready for setup. Note that you must set up your extender anew after a reset. It will not extend any networks until you enter the WiFi networks you wish to extend. Do this on the extender’s setup web pages.