In this post, we cover how to hard reset Netgear WiFi range extender routines. Indeed, Netgear® has created a vast line of WiFi range extenders. And many of these feature a hard reset button. Thus when pressed, this button causes the unit to erase any custom settings. Hard reset then returns the extender to factory default values. E.g. This restores the settings to what they were when the unit shipped from the factory.
So you hard reset this WiFi range extender to factory default state if it shows strange behaviors. These could include failing to link to the primary WiFi network. Or, the extended or extension network slows or freezes, and so on. Try factory resetting before buying a new unit. A simple hard reset might save you the cost of that new extender.
Thus, here, we offer a simple method to do this. And hopefully, a hard reset will fix most problems you might see.
How to Hard Reset Netgear WiFi Range Extender: Step by Step
1. Find Decent AC Power
Never interrupt power during the hard reset. Why not? Because this can corrupt the extender’s memory or break the installed firmware. Thus, the extender may not start up afterwards. So, we suggest plugging it directly into a well-fitting and non switched AC wall outlet. Moreover, do not attach it through an extension cord. Only use a wall outlet. Why? Because this avoids the loose and spotty connections we often find in cheap or worn out cords.
2. Power On the Extender
Wait until the extender finishes booting before moving on 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 Hard Reset a 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, network channel numbers used, and so on. Since the extender clears these settings during hard reset, write them down first. You’ll need this settings list after the unit comes back up. With it, you can easily apply them again if you wish.
4. Start Hard Reset by Either of Two Ways
If you want to use the physical reset button, skip ahead to step 9. Or, do a hard reset via the device’s admin web pages. Many Netgear® extenders give both options).
To hard reset via the web, go on to the next step. Doing it this way saves you from digging it out from behind furniture to reach the RESET button. But using the web may not always be easy, like when the unit freezes or locks up. So, choose how to reset based on your specific situation.
How to Hard 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 q web browser. Then, visit the http://mywifiext.net/ site. The Netgear® Genie® web site front page then displays.
Then, follow the prompts through the extender login to the site.
2. Find the Hard Reset Option
You often find the hard reset link under the Settings->Other section.
3. Click the Hard RESET Button
This brings up a restore factory defaults confirm prompt screen. You may choose not to reset the extender at this point. In that case, just leave the reset page. But if you still wish to hard reset, move on to the next step.
4. Click the YES Button to Continue with How to Hard Reset Netgear WiFi Range Extender
Clicking or tapping this link is like pressing the reset button on the unit. That is, hard resetting takes the extender offline while it restores the factory default settings.
Now 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 Hard Reset a 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 Hard Reset Netgear WiFi Range Extender with its RESET Button
1, Find the RESET Button
The button is quite small. Additionally, 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 unit 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. So, if you poke it too hard, you can easily jam or break it. Thus increase 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 Hard Reset Netgear WiFi Range Extender with the Button
You can tell when hard reset begins because the lights will all go out, except for perhaps the Power lamp. You need not keep holding the button in, once it starts. In fact, pressing for too long can, again, damage the button. So, only hold it in as long as it takes to start hard resetting.
4. Wait for the Extender to Finish Hard 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 a extender while hard resetting.
Hard reset completes when the lights stop blinking. You should also see the admin setup web pages at http://mywifiext.net/ after reset.
5. Reapply Any Customized Settings
Once the reset finishes, make any changes to the settings that your specific network needs. Do that at the http://mywifiext.net/ site.
6. Done with How to Hard Reset Netgear WiFi Range Extender Using the RESET Button !
What ever way you reset your extender, it is now ready for setup. Note that you must set up your the unit anew after a hard reset. It will not extend any networks until you enter the wireless networks you wish to extend. Do this on the extender’s setup web pages.