Covers the Netgear WiFi range extender factory reset routine. Indeed, Netgear® has created a vast line of extenders. Many of these have a 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 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 factory resetting before buying a new extender. A simple reset might save you the this cost.
Here, we offer a simple method to factory reset a Netgear WiFi range extender. Hopefully, this fixes most problems you might see in this equipment.
Netgear WiFi Range Extender Factory Reset: Step by Step Routine
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 afterwards. 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 the WiFi Range Extender
Wait until the extender finishes booting before proceeding to the next step. Typically, booting can take between thirty seconds and one minute.
3. Write Down Any Settings you’ve Changed to Continue with Netgear WiFi Range Extender Factory Reset
Save any changed settings you’ve made to the 3700 before reset. These might include the extended network name, password, channel numbers used, and so on. Since the extender erases these settings during 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 WiFi range extender itself, skip ahead to step 9. Or, do a factory reset via the device’s admin web pages. Most extenders give both options.
To factory reset via the web, go on to the next step. Resetting though the web, saves you from digging out the 3700 from behind furniture to get at the reset button. 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.
Netgear WiFi Range Extender Factory Reset via the Genie® Web Site
1. Log In to the WiFi Range 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 extender Netgear login to the site.
2. Find the Factory Reset Option
You often find the reset link under the Settings->Other section.
3. Click the RESET Button
This brings up a restore defaults confirm prompt screen. You may choose not to reset at this point. In that case, just leave the factory reset page. But if you still wish to reset, move on to the next step.
4. Click the YES Button to Continue with Netgear WiFi Range Extender Factory Reset
Clicking or tapping this link is like pressing the RESET button on the unit. That is, factory resetting takes the 3700 offline while it restores the default settings.
The 3700will 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 Netgear WiFi Range Extender Factory Reset 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.
Netgear WiFi Range Extender Factory Reset: 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 Factory 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 factory resetting.
3. Release the RESET Button to Continue with Netgear WiFi Range Extender Factory Reset
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 resetting starts. Pressing for too long can, again, damage the button. So, only hold it in as long as it takes to start resetting.
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 a extender during reset.
This operation 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 it finishes.
5. Reapply Any Customized Settings
Once the factory reset completes, make any changes to the WiFi extender settings that your specific network needs. Visit the http://mywifiext.net/ site to update those settings.
6. Netgear WiFi Range Extender Factory Reset: Using the RESET Button Now Complete !
What ever way you reset, it is now ready for setup. Note that you must set it up anew after reset. It will not extend any networks until you enter the WiFi networks you wish to extend. Do this on the 3700’s setup web pages.