Netgear Nighthawk range extenders are one of the best WiFi devices. But, sometimes, the situation comes when we are forced to hard reset Netgear extender.
The situation can be any, like unable to run or use the Nighthawk app, can’t configure Netgear extender, unable to update extender’s firmware, can’t access Netgear_ext, or extender not working after firmware update.
But, resetting Netgear extender is the last step. We mean, you can first power cycling your Nighthawk device and if the process (power cycling) doesn’t work, you can proceed with the reset process. Why jumping on the last step? And, there is a proper method to reset Netgear extender. Further, in this article, we will provide you the complete steps to reset the device. But, before that, try fixing the issue related to your Netgear extender (whatever you are facing) by simply power cycling or restarting it.
Power Cycle the Extender
Here’s the method to restart or power cycle your Netgear extender:
Step 1: How many devices are connected to the Netgear extender? Please disconnect them all. And, once you are done, head towards the next step.
Step 2: Turn the Nighthawk extender off. Keep it unplugged.
Step 3: A few moments later, turn the extender back on.
Step 4: Let the power LED on the extender become green and stable.
Is the issue related to the extender fixed by restarting? You need to verify it first. Look, first understand the actual cause behind the issue. Once you get to know the reason, try to solve it. Don’t sweat over it! For your better understanding, we have mentioned a few issues/ reasons that are forcing you to reset Netgear extender. And, what’s more surprising? We have mentioned the solution along. So, keep scrolling down!
The Extender Firmware
If you are getting issues while updating extender’s firmware or your extender is not working after firmware update, then make sure of the following points prior to resetting.
Reason 1: Have you download the correct firmware version as per the Nighthawk extender’s model you have? Chances are that you have downloaded the incorrect or wrong firmware file and due to that your extender is not working as per expectations.
Reason 2: Are you sure that your extender needs to be upgraded? Some range extenders don’t need! Yes, that’s correct!
Reason 3: Have you interrupted the firmware update process? If so, then you will surely face issues while using your extender after firmware update.
Solution
- Visit the official site of Netgear to get the correct firmware version.
- Do not turn off the extender or go online while firmware update process is going on.
Why you need to hard reset extender?
- If vising the Netgear’s official site won’t work
- Downloading the correct firmware version do not work as well
- Your extender firmware needs an upgrade and you degraded it or the firmware needs an degrade and you upgraded it
And, what’s more important? You have interrupted the firmware update process and you can’t retrieve the file. In that case you need to hard reset Netgear extender.
Extender Configuration
You will force to reset if you haven’t performed the Nighthawk extender setup process in a proper way or left it complete. Improper or partial extender configuration forces you to reset Netgear extender. But, the power cycle process has helped a number of users to fix setup-related issue. Yes, you read it right! That is why we are asking you to first power cycle your extender. And when you think that things are not working for you, go ahead and reset your Netgear extender.
Login Details
Lost or forgotten login details also let it users to reset their device. But, first we request them to recover their extender login password using the password recovery feature (if enabled). And, if the feature is not enabled, you are more than a welcome to reset your device in order to get the default extender login details back.
WiFi connected but no internet and can’t access internet after Nighthawk extender setup type of issues can be fixed by simply power cycling.
What’s more?
Those users, who are unable to setup their extender using the WPS method, we suggest them:
Verify if their router is WPS capable or not. If not, replace it with Nighthawk router. First, perform Nighthawk router setup! Then, configure the extender using it via WPS method. This was only the suggestion.
Those users, who don’t want to go with the suggestion, can use the manual method for Nighthawk extender setup.
Can’t Access Netgear_Ext
- Ensure that it is enabled.
- You are using the correct password to access Netgear_ext.
Can’t Use the Nighthawk App
- Ensure that your device have enough space to download the app.
- Your device must have enough battery to run the app.
- Make sure that the correct version of Nighthawk app has been installed.
- Uninstall the app.
- Restart the device along with the extender.
- Reinstall the app again.
These are just examples of the issues that you might be facing with your extender and that can be fixed by power cycling or following some troubleshooting tips. If you think that power cycling or the tips doesn’t work, then you can reset the extender.
How to Hard Reset Netgear Extender?
Step 1: Disconnect the extender from every connected device,
Step 2: Take toothpick or any thin and pointed object. Insert it into the extender’s reset hole.
Step 3: Hold and release when you see that the extender’s power LED has started blinking.
Your extender resets! Now, perform the Nighthawk extender setup process again.
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