A Complete Guide on How to Login to a Netgear Router

Netgear has been one of the most recognizable tech companies in the market, providing its customers with equipment for both broadband and Wi-Fi internet connections. More people need faster internet, whether to power multiple devices in their home or set up a home business. Netgear routers, modems, Wi-Fi extenders, and cloud storage options do just that.

Since most homes and businesses have more than one device that requires an internet connection, setting up a router is pretty much a standard. If you've never set one up by yourself before, the whole process can seem very overwhelming – but it doesn't have to be.

How to Login to a Netgear Router

Once you get your Netgear router connected to the modem, there are two ways you can log in to your router: either with a PC or a mobile device. Most Netgear routers use a login process from your home computer or PC, but some models offer the option to log in from an app on a mobile device – such as a cell phone or a tablet.

To Log into your Netgear Router Using a PC/MAC:

1. Open your web browser from your computer or another mobile device
Your PC/Mac device must be connected to the internet. The login process for a Netgear router is compatible with nearly every web browser type, including Apple Safari, Microsoft IE, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox.
From your computer, open your internet browser to begin the login process.

2. Enter the default IP address in the address bar
Depending on your make/model, this address will be either 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
Depending on your make/model, the default IP address, username, and password varies. Use the table below to determine your router's default IP address, based on your make/model. (Note: While this is not a complete list, it includes Netgear's most popular models.)

https://www.lifewire.com/netgear-default-password-list-2619154 

If you can't find your default IP address, you can find it in your modem's user manual. If you still can't find it, then you can search for it on your computer.

To Find Your Default IP Address on Your PC:

1. Search for the "Command Prompt" option
For PCs with earlier versions of Windows, click on your "Start" menu. Locate the search box (this has a magnifying glass icon). In the search box, enter "cmd" to search for the "Command Prompt."

For PCs with Windows 10, click on the search box next to your "Start" menu. Search for "C." The "Command Prompt" will display in your search results.

2. Click on the "Command Prompt" option

3. Type the command "IPCONFIG" and press Enter
In your search results, under "Wireless LAN Adapter Wi-Fi," your default IP address will be listed as the "Default Gateway."

Make a note of your default IP address since you will need it later.

4. Using routerlogin.net or routerlogin.com to log in to your router
Instead of typing your default IP address into your internet browser, you can also visit https://www.routerlogin.net/ or https://www.routerlogin.com/ to find the login page. 

5. Type either https://www.routerlogin.net/ or https://www.routerlogin.com/ into your internet browser's address bar
If the first URL doesn't bring you to the router login page, try the other website. If they both fail to get you to the login page, use your router's default IP address instead. If you have an Orbi mesh network router, you'll have to use a different login site, either https://www.orbilogin.net or https://www.orbilogin.com.

6. Click "Enter" to go to the router login page

which appears in the address bar for Google Chrome. (Image by author)

If you receive a "connection not secure" alert on your web browser, double-check to see you entered the default IP address or website address correctly. If you have, then select "Continue" to log in to your router.

7. Enter the Default Username and Password
Enter the username ("admin") and the default password ("password") into the login form. The username "admin" and password "password" is printed on the back or side of your router, where you can find the serial number and other product information. The username and password are both case-sensitive.

If you receive an error message or a "login failed" message, check to ensure that you have entered the default username and password in all lowercase letters.

8. Log in
After putting in the username and password, click the "OK" button (this may also say "Login."). You are now logged in to your router, and the home screen will display on the next page.

For more help, watch this Youtube tutorial:

To Log in Using a Mobile App:

Depending on your router's make/model, you may be able to log in through their mobile app.

1. Download the Netgear App
Download the Netgear app that is compatible with your device. Find the app in Google Play or the Apple App Store and download it to your mobile device.

2. Run the App and Complete the Installation Steps

3. Open the app on your phone or tablet and complete the setup
You will have to agree to the app's terms and conditions before you log in.

4. Select "Yes" or "No" when the app asks you for permission to access your device's location
If you choose "Yes," the app will automatically connect your device to your network, even if you change the name.

5. Create Your Netgear Account

6. If you haven't created your Netgear account yet, then you should do it here.
Have your name, email address, and password ready to create an account.

7. Creating your Netgear account from your mobile device

If you have completed this step on another device (such as a PC or other mobile device), use your email address and password combination to log in to the app.

9. Log in to Your Netgear Account

10. To access the Netgear app, use your email address and password
Once you have logged in, the app will ask you if you are installing a new router. If this is your first time installing up your router, select "yes." Any other time, you should choose "no."

11. Log in to Your Netgear Router
Now you will log in to the actual router. After you confirm whether you are installing a new router or not, the app will bring you to the login page. Use your username and password for logging in.

If this is your first time setting up a Netgear router, use the default credentials "admin" and "password," just as you would if you logged in from a PC.

Keep in mind that the sign-in information to log in to your router will be different than the data you used to create your Netgear account. 

How to Reset a Netgear Router

The most common issue that people run into when trying to sign in to their Netgear router is setting up their username and password combination immediately after setting up the router. When they forgot their login information, it makes it even more of a challenge to get access.

Luckily, recovering your password is a relatively simple step that involves using Netgear's password recovery system. However, if you can't use this feature, then completing a factory reset will restore the default settings. If you cannot recover your login information and the default username/password combination doesn't work, then perform a factory reset. This means you will have to use the default username and password "admin" and "password" to log in to your router again.

Also, completing a factory reset is like getting a brand-new router. You will have to complete the initial setup steps again, such as using the default username and password "admin" and "password" to log in to your router. Resetting the router wipes all of your settings, such as your username and password, security features, and the name you gave your Wi-Fi network. If you changed any of these settings, you would have to configure your router again.

To Complete a Factory Reset on Your Netgear Router:

1. Make Sure That Your Router is Turned On
Before proceeding with a factory reset, ensure the router is turned on. Double-check and look at the power light.

2. Find the Factory Reset Button

3. The factory reset button
Usually labeled as either "Restore Factory Settings" or "Reset" is on either the back or the side of your router (depending on your model). This isn't a raised button that you can press with your finger. Instead, it is a button you have to hold down.

4. Use a Pin or a Paper Clip to Press the Factory Reset Button
Use an object small enough to press down the factory reset button. A pin or an unfolded paper clip works well, but anything small and narrow is sufficient to press down the button without damaging your router will work just fine.

5. Hold Down the Factory Reset Button
Using the pin or paper clip, press the reset button and hold it down for seven seconds. The router will perform the factory reset after you release the button.

7. Log in to Your Router

After the factory reset is complete, begin your initial setup steps by logging into your router with the default username "admin" and the password "password." You can restore any settings you lost when performing the factory reset.

For a step by step tutorial on how to perform a factory reset, watch this YouTube video:

How to Configure a Netgear Router

Now that you have successfully signed in to your Netgear router, now comes the fun part: configuring your settings. This involves changing multiple settings within your router to your personal needs. Whether you want to reserve speeds for the higher performance devices in your home (such as your gaming console), or you want to boost security, you can change all of these settings once you successfully log in to the router.

Changing the Default Password

After using the default username "admin" and password "password" for your initial login, you should always change your password to something more unique – in other words, something only you would know. This will make your internet connection more secure.

To Change Your Router's Default Password:

1. Log in to your router
Using a PC connected to your router, visit https://routerlogin.net/ to reach the login page.

2. Enter the default values "admin" and "password" if you have not done this already

3. Once you reach the router's menu page, find the menu option for "Advanced" settings

4. Under the "Administration" option, choose "Set Password"

5. The "Set Password" option will ask you to enter the old password and the new password two times
For the old password, enter the default "password" and create a new password (a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols).

6. Make sure you activate the "password recovery feature"

7. Save your settings

The Youtube video below provides a useful tutorial on changing your default admin password.

Netgear's Password Recovery Feature

Once you have changed the default username and password combination, you should ensure it is written down somewhere and kept safe if you ever need it again. Of course, it is normal to forget where we kept this information or forget our username and password altogether. 

You can reset your password using Netgear's password recovery feature if you forget your password. The first time you set up your password for your Netgear router, always enable the password recovery feature – especially if you have a habit of forgetting or misplacing your passwords. It will save you from having to perform a factory reset.

To Recover Your Password with Netgear's Password Recovery:

1. Access the Login Page
Input the URL, https://www.routerlogin.net/, or https://www.routerlogin.com/, into your web browser's address bar.

2. When the login window appears, click "Cancel" 
This will automatically enable the Router Password Recovery.

3. When prompted, enter the serial number of your router 
You can find this somewhere on the router itself. Your serial number location depends on the Netgear modem's make and model, but it is usually printed on the side, back, or bottom.

4. After entering your serial number, select "Continue" 
The next page will load your pre-selected security questions.

5. Answer your security questions and click "Continue"
Keep in mind your answers may be case-sensitive.

6. The next page will display your password

Note: If you cannot answer your security questions correctly, you will have to factory reset your router.

Set up Your Wireless Connection

If you have devices that you want to connect wirelessly – meaning that the device doesn't have to be plugged in directly to the router – then the first thing you should do after changing your login credentials is setting up your wireless connection.

To Edit Your Router's Wireless Settings:

1. Enter the Menu to Change Your Wireless Settings
On the main menu, find the option for your wireless connection. You can change the name of the wireless connection to something unique, or you can leave it as is. There is an option to "Enable SSID Broadcast," usually in the form of a checkbox. Make sure you check this box: this will send out the wireless signal to your devices.

2. Change Your Wireless Security Settings
Every router should have the most secure protection from others, especially if you were using your devices for online shopping, a home business, paying your bills, or anything else you want to remain private. Most have multiple security options, but the WPA/WPA2-PSK is the most secure setting for your router. Choose this option when setting up your wireless security. It will make your wireless internet less vulnerable to hackers and malware.

3. Create a Unique Router Name and Password
After logging in, you can change the SSID (or the name of your wireless network) and the password. Under your wireless settings menu, you can change the default wireless name (such as "Netgear") to something more unique to your network.

Always create a secure password for your wireless connection. This should not be an easy password to guess; don't use your anniversary or kid's birthday to protect your network. The best passwords for wireless settings have a wide range of numbers, letters, and symbols. Also, don't use a password that you've used elsewhere, such as for logging in to your router.

4. Save Your New Wireless Settings
On the bottom of the wireless settings page, select "Save" to update your changes. Most routers have to default wireless settings, so you'll want to make sure that the changes you made are more secure.

5. Engage with Parental Controls
If you have minor children using the wireless internet, you can modify their access to the wireless settings menu. Under the Security section of the wireless connection options, you can manually enter what websites to block and a time frame when they are blocked. You can also change these limitations by changing the status to "enable" or "disable."

Connecting Devices

Now that you have a secure wireless connection, you can start connecting your devices. Choose which ones you want to connect wirelessly and complete the steps below on each device. With so many wireless devices available today, you can connect your computers, tablets, phones, gaming consoles, and TVs to the same wireless network.

1. Locate Your Wireless Connection
Using your device, check for the wireless connection you just set up (looking for the name you assigned to it). Select the name of your wireless internet signal.

2. Enter Your Wireless Password
Once you select the wireless connection, the device will prompt you to enter the wireless password. Enter the password you entered when setting up your wireless settings.

3. Connect to the Wireless Internet
Once you enter and confirm the wireless password, your device will be connected to the internet. On most devices, you will not have to repeat this step since the device will stay connected until you manually disconnect it, as long as you are within the range of the signal. 

Other Configurations

After signing in, you can make additional changes, such as checking every device connected to your router, updating how much bandwidth each device receives, and blocking unauthorized devices and connections.

Set up a Guest Network

While everyone's needs are different, you may opt for a guest network on your router. Using a guest network is ideal for businesses, even small ones, or homes that receive many visitors using the internet.

The guest network is a separate internet connection that doesn't compromise the security of your primary internet connection. For example, most businesses (from hospitals to coffee shops) employ a guest network in their free Wi-Fi. It is a separate connection to the internet, away from their primary computers – to keep the information on them more secure.

With a guest network, you can keep the information on your devices more secure, such as credit card numbers and other personal information. It also prevents others from spreading viruses to your network. It is usually easier to change the password for a guest network than for your main one, so you can easily remove someone's access to your guest network whenever you like. 

To Set Up a Guest Network:

1. Log in to your router and pull up the main menu

2. Select the option for creating a guest network
This is usually under the internet connection or wireless menu.

3. Select the option to activate your guest network and assign a particular bandwidth speed (either 2.5GHz or 5GHz) 
Give that new network an SSID (or a new name) similar to your own but very clearly separate from your main connection.

4. Choose whether or not to broadcast – or make the guest network visible – to others

5. Enter a password for the guest network
This should be a somewhat complicated password that anyone couldn't just guess, but simple enough to change if you ever need to.

6. Enable what features/options you will allow on your guest network

7. Choose your security options
The best choice for your guest network is the WPA2 security feature.

Check Your Device Manager

Once you arrive at your router's main menu, there are several options you can choose from to make changes. Checking the Device Manager is one of the first things you should do. Depending on your router, this option may also be labeled "Attached Devices."

This option allows you to see what devices are connected to your router. This is especially helpful for checking to make sure that no one is piggybacking on your network, and it provides a visual representation of all of your connected devices.

To Check the Device Manager:

1. Log in to your router and go to the main menu

2. On the menu dashboard, select "Device Manager"
This may also be called "Attached Devices."

3. Make sure all of the devices in your house or office are connected
If you find an authorized device – or a device you did not link to your connection yourself – click on the individual device within the Device Manager map.

Note that the Device Manager map will show your router and the devices connected to it. 

Distribute Bandwidth to Devices Using the Quality of Service Option

Depending on your environment, some devices may need more bandwidth than others. For example, if you have a gaming console, you may want the download speeds to be faster than on other devices in the home. Or, you may have a work computer at home that needs a higher bandwidth for downloads, video streaming, or faster speed.

Using the Quality of Service application, you can determine which devices get higher bandwidth. Keep in mind that you only have a particular amount of bandwidth to distribute to your devices. If you reserve most of your bandwidth to one device, any other connected devices will have slower speeds. Depending on the results, you can always tweak these settings until you find the right balance for your home or business.

To Adjust/Distribute Bandwidth to Specific Devices:

1. In your router's main menu, find the Quality of Service application
Depending on your model, this option could be labeled as something else, such as bandwidth allocation or something similar.

2. Click on the device for which you want to change the bandwidth distribution

3. Edit how much bandwidth that device will receive

4. Click "Update"

This option makes sure every device gets the same amount of bandwidth.

How to Set Up a Netgear Router

Before you can begin the login process, you'll need to make sure you have all your hardware and connect the router to your modem.

There should be a list of the components that come with your Netgear router in your user manual or installation guide. Most commonly, they are the router itself (plus its power cord) and an ethernet cable.

To Set Up the Router:

1. Collect all the materials you need
Connecting your router to your modem is relatively simple, but not if you don't have what you need! Always compare what arrives in your box to the hardware list you can find in your user manual. Most come with the router box, a power cord, and an ethernet cable. Since most routers are now wireless, check if a button or indicator must be pressed down to proceed with activation.

Also, read the instructions on what other materials you need that don't come with your purchase. Do you need a PC or a mobile device to log in to your router? Do you want to connect any devices directly (with an extra ethernet cable or a CAT5 cable) for a faster internet connection, such as a computer or a gaming console? Make sure that it is available to you before you start the installation process.

2. Connect the router to the modem
Using the ethernet cable, connect the modem to your router. Plug the ethernet cable into your modem, then use the other end to plug the ethernet cable into the internet or WAN port on your router.

3. Connect the router to any devices that need a stronger internet connection
Depending on how you will be using your internet, you may opt to connect devices directly to the router for more reliable download and upload speeds. People will most commonly connect a computer or a gaming console with either an Ethernet Cable or a CAT5 cable. Keep in mind that these usually do not come with the router, so you will have to buy them separately.

To sign in to your router and configure your settings, you should connect a computer or PC directly to the router during the installation.

4. Connect a computer to the router
To sign in to your router and configure your settings, you should connect a computer to your router. You can always unplug the computer later and connect to the router's wireless internet connection.

5. Turn on the router and begin the login process
When setting up for the first time, you will have to log in via the default IP address and use the default login credentials. Once you have signed in, then you can edit any settings and complete the configuration.

Once you get the hang of signing in and changing your settings, keeping an eye on your internet connection is a breeze. You can monitor which devices use most of the bandwidth and which devices are connected to your router. Of course, a router is only as strong as your internet service.

If you have enough bandwidth for all the gadgets and activities in your home or business, the router is an excellent tool for broadcasting your internet signal. By using the steps in this guide, you can get connected faster. If you encounter any other issues, please check our FAQs page below or locate your router's support page to resolve them. 

Netgear Router FAQ

Since we are always on-the-go and attached to our devices, linking a router to your modem helps you stay conveniently connected to the internet. Even if you follow all the installation and configuration steps to the letter, you may still encounter some issues. This FAQ section addresses the most frequently asked questions when installing your router for the first time.

How to Reset Netgear Router Password?

To change your router's default password:

1. Log in to your router
Using a PC connected to your router, visit https://routerlogin.net/ to reach the login page.

2. Enter the default values "admin" and "password" if you have not done this already

3. Once you reach the menu page, find the menu option for "Advanced" settings

4. Under the "Administration" option, choose "Set Password"

5. Set the password
The "Set Password" option will ask you to enter the old password and the new password two times. For the old password, enter the default "password" and create a new password (a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols).

6. Make sure you activate the "password recovery feature"

7. Save your settings.

How to Open Ports on a Netgear Router?

Particular applications, mostly gaming consoles, may require you to open ports on your Netgear router. This is most common when a game (or another program) requires a connection to a computer on your network (or it needs access to the internet). Since these ports are closed on routers for security reasons, you will have to go into your router's settings and open them manually. We don't recommend doing this since it will compromise the security settings.

To Open Ports Using Windows 10:

1. Under your "Control Panel" menu, choose the "System and Security" option

2. Select "Windows Firewall"

3. Choose "Allow Programs to communicate through Windows Firewall"

4. Choose which programs to bypass
Using the checkboxes, choose which program/game can bypass your Windows Firewall settings.
This process is similar to earlier versions of Windows. For Vista and Windows 7, you'll have to search for "Windows Firewall" in your search bar in your Start menu to access your firewall settings.
For XP, the firewall option is still under the Control Panel, but you'll have to choose "Security Center" to find the "Windows Firewall" menu. When you open Windows Firewall, select "Add Program" or "Add Port" (only if you know the port number).

Watch the video below for a detailed explanation of how to open ports on your router.

For more information on port forwarding, watch these helpful tutorials:

Where is the WPS Button on my Netgear Router?

The WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button is located on your Netgear router to turn your Wi-Fi signal on and off easily. The WPS button is what projects your wireless signal to other devices and lets them connect to it. Using WPS (instead of your Wi-Fi username and password) is safer because it automatically creates a username and password of randomly selected numbers, letters, and symbols, making your Wi-Fi password harder to crack.

On most Netgear routers, the WPS button is located on the back or the side of the device. It is usually labeled as "WPS." However, if you can't find the button, look at the diagram of your router in your user manual for further instructions on finding it.

How to Change Netgear Router Name?

After you have logged into your router, the main menu allows you to change the Wi-Fi signal's name and password associated with your router. Under the wireless settings menu on your router's web interface, change the SSID name. Below that, you can change the Wi-Fi password.

These videos are useful explanations on how to change the router name:

2. Connect to an uninterrupted power supply (UPS)
Your router may be rebooting because of a recent power outage. Connecting your router to a UPS may resolve the issue.

3. Double-check to make sure your router is installed correctly
When setting up your router, only use the power adapter that came with the device. If you are using another power adapter, this may be causing the rebooting issues.

3. If the preceding steps fail, perform a factory reset

I Can't Complete my Initial Login with www.routerlogin.net or www.routerlogin.com. What Do I Do?

When trying to login into your router using these sites, you may encounter some access issues.

To login to your router:

1. When installing for the first time, always make sure that you visit the right site and use the default username and password combination.

2. If you receive an error message when you are trying to log in, clear the cache on your internet browser.

3. If the sites still give you error messages after clearing the cache, try using the router's IP address.

4. If none of these options work, disconnect all of the devices connected to the router, except for your PC. Connect your PC to your router with an ethernet cable.

5. Disable any firewalls or pop-up blockers on your PC. Remember to change these settings back after you have resolved the login problem.

6. If you still can't log in, complete a factory reset of your router.

7. Make sure it has the most updated version of its firmware.