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Your router is the one thing standing between you and your WiFi. One of the big problems with Netgear routers is that you need to reset them to make them work. While this is often a big pain, you can quickly learn both why it happens and the easiest way to fix it.
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Netgear Router Constant Reboots: 8 Fixes
Netgear makes so many routers that it’s not surprising many American homes have one. Whether you get a router from your ISP or buy one on your own, the chances are good that you’ll go with Netgear because the company gets so many positive reviews.
When your router shuts down or stops working, you need to reset it to restore your connection. Look at how to fix a Netgear router that needs constant reboots.
1. Too Many Files
You probably already know that routers store some cached data. That is why you should restart your router every so often as this clears out some of that data. You usually need to reset a Netgear router because it has too many files stored on it.
This often happens simply because you have too many devices sharing your WiFi. Do you have multiple computers using that signal as well as game consoles, cell phones, and tablets? Your router needs to store the data from each one, which can make it run way too slowly.
To keep your router from needing resetting, try cutting down on the number of devices linked. Why keep your tablet on WiFi when you only use it to play a few games and read e-books?
You can always connect later when you want to download a new game or book. The same holds true of game consoles, as you may only need to connect them when you play online games. Reducing the number of connected devices can fix your Netgear router.
2. Bad Power Cord
In Netgear forums, users found problems with the R6700 and R7000 models caused by bad power cords. Not only do you risk the original cord failing, but one that you buy and use later may also fail.
Unfortunately, such issues could also occur when using third-party power cords and adapters. Those cords can run so hot that they cause your router to overheat. They can also have a poor connection with the wall outlet, which keeps the router from getting all the power it needs.
To find a good power cord, head to the official Netgear website. Unfortunately, the site does not sell any power adapters. You need an AC/DC cord and a 12V, 3.4A power adapter. Do not use any power cord or adapter unless you guarantee it is compatible with your router.
3. It Needs Updates
In the same way that your favorite gadgets need updates, so too does your router. The biggest problem is that your router doesn’t issue reminders or alerts about those updates. You may not even know it needs an update until months after one comes out.
Head over to the Netgear website to look for any available updates. All you need is the model number or name of the router. Search the site for updates to find out if you missed one or more.
You can also use an ethernet cable to connect your router and PC. Go to routerlogin.net via your web browser and enter admin as the user name along with your unique password.
Pick the Router Update or Firmware Update button. Select Yes when you find any updates. This tells the router to install those updates. It will reset itself as soon as it downloads and installs the update.
4. Power Outage
Power outages are quite common in some parts of the country, especially during the stormy seasons. When a storm passes through, it can knock out your power and keep you from using your devices. Even after the power comes back, your router may reset itself multiple times. This happens because it didn’t properly reboot after the outage.
Fixing the problem is easy because you can do a hard reset. Instead of using the reset or power buttons, unplug your router’s cables and cords. Wait around two to five minutes, then plug back in the power cord before you plug in the ethernet and other cables. A hard reboot can also clear any errors or update problems that keep the router from working.
5. Loose Cables
Netgear routers usually have an ethernet cable that connects to your modem and a power cord that plugs into a wall outlet. If any of those cords or cables are loose, the router may try to reset itself because it detects a problem.
When the ethernet cable is loose, it can either slow down your internet speed or keep you from connecting to the internet at all. Always check the lights on the front of the router to ensure the power and connection lights work.
You can then check each individual cord and cable. Look for signs that they do not sit as tightly as they should inside the router. If you can wiggle or move them in any way, invest in new ones.
A Netgear router that cannot get all the power it needs because of a faulty power cord will keep resetting itself to fix the problem. Contact Netgear and ask about getting a new one or replacing the entire router.
6. Damaged Power Cable
A damaged power cable can also cause your Netgear router to reset itself. Unplug the cord and examine it closely to look for any signs of damage. You might have a cat that likes chewing on the cable when you’re not around.
If you live with someone who trips over the cord or isn’t careful when unplugging it, they can also damage it. Though you can keep using a router with a damaged power cord, it likely will not stop resetting itself until you replace that cord.
7. Hot Router
Routers can become quite hot because of how you use them. Using your router right next to a window that allows direct sunlight to come through in the middle of summer can raise the router’s temperature.
The temperature will also rise when you place it took close to a vent or you use it too much. As it heats up, it senses an internal problem and keeps resetting in the hopes of fixing it. You can only stop this when you keep the router cool.
Try moving the router to a different spot away from any heat source such as a vent or portable heater. You also want to ensure that it has some empty space around it. Do not use your router directly against a wall or in a spot with a lot of objects around it that block the airflow.
8. Old Age
While some people have routers that last for seven to 10 years or longer, the average lifespan for a router is much smaller. You need to replace your Netgear router every three to five years. Remember that new routers have built-in technology that lets you change bandwidths and get more security when you’re online.
If you have a Netgear router that resets itself, think about when you bought it and how long you used it. The best way to fix a resetting router of an older age might be to buy a new one.
Conclusion
Netgear routers often need resetting because they miss important updates or have other common issues. Though Netgear makes it easy to find new updates, you may need to try a few other solutions to fix your problem. Try all of these remedies to see which one fixes your router.
Resources:
https://kb.netgear.com/23442/How-do-I-update-the-firmware-on-my-NETGEAR-router-with-a-web-browser
https://kb.netgear.com/30858/How-do-I-troubleshoot-intermittent-rebooting-of-a-router
