Netgear Nighthawk routers offer a super-fast Wi-Fi speed of 1.9 Gbps. However, these devices can sometimes generate problems when connecting to the internet. Is the Nighthawk router’s “internet” LED blinking red? This indicates something is wrong with the device and needs immediate attention.
Is the Netgear Nighthawk router’s internet light blinking green, but there is no Wi-Fi? Then, the device failed to connect to the internet due to faulty power cables. Additionally, a worn-out ethernet cable can prevent the router from working. Check all the router cables and if you find any sign of damage, replace them immediately.
Here are more causes and solutions for Netgear Nighthawk not working:
What are the Possible Reasons behind the Netgear Nighthawk Router Not Working Error?
Several issues can trigger this connectivity problem in the Netgear Nighthawk router. Did you change the device’s IP address? There are chances that you have entered an invalid gateway IP.
A wireless router won’t be able to connect to the internet when the IP address is wrong. Thus, you must reset the IP address to resolve the problem.
An out-of-date firmware can cause issues when establishing a secure connection. A faulty antenna or capacitor can also prevent the router from working.
Did you place electronic devices between the router and the PC? These devices can block the router from connecting to the internet. Thus, remove these electronic gadgets to restore the internet connection.
Here are more reasons behind the Netgear Nighthawk router not Working issue:
- Incorrect network configuration
- Improper router setup
- Corrupted router firmware
- Inadequate power supply
- Incorrect router settings
Easy Troubleshooting Tips for Netgear Nighthawk Router Not Working Error
Resolving this Netgear Nighthawk issue is pretty easy. Many users take an expert’s help to restore the device’s functionality. However, you can do that without any external help by following these solutions:
1. Power Cycle the Netgear Router and Modem
Restarting the Netgear Nighthawk router and wireless modem can resolve this complicated problem. Thus, you must implement this solution to get back the internet connection. First, disconnect the ethernet cable from the Netgear Nighthawk router.
Remove the wireless router’s power cable from the wall outlet after a few minutes. Now, it’s time to disconnect the DSL modem’s power cords. Reconnect the router’s power cables to the electrical outlet after 30 seconds.
Plugin the Ethernet cable into the right router and PC port. Then, reconnect the wireless modem’s power cable after a few minutes. Check if the router and modem “power” LED are blinking green. If yes, then restart the computer and access the Wi-Fi menu. Choose the correct Wi-Fi name and use the internet without network interference.
2. Update the Netgear Nighthawk Router Firmware
Updating the firmware can help you eliminate the Netgear Nighthawk not working issue. Users can install the latest firmware for the device from the mobile app and web GUI. Here is how you can get the Netgear Nighthawk router’s current firmware:
Using the Web Interface:
Open a reliable, updated web browser and enter the Netgear router’s default IP address (192.168.1.1). Press “Enter” and write the login details when the login page opens. Click “Login” to access the Netgear Nighthawk router’s setup wizard.
Head to “Advanced” when the web interface opens. Select “Administration” to check if any new firmware is available for the router. Select “Firmware Update” and choose “Yes” when the confirmation message pops up. It may take at least 15-20 minutes to complete the firmware update process. After that, the Netgear router will restart automatically.
Connect the PC to the Netgear router after installing the compatible firmware. Choose the correct wireless network from the Wi-Fi list and open a browser.
Can you open online websites or applications? You have resolved the Netgear Nighthawk router not working error.
Using the Nighthawk app:
Connect the Android or iOS device to the Netgear Nighthawk router’s network. Open the Nighthawk app and enter the username and password when prompted. Select “Sign In” and wait until the dashboard appears. Choose “Netgear Nighthawk” from the router list afterwards.
Head to the Netgear router’s “Settings” page and tap on “Check For Updates”. Is the Nighthawk app showing an “Update” option? Then, the new firmware is available for the dual-band Wi-Fi router. Tap “Update” to install the latest firmware for the Netgear Nighthawk router.
The Netgear router will restart automatically once it completes the firmware. Reconnect it to the smartphone and access the internet without further inconvenience. However, if the error persists, try changing the Nighthawk router’s default IP address.
3. Change the Incorrect IP Address
An incorrect IP address can prevent the Netgear Nighthawk from working. Thus, resetting the device’s IP configuration will fix the problem. Open a web browser, go to the URL bar and enter the recently changed IP address.
Press “Enter” and provide the login information when prompted. Go to the “Advanced” tab from “Basic” and tap on “Setup”. Move towards “LAN setup”, search for “IP address”, and select “TCP/IP Setup”.
Remove the incorrect IP address and enter the correct one. Don’t change any other settings on this page. Click “Apply” to save the Netgear Nighthawk router’s IP address. Restart the wireless router, and wait until its power LED turns green. Open a browser and use the internet without the “Netgear Nighthawk not working” error.
Lastly, Reset the Netgear Nighthawk Router
You must reset the router to its default factory settings if the above solutions don’t work. Turn on the Netgear Nighthawk router and locate the “Reset” button. Press the button using a paperclip and release it after 10-15 seconds. The wireless router will restart automatically after restoring the previous configuration.
Is the Netgear Nighthawk router not working even after the factory reset? There is a high possibility that you are using a malfunctioned router. Sometimes, a damaged internal antenna can generate this connectivity problem in the router. Contact a router repair expert in such instances to fix the problem.
