This guide shows you how to reset your Netgear VMDG490 router to factory default settings. Resetting a router is different than rebooting a router. Every time your router loses power it reboots. A Router Reset completely erases the router and returns it to factory settings.
Warning: Proceed with caution; resetting your router can be a major headache. The following settings will be changed in your router:
- The router's login credentials are reset to factory defaults.
- All WiFi settings are reset, including network name and password.
- All ISP settings will reset to default, and you may have to contact your ISP.
- Any parental controls, firewall settings, or port forwards will be removed.
Resetting your router should be considered the last step. Make sure that you have tried to recover your router password using our Router Password Finder first.
Other Netgear VMDG490 Guides
This is the reset router guide for the Netgear VMDG490. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Recover Password in Netgear VMDG490
Instead of resetting your router back to factory settings, you may want to try running our Router Password Finder first.
Our Router Password Finder can recover your lost or forgotten router password without doing a full router reset, which can save you lots of time.
Router Password Finder - Lost or Forgotten Router Password Recovery Tool
A router reset should be the last thing you try if you are unable to login.
Reset the Netgear VMDG490
On most routers you can find a small button on the back or the bottom labeled reset. A typical reset button looks like this:
Reset buttons are usually tiny. Yours may look slightly different than this. If you find a pinhole on the back of the router then that may be the reset button. You will need a paper clip to push it.
Watch the front panel lights while you hold the reset button down for at least 10 seconds. The blinking pattern of the lights on the front of the router should change when the reset is complete. Do not be concerned about holding the reset button down too long. It will not hurt anything.
Remember, this will totally reset your Netgear VMDG490 router.
Only do this once you have exhausted all other troubleshooting options, such as running our Router Password Finder software, which can recover a lost router password for you.
Login to the Netgear VMDG490
Now that you have finished resetting the router, you need to login to the router interface using the default username and password. You can follow the VMDG490 Login Guide to find everything that you need to log in.
Change Your Password
After logging in to your router for the first time, you need to change your router's password. Since factory passwords are well known, it's a huge security risk to leave your router set to the default. If you need help coming up with a strong password, check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide.
Tip: A great place to write your new password down is on a piece of paper taped to the bottom of your router.
Other Netgear VMDG490 Guides
We have collected a lot of information about the Netgear VMDG490 router. You can find some of our additional content here.
This is the reset router guide for the Netgear VMDG490. We also have the following guides for the same router: