This article covers how to reset the Netgear WNDR4300SW router back to factory default settings. Resetting a router is different than rebooting a router. A reboot happens every time a router loses power. This is very different from a reset, which erases a router completely and returns it to factory default settings.
Warning: Since this erases everything you have done to the router, there are some things you need to consider first. The following settings in your router will be changed:
- The router's login and password are reset to factory defaults.
- Your WiFi login, password, and network name are reset.
- Any ISP settings saved in your router will be removed. You may have to contact your ISP.
- Any firewall settings, parental controls, and port forwards that you have configured 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 WNDR4300SW Guides
This is the reset router guide for the Netgear WNDR4300SW. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Recover Password in Netgear WNDR4300SW
If the only reason that you are resetting your router is because you forgot your router password, then you may want to try running our Router Password Finder instead of resetting your router.
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 - Recover Lost or Forgotten Router Passwords
Do not do a full router reset until after you have tried every other option to log in to your router.
Reset the Netgear WNDR4300SW
Most routers have a small button on either the back or the bottom. A typical reset button looks like this:
Your reset button may look different, but usually they are very small. Sometimes the reset button is under a pinhole on the back of the router, and you need a paper clip to push it.
Watch the lights on the front of your router and hold the reset button down for about 10 seconds. Notice how the lights on the front of the router are blinking. When the lights do something different, the router is reset. It is harmless to hold the reset button too long.
Just don't forget that this will totally reset your Netgear WNDR4300SW router.
Only take this last step of fully resetting your router after 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 WNDR4300SW
Now that you have finished resetting the router, you need to login to the router interface using the default username and password. Our WNDR4300SW Login Guide has all of the information that you need.
Change Your Password
After logging in to your router for the first time, you need to change your router's password. It's a very bad idea to leave your router's password set to the factory default. You can follow our Choosing a Strong Password guide to help you pick a solid password for your router.
Tip: Write your new password down on a note and tape it to the bottom of your router for future reference.
Other Netgear WNDR4300SW Guides
We have collected a lot of information about the Netgear WNDR4300SW router. You can find some of our additional content here.
This is the reset router guide for the Netgear WNDR4300SW. We also have the following guides for the same router: