Desktop High-Power Tower

Hardware Reset Reference

Netgear EAX80 Reset Location

Locate the dedicated physical Reset pinhole or recessed button shown in the diagram. Use a paperclip or SIM eject tool to press and hold according to the steps below.

Reset Button / Pinhole LED Blink Confirmation

Reset Instructions

Use these reset options when you change routers, forget passwords, or need to resolve persistent errors.

Soft Reset (Power Cycle)

A soft reset restarts the extender without erasing existing configuration.

1. Unplug the EAX80 from the power outlet.
2. Wait about 10–15 seconds.
3. Plug it back in and wait for the Power LED to turn solid.
4. Check whether your problem is resolved.

Factory Reset (Restore Factory Defaults)

A factory reset wipes all settings and returns the extender to its original out-of-box state.

1. Prepare the extender: Ensure the EAX80 is plugged into a power outlet and powered on. Have a paperclip or similar small tool ready.
2. Locate the reset button: Find the small recessed Reset button, typically on the bottom or back of the extender.
3. Press and hold: Use the paperclip to press and hold the Reset button for about 10 seconds. Watch for the Power LED to blink, indicating the reset process has started.
4. Allow reboot: Release the button and wait a few minutes while the extender reboots. Once the LEDs stabilize, the EAX80 is back to factory defaults.
5. Set up again: Repeat initial setup using the NETGEAR Nighthawk App, browser (mywifiext.net), or WPS, just as you did the first time.

Warning: Resetting your NETGEAR extender can erase saved settings such as WiFi names, passwords, and custom options. Always try a simple power cycle (unplug, wait 10–15 seconds, plug back in) before performing a factory reset. If you do factory reset, make sure you know your router’s WiFi name and password, because you’ll need to set up the extender again from scratch.