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Falchion's avatar
Falchion
Follower
May 22, 2020

Cannot change DNS settings (R6120)

I recently purchased an R6120 to replace my failed WiFi router.  Today, I tried to switch my DNS settings from automatic to manual settings (Primary DNS to 8.8.8.8) as I suspect my ISPs DNS servers are not performing very well.

 

I followed the instructions here: https://kb.netgear.com/30510/How-do-I-set-static-Domain-Name-System-servers-on-my-NETGEAR-router

 

However, when I hit "Apply", I get a "403 Forbidden message".  I just logged in and have tried it a few different times and ways (both 192.168.1.1 and http://www.routerlogin.net/), but I always get the same results.

 

My firmware is V1.0.0.66.

 

I'm not using the SSO login (simply try to login 3 times and it will finally let you into the controls).  Initially, I had no trouble setting up my settings about a week ago.

 

Any ideas on how to fix this?

 

Additionally, any ideas on how to eliminate the annoying SSO stuff?

Thank for your help!

6 Replies

  • antinode's avatar
    antinode
    Guru
    May 29, 2020

    > [...] I get a "403 Forbidden message". [...]

     

       Bad/corrupt firmware/settings?

     

    > I'm not using the SSO login [...]

     

       I don't know what that means.  These devices don't have a single
    sign-on authentication scheme, only a simple user-name/password scheme,
    not shared with anything.

     

    > [...] (simply try to login 3 times and it will finally let you into
    > the controls).

     

       Perhaps it's not really letting you in so far as you think that it
    is.

     

       I'd do a settings reset, and manual (re-)configuration.  Get logged in
    properly.

     

    > My firmware is V1.0.0.66.

     

       Try a different version?

     

       Visit http://netgear.com/support , put in your model number, and look
    for Downloads.  (For older versions, under Firmware and Software
    Downloads, look for "View Previous Versions".)  Find the kit(s).
    Download the kit(s) you want.  Read the "Release Notes" file for
    instructions.

  • olekgor's avatar
    olekgor
    Tutor
    Jul 25, 2020

    I managed to find the workaround.

    To make changes in the "Internet setup" section, i.e. set static DNS servers for instance:

    1. Disable internet access on the router (disconnect it from modem)

    2. Make desired changes

    3. Connect router to modem again.

    • Kingmiwok's avatar
      Kingmiwok
      Aspirant
      Dec 18, 2020

      I'm having the exact same problem with my R6210, however one of the google DNS server addresses I put in has been replaced by an unknown IP address (185.155.96.194), which I traced on RIPE.net to a server in Estonia.  So it looks like my router got hacked and they are trying to hijack my DNS traffic.  When I try to change the DNS, I get the very same 403 Forbiden message.   If I try to accept the ISPs DNS servers, I get the same error. 

       

      I was able to flash the latest version of firmware to the router, and it's working better now, but the DNS setting is still there, and I still get the 403 forbidden errors.  I put that strange DNS server address into the blocked web sites area of router management, so maybe it's getting blocked.  I also highly specified the remote management IP address range.  

       

      Prior to flashing the firmware, I tried backing up the router config file, editing that DNS field, and restoring that changed file back to the router.  It ignored the change.   (Or perhaps rejected the file.  I'm working remotely, so I lose connection to the router when it reboots, so I dont get to see all the screens.)   Perhaps I should try that again with the new firmware running.

       

      I'm still not happy that DNS address is in there.  Other than hard resetting that router (which I'm remote of, so I'm not able to do now), I dont know what else to do.  Any advice woudl be welcome.

      • olympos1625's avatar
        olympos1625
        NETGEAR Employee Retired
        Dec 26, 2020

        Hi Kingmiwok,

         

        Good day!

         

        Welcome to NETGEAR Community!

         

        First of all, we do apologize for the inconvenience of not getting back to you immediately due to the backlog in the system. May we know if you have tried loading a different firmware? Also, after you update the firmware, have you tried to reset the router and load your backup file on the r0uter? Please DM us the serial number of your R6120 router.

         

        Please do not hesitate to let me know if you need further assistance. 

         

        Regards,
        Oliver
        Community Team

  • Mdetri's avatar
    Mdetri
    Aspirant
    Sep 15, 2020
    Hi, I connect to WiFi but my pages have been slow to load, only on my laptop, my cell phone is fine. I’ve been reading about DNS addresses. Do I need to change the DNA number on my router admin page? If so to what? And do I also have to change it on my computer settings? Thanks for any advice you can provide, I’ve been trying to fix this for weeks.