model R6400v2 "Authentication Problem" error message model R6400v2

Thank you for taking a look.   

Windows 10 PC, Netgear model R6400v2, Alcatel Raven A574BL.

Looking for practical solutions, not negative "nothing will work" or "get a new phone"  type of garbage.

To understand this Authenticaion Failed error message I am getting, , it is helpful to understand some background. 

  I almost never use my NetGear wireless router.  When I got it, it appeared to me as if it drastically slowed down my internet connection.  I only bought it to try to make an Alexa device (a gift) work. When I found out that Alexa works like trash, I disconnected both devices.

Then, my cell phone began having problems.  I spent literally forty to fifty hours on chat and phone support with my provider, SafeLink (obamaphone).   Eventually,  A support tech ruined it.  He stated that I had to  take out the battery, wait up to an hour, and everthing would work again.  Instead, this wiped out all my contacts and other vital information. Now, evidently, I have to connect to the internet to get the phone reset.

So, I drag out the NetGear router, and hook it up using the instructions here: 

 https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/R6400v2/R6400v2_UM_EN.pdf

If I ever created a password for this, it would be the password I use for everything else, and that isn't getting any response.  On the back of the device it says "Password: password"

When I turn on my phone, it leads to a bunch of WiFi names.  NetGear67 is at the top. No matter what password I put in, it leads to:

Flashing back and forth between the words "Authenticating" and "Saved" 

Then "Authentication Problem"

Update:  Just plugged in the garbage Echo Dot thing, and it is functioning, so I guess the router is sending/receiving.

I took the phone to FOUR different WiFi spots outside of my home, and none of them would connect.  Safelink tech support is worse than uselesss.