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VJOGuy's avatar
VJOGuy
Aspirant
Jul 18, 2021

Cannot get in to router settings

Hello,

 

No matter what I try, I cannot seem to get to the Admin log in screen for my Nighthwak router.  Whether I use routerlogin.net (or .com), or 192.168.1.1, I am consistently taken to the Netgear.com website instead.

 

I'm on a Mac running OSX 10.15.7.  The issue happens with Microsoft Edge, Safari, Firefox, and Brave browsers.  Here are the things I've tried to rectify it.  While I have a VPN available, it is turned off during the attempts listed below:

 

1.  With each browser, I've cleared the cache and all data from each one.  Then tried logging in to the router.  No luck

2.  With each browser, clearing their cache and data from each.  Closing them.  Rebooting the computer.  Opening the browser back up and trying.  No luck

3.  Uninstalling an reinstalling the browsers.  No luck

 

How can I access my router settings to perform functions not available on the Nighthawk app?

 

Thank you!

 

Chris

23 Replies

  • michaelkenward's avatar
    michaelkenward
    Guru - Experienced User

    What firmware version do you have on the device?

    A number is more useful than "the latest". (It may not be by the time people read this.) There can also be newer versions, or "hot fixes", that do not show up if you check for new firmware in the browser interface.

    It might also help if you told people what the modem is in front of this router, if there is one. The model number could be useful. Is it, by any chance, also a router, with a set of LAN ports on the back?

    The reason for asking is that a lot of people turn up here trying to put a router behind a modem that is also a router. That can complicate troubleshooting.

    • wcalifas's avatar
      wcalifas
      Prodigy

      did you try loggin in through your cell phone's browser, I've done it with my router numerous times. Just type the 192.168.1.1 when you're connected to the wifi.

      • VJOGuy's avatar
        VJOGuy
        Aspirant

        Thanks for replying.

         

        Yes, I did actually try this as well.  It's odd...using my iPad or iPhone, I will get prompted for the Seraial Number, and then asked to enter a new password.  But then it keeps me in that loop....telling me to enter the serial number, and then update my password.  It will never progress past that.

         

        Super frustrating!  But I appreciate the idea!  Any others are certainly welcomed!

    • VJOGuy's avatar
      VJOGuy
      Aspirant

      According to the app, the Firmware version is V1.0.4.68_10.1.75  Whenever I check for updates (weekly), it always says this is the latest version.  Hence my report of using the latest version.  

       

      The modem in front of the router is a Nokia 5G21-12W-A High Speed Internet Gateway.  It is in fact a router with a set of LAN ports in the back.  However, none of the router signals are in use.  And the only LAN port in use is the ethernet cable connecting the modem, to the router.

       

      I'm not sure what exactly that all tells you about the fact that web browsers on my Mac don't permit me to access the Netgear router settings.  But I'd love a solution to it.  

       

      Thanks

      • michaelkenward's avatar
        michaelkenward
        Guru - Experienced User

        VJOGuy wrote:

        According to the app, the Firmware version is V1.0.4.68_10.1.75  Whenever I check for updates (weekly), it always says this is the latest version.  Hence my report of using the latest version.  

         

        Sadly, "check for updates" does not always find the latest version. It can miss newer updates, especially any "HotFix" that has yet to reach the update server. Hence the question.

         

        The only reliable check is to visit the support pages for your hardware.

         


        VJOGuy wrote:

         

        The modem in front of the router is a Nokia 5G21-12W-A High Speed Internet Gateway.  It is in fact a router with a set of LAN ports in the back.  However, none of the router signals are in use.  And the only LAN port in use is the ethernet cable connecting the modem, to the router.

         

        You have two routers on your network. (The "gateway word usually means modem/router.) That you don't use the wifi is irrelevant. The router bit of the Nokia is still active.

         

        Two routers on your network can cause headaches. For example, you can end up with local address problems. Among other things, the other router can misdirect addresses that the Netgear router usually handles, such as routerlogin.net or the usual IP address for a router, 192.168.1.1.

        This explains some of the other drawbacks.

        What is Double NAT? | Answer | NETGEAR Support

        Unless you have specific reasons for using two routers – to create two separate networks for example – it is often easier to use just one router and then to set up the second router as a wifi access point. Netgear advises this, as does just about every site you will visit.

        It may be possible to put the modem/router into modem only (bridge) mode and then to use the second device as the router. Sometimes it is easier to put the second router into AP mode. But that has its own drawbacks:

        Disabled Features on the Router when set to AP Mode | Answer | NETGEAR Support