Nighthawk M1 post-tether charging problems

[KarmusDK]

Have anyone of you tried tethering the USB-C-connection to a computer while draining the battery down to zero and experiencing charging problems afterwards? I removed the SIM card and the SD card and plugged in a USB-C to USB-C cable from a wall adapter, and it wouldn't charge further after sucessfully booting up. It charged in the beginning with a clock symbol until it was ready to boot, but then stopped after the NETGEAR logo appeared and transitioned into main screen. Afterwards I was unable to turn it off by holding the button, however pulling the plug blacked it out, and the cycle repeated itself after inserting it back into the device.

It's like it died in this state and still thinks it should tether rather than charge 500mA from the computer port, which is far too low to keep up the current battery level. I think the voltage has simply gone too low for it to recognize the battery anymore. To get it charging again, I tried to to remove the battery, plug it into a fast charger, boot it up, log onto it wirelessly and turn off the tethering mode, reboot it again with the battery inserted, but still no luck. Now I even had problems with getting back inside the software, because it temporarily wouldn't recognize an ethernet cable nor was the wifi module active.

Next I was up to a factory reset, but the reset button didn't work, and I couldn't feel it when I stuck a pen inside the hole. I ended up shutting the router off from the admin panel after regaining connection, because the button was unresponsive no matter how long I held it down, and the battery level just wouldn't go up or sense a charge no matter how long I waited on the main screen. It was not possible to insert the battery while it was on, as this would crash the device.

Finally I did the reset from inside the admin panel and said goodbye to all my settings. Reboot and still won't charge. It shows the USB symbol instead of the lightning bolt if I manage to be patient enough to come to the main screen with the battery inserted. I have tried different chargers both 2 Amp and 3 Amp. If I pull out the battery and reboot, I can get to the main screen every time, but it's no worth to have a mobile device without a charged battery.

I guess my only chance is to wait for a firmware update for the EUS version that fixes charging issues that Australians have been complaining about - and also the rigid shut off procedure. Best would be if a firmware update would make the device charge on cable plug instead of automatic boot-up with a constantly lit clock screen, that drains the already suffering battery. I have now ordered a universal Li-Ion charger to see if I can inject some current into the battery from some external source.

This has been a really disappointing experience!

[KarmusDK]

UPDATE: I let it rest at the NETGEAR logo for 12 or 18 hours today, and when I rebooted the unit, it started with the low battery/clock charge screen as usual, but after booting into the firmware, the battery was suddenly full! So just let it sit and charge, even though the charging process is not visible.

[JasonN]

Hi KarmusDK,

Thank for replying with your update. I'm glad the issue has been fixed. :]

- Jason N

[n3t]

Get yourself an USB-C power meter! Such a device really helps diagnosing problems like yours.

E.g. this one here from Plugable is what I use: https://plugable.com/products/usbc-vameter/

I just found that my M1 does not charge anymore when only slightly warm, i.e. when 43°C is displayed on the status page http://192.168.1.1/index.html#settings/status — cooling it down with ice "helps" in this case.

See https://community.netgear.com/t5/Mobile-Routers-Hotspots-Modems/netgeart-m1-battery-problem/m-p/1572... for my findings.