Netgear Router — Wi-Fi Not Broadcasting (Network Disappeared)

What Does This Error Mean?

If your Netgear router's Wi-Fi network has disappeared from the list of available networks on your phone or computer, the router is not broadcasting its signal. This can happen because the wireless radio has been turned off, the SSID (network name) was hidden, or the router needs a restart. The good news is this is almost always fixable in minutes.

Affected Models

Netgear Nighthawk Series
Netgear Orbi
Netgear R6700
Netgear R7000
Netgear AC1750

Common Causes

Someone accidentally turned off the wireless radio in the router settings
The Wi-Fi network name (SSID) was set to 'hidden' so it does not appear in the list
The router needs a restart after running for a long time without one
A firmware update changed a setting or caused a temporary glitch
The router's wireless radio hardware has developed a fault

How to Fix It

First, unplug the router's power cable, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait two minutes and check if the Wi-Fi network reappears.

A simple restart fixes this issue the majority of the time.
Check the router for a physical Wi-Fi On/Off button or switch. Some Netgear routers have one on the back or side. Make sure it is in the ON position.

It is easy to accidentally bump this switch.
Log into routerlogin.net using an ethernet cable. Go to Wireless Settings and make sure the wireless radio is set to 'Enable'.

If you cannot access the admin page wirelessly, use the ethernet cable that came with the router.
While in Wireless Settings, check that 'Enable SSID Broadcast' is turned on. If it is off, your network is hidden and will not appear in the Wi-Fi list.

Turning this on makes the network visible to all nearby devices again.
If your router broadcasts both a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network, check that both wireless radios are enabled — not just one.

Some devices only see the 2.4 GHz network. Others prefer the faster 5 GHz. Enabling both gives you the best coverage.

When to Call a Professional

If you have restarted the router and confirmed wireless is enabled but the network still does not appear, there may be a hardware fault with the wireless radio. Contact Netgear support or consider replacing the router if it is more than five years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Wi-Fi disappear overnight when I did not change anything?

Routers can develop glitches after running for weeks without a restart. A power flicker can also reset certain settings. A firmware update that ran automatically overnight may have changed a setting. In most cases, a restart and a quick settings check will bring your Wi-Fi back.

My neighbour can see my Wi-Fi but I cannot. What is going on?

This usually means the network IS broadcasting, but your specific device is not seeing it. Try turning Wi-Fi off and back on on your phone or computer. Also check that you are looking for the correct network name. Restarting your device often resolves this.

Is it better to hide my Wi-Fi network name for security?

Hiding your network name (SSID) gives a false sense of security. Anyone with basic networking tools can still detect hidden networks. A strong, unique Wi-Fi password is far more effective for security than hiding the network name.