How to Restore Default IP on MikroTik Router via Netinstall

If your MikroTik router has been fully wiped, corrupted, or isn’t responding, you should restore it using Netinstall. To restore the default IP MikroTik on Netinstall, including resetting the default IP address 192.168.88.1, this tool allows you to reinstall the RouterOS firmware and fully restore factory settings. This guide will walk you through the process. It will help you restore the default IP MikroTik on Netinstall seamlessly.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows PC (Netinstall is Windows-only)
• An Ethernet cable
• MikroTik Netinstall tool (download from: mikrotik.com/download)
• The correct RouterOS version for your router model
• A small pin or paperclip to press the reset button

Steps to Restore the Default IP Using Netinstall

1. Download and Prepare Netinstall

• Go to https://mikrotik.com/download
• Download:
  • The Netinstall utility
  • The latest RouterOS .npk file that matches your device
• Extract Netinstall to a folder (e.g., C:\Netinstall)

2. Set a Static IP on Your PC

• Go to your Ethernet adapter settings on your PC
• Set a manual IP address, such as:
  • IP Address: 192.168.88.2
  • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
  • Leave the gateway blank

3. Connect Your Router

• Use an Ethernet cable to connect your PC directly to the router’s Ethernet port (usually ether1).

4. Run Netinstall as Administrator

• Right-click on netinstall.exe and choose “Run as Administrator”
• In the Netinstall window:
  • Click “Net booting” (bottom left)
  • Check “Boot Server Enabled”
  • Enter: 192.168.88.3 (temporary IP for booting)

5. Put Router into Netinstall Mode

• Power off the router.
• Hold down the reset button using a pin or paperclip.
• While holding the reset button, power on the router.
• Keep holding the button until the router appears in the Netinstall window.

6. Reinstall RouterOS

• Once your router appears in Netinstall:
  • Select it in the list.
  • On the right side, select the downloaded RouterOS .npk file.
  • Click “Install”.

7. Wait for Installation to Finish

• The installation will take a few minutes.
• When done, the router will reboot.

8. Access the Router

• Change your PC’s IP settings back to automatic (DHCP).
• Open a browser and go to 👉 http://192.168.88.1
• You should now see the WebFig login screen and confirm that you can restore the default MikroTik IP on Netinstall.

Using Netinstall is the most reliable way to recover a wiped or corrupted MikroTik router. It restores the default IP address 192.168.88.1. Whether you’re a network pro, or doing this for the first time, these steps will help. Follow them to bring your device back to life in no time and successfully restore default IP MikroTik on Netinstall.

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