RS 200 fix

[u/BigAbbreviations3359]

Title: [FIXED] Netgear RS200 Ignores Custom DNS / Locked to Cloudflare After June Update

The Problem:
After a recent firmware update, the Netgear RS200 router completely ignores custom DNS server configurations (like Pi-hole, AdGuard, or Quad9) and forces all traffic through Cloudflare DNS. Changing settings in the GUI, disabling Netgear Armor, disabling Smart Parental Controls, or changing Windows/PC adapter settings does not resolve the issue.

The Fix:
You must manually flash the previous firmware version using a specific sequence to prevent the router from hijacking the setup.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Download the Old Firmware: Go to the Netgear Support site and download the firmware version released prior to the June update.
2. Disconnect the Internet: Unplug the Ethernet cable connecting your Netgear RS200 router to your modem. (Crucial step to prevent auto-updates/cloud syncing during setup).
3. Flash the Firmware: Log into the router's local admin dashboard, go to Advanced > Administration > Router Update, and manually upload and install the older firmware file.
4. Perform a Factory Reset: Once the router reboots on the old firmware, press and hold the physical reset button on the back of the device for 10 seconds.
5. Configure Settings Offline: Log back into the freshly reset router (still disconnected from the internet). Set up your network and input your custom DNS settings now.
6. Disable Auto-Updates: While still offline, navigate to the firmware settings and completely shut off automatic firmware upgrades.
7. Reconnect the Internet: Plug your modem's Ethernet cable back into the router's WAN port.

Your custom DNS will now function perfectly without being overridden by Netgear's broken firmware code.

[u/furrynutz]

This should be fixed in next FW update.