This is a classic example of the phrase “weakest link”, a 50 cent mechanical device failing a state-of-the-art electronics device. I was one of the early adopters of the 802.11AC protocol router from Asus, and I was extremely happy with its workhorse performance over the last 18 months or so. I mean, I can write an entire article raving about its features like built-in VPN server, QOS, and its theoretical 1300 MBPS dual channel speeds and what not. However, this article is about a lesson in quality control for high tech devices, and how easy it is to overlook relatively smaller issues which could undo all the hard work and intelligence built into the system.
I noticed this problem last week, when I lost all wireless connectivity in my house one Saturday afternoon. I ran to the computer room, and noticed that the router was turned off, which I found really bizarre as I don’t ever turn it off. I suspected it must have been some sort of power surge which caused the router to shut itself, and promptly tried to turn it on back by pressing the power button. However, the spring mechanism of the router has given out, and the switch refuses to stay in the on position. This is now a case of a 50 cent spring, killing the functionaity of a 300 dollar router. Phew.
Now, my only option was to send it back to the manufacturer and ask for a warranty/replacement. This could take anywhere from two to four weeks, and I was in no mood to wait that long, nor to dust off my old router and use it in the meanwhile. So, I remembered my dad’s advise from my childhood, that an engineer should be able to use any and all objects at his disposal to get the job done, and should never ever wait for “perfect/brand name” items as far as possible. So, I looked around in my house, and did a bit of thinking, and did this.
The biggest decision I had to make was chosing between sticky tape and the toothpick. Sticky tape sounded like the obvious choice, but because of the heat generated by the router, it will melt the gum away and the switch will turn off every now and then, but the toothpick will stay rock solid, but will literally stick out like a sore thumb. But, thankfully it will be hidden in the back, and in this case function beat aesthetics.
All my ramblings aside, it got me thinking as to why some devices still have machanical switches on them. Most electronics manufacturers have stopped using them, you don’t see them on TVs, Bluray players etc, and maybe its a good idea to abandon them completely.
I 2 have recieved this problem today
really big bummer, stil need to find a decent way to keep the power button on or check if i can still get garanty
same issue and same solution. Router is less than a year old. No way I’m going to stay without wifi for 3-4 weeks.
Same issue today with my RT-AC66U. So far the tape is working (just had to make sure it’s long enough. https://plus.google.com/107797272029781254158/posts/YSdseijaCmM. Requested an RMA. Unit about 1.5 years old.
I think part of the problem is owing to the excessive heat being generated which caused the springs to lose tension. Otherwise its such a cool router to have.
BTW, did you have any problem with both 2.4 and 5 GHz channels on the same name. For the longest time, I had a lot of trouble when my devices won’t connect, and then I had to give the channgels separate names to fix that. Weird, but apparently quite common.
I separated them right away as I like to have control over the exact networks my devices connect to and don’t want them to hop.
But I’m having a ton of issues maintaining connectivity with this router, so I’m hoping to get it replaced rather than repaired.
Upgrade to the Merlin build firmware. No issues with connectivity for me.
Just happened to my AC66U as well… I snapped my toothpick in half and used a black sharpie to make it blend in better. Any chance they’ll send a replacement prior to an RMA return so I don’t have any down time?
I highly doubt it. Besides, why bother when it’s in the background, as long as it functions well. Trust me, there is no other issue with my router besides this mechanical problem. I’d just stick with it until its time for an upgrade.
“Stick with it”…no pun intended!! 🙂
Rajesh is right, I called ASUS about this and asked about an advanced RMA, but they said they don’t do it for networking products, only motherboards. I decided against fixing it as well – it’s not worth the hassle.
Thanks, same problem and dealing with their support can sometimes be like talking to the wall. I have the AC87U, AC68U and the AC66U. I guess over time I will need more tooth picks.
Same issue, same dilemma, same solution. I guess we need to add a toothpick to the Hitchhiker’s towel for a complete life-saving kit.
Vlad, thanks for your comment. I am really amused that my toothpick solution has helped so many people. Its kinda funny how the smallest and cheapest of all components ruined an otherwise perfect router.
Right now, this blog post is the most popular among all my posts. most commented on too. Maybe Asus should give me some money 🙂
Just happen to me today as well. Looks like a systemic problem for these and everyone will have to contend with it. Also, time to start looking for people throwing these out!! I taped mine…but the toothpic is probably a better idea. What was the warranty on these?
Thanks for posting this solution…looks like everyone of us will face this issue soon. Mine just went out today. Router about 1.5yrs old. Mines hooked with tape now but I might go get a toothpick so it wont come off again.
Guess I’m joining this club today..this is a big, big inconvenience. Using some sort of wall hanger tape for the moment..
Giving a review on Amazon might get more attention..I updated mine.
Hope you mentioned my blog post to give me exposure. After-all, I solved an issue for them Asus engineers!! 🙂
I updated it with you blog link. I dont know if they allow links though so they may block it.
Thanks Todd. Can you post your link to your review?
http://www.amazon.com/RT-AC66U-Dual-Band-Wireless-AC1750-Gigabit-Router/dp/B008ABOJKS/ref=cm_cr-mr-title
I think this is a permalink but not sure: That last link..maybe takes you to the router on thier page. sorry for the multiple posts.
http://www.amazon.com/review/R2N5J51FNUD5U3/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm
Awesome, checked your review on Amazon. Hopefully more people will read about it and realise there is a fix for this problem.
Got the same issue, 2 years after the purchase. Used cotton and tape solution to keep the button in place, but will open it up one of the days and hardwire the power button to on position. Bought from US and based in India now, so no option to RMA here.
I’d be very careful opening these things. I tried it with a cheaper modem couple weeks ago, and I think the covers are kind of molded together into the ethernet ports and you may break the piece altogether. Not saying it will happen, but just be careful.
Well, I’ve opened it once before (router fell off and I broke one of the antenna plugs – had to reattach it then, so kinda know the insides now 😉
Thanks for the warning anyway. 🙂
If you have any pictures or things to watch out for let us know. I will probably just jumper mine too since sending back is way to problematic and you may end up with someone’s broken refurb..
Same thing just happened to my Asus RT-N66U yesterday. Got a text from my home security system saying that broadband connection was lost. When I got home and checked the router, it was not powered on. After a few minutes of checking the power connection and the power button, I came up with a similar solution. I used a push pin from a bulletin board to wedge the power button in the on position. As you stated it is very frustrating to have a 50 cent part disable an expensive and otherwise functional device.
Same issue happened to me today. My router is 1.5 years old. I opened up the case , then used a multimeter to test which lines are shorted together when the switch is pressed. I soldered those 2 pins together. Router is now working without the spring switch.
Well done Tony. I am too lazy to open the casing, and I didn’t have any solder anyway. But, I like your approach better, no need to be delicate with the router if the insides are soldered.
I thought of doing so too, but then just went and upgraded the router to 87u. I don’t mind aping what you did, as a backup router – can you share a snap to show what 2 lines did you solder?
Thanks
The 87u, from the pictures, appears to use the same switch? So…might end up with the same problem in 1.5 years?
Yes, I agree. I am looking at switching to NetGear Nighthawk for my next router. I’m excluding Asus as my router supplier until they move away from the faulty switch.
Sorry, I don’t want to open the router again but I can help you to find the 2 points if you’re stuck. I don’t want to spend anymore time working inside the router in case I break it. The parts are very sensitive to static. You can use a multimeter to check the resistance between 2 points. Press the power switch, then check the resistance between 2 points. Check to see if the to see if the resistance changes to 0 when you press the power switch.
An easier solution is to use a multimeter that has an audible continuity feature, so you can just listen for the beep instead of looking down at the meter for the change to 0 ohms
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I had this problem too – after about 1 1/2 years. Thanks for the excellent suggestions. Tape stopped working, so I’ve moved to the toothpick. Will probably open up and solder sometime.
Glad my suggestion worked for you Steve. Now show your gratitude by buying my book. 🙂
Today I too have joined the 1.5 – 2 year club. I didn’t even know this was a thing. Very pissed – but as long as my Hello Kitty duct tape fix continues to work, I guess I’ll get over it. I don’t want to end up with a refurb. Very happy with this router other than this silly silly defect.
Got this problem today, me too. But my router have been running for 2.5 years. And I found out that the warranty is three years.
I actually went for the toothpick solution before I found this site. 🙂
But if it takes too long to replace it, I will probably go in and bypass the switch.
Same issue here. In fact it just happened 20 min ago on my RT-AC66U.
I filed an email with ASUS. I hope they send a replacement first and then I can send in my taped on button one back b/c I cannot be without internet. I work from home. This is both unexpected and super annoying. Thing isn’t even 2 years old.
This hit me to yesterday. After returning home late from the office, noticed no WiFi. Unable to access via web or ping. Noticed on the core switch no link from the device. I have a N66U which has worked flawlessly for 3 years. Now this. Jeez
The problem with the N66U is not directly related to the spring. Its the detent that holds the spring loaded switch closed. The router is unable to hold the switch closed. May be heat or otherwise material fatigue based on age of the plastic and constant stress holding the switch closed. Interestingly enough I recall the router mysteriously being turned off around the first of the year. At the time I was able to close the switch. Shrugged it off and assumed operator error as I was working on a network upgrade anyway.
Bottom line is that the N66U was replaced by a higher performing routing and security solution and turned into an access point. Otherwise my entire network which is both wired and wireless would have been down.
Tape alone would not work due to the spring tension pushing itself open. I didn’t use a toothpick but some other piece of random junk to jam in there to hold the switch closed.
I guess its time for an upgrade anyway and ordered the Netgear X6 Nighthawk. Great wireless specs and that’s what I’m paying for. I’ll hardwire the switch and use as a backup device.
Just happened to mine today… Tried duct tape but that loses the tension after about an hour – just put a rubber band around it to try and hold the power button in, I suspect that will fail as well. Will grab a toothpick next!
Rajesh – is that you? Remember me from NYC/Westchester? 🙂
Your toothpick solution helped me out too – my Asus RT-N66U started having this problem today. What an annoyance! But thanks for the “innovative” solution, hehe.
Not the same Rahesh Iqbal saab!! I did live in New York state, but don’t think I’ve liven in West Chester.
Glad my solution helped, will be looking forward to your $10 in my paypal. That’s what all other guys sent me for helping them out. 🙂
But for a nail, the Kingdom was lost. I got home this evening and I had a perpetual outtie. Great router, but poor engineering. My initial solution is four pennies wrapped in tape and then taped strapped to the router over the power button. It’s a little ugly, but it’s functional.
Yep. I posted just now to a few forums on the web.
Purchased 6/2/12. Power button dead 7/30/2015.
The toothpick has been inserted, wedged between circular button and the housing. The router is now functional.
I did the math on my purchase date and… It’s about one month over the three years of my limited warranty. FAIL. 😐
This just happened to my RT-N66U after however many years it’s been since I bought it. Thanks for the tip, I was going to use tape but the toothpick wedge is a much cleaner solution!
A pity that this mars the product, and Asus won’t provide a fix. Not sure if I’ll buy from them again!
[…] RT-N66U Power button spoilt… Asus RT-AC66U Power Button Repair Mechanical problems in my Asus RT-AC66U router, failing on/off switch ASUS RT-N66U router died in a strange way today. Broken power button ASUS RT-N66U – How to […]
I just face the same problem!!!
2 years using it.
Power on/off button faulty.
For people who want to solder the pings together, I posted a step by step solution here. http://www.snbforums.com/threads/broken-power-button.13601/page-3
Hello everyone!
I have officially joined the toothpick club as of today.
Feels like an AA meeting. Lol
Happy new years fellow toothpick members!
LOL, it is like AA isn’t it!! Happy new year to you too buddy!!
I am yet another victim of the RT-N66U power switch problem — I see that there are tons of reports of this problem all over the internet. All of a sudden my wi-fi disappeared, and after trying a million different things, finally realized that the one cent power button won’t stay down any longer. Obviously an inherent design defect to put a junky one cent switch which is evidently prone to failure after a year or so, and which ruin the entire device when it does. I feel quite ripped off.
Don’t feel bad Mark, you are one of us now. 🙂 We poor saps stick together in times of need.
After reading all these comments I feel vindicated that I took the time to write this post. The only thing keeping me from throwing it away and getting a new one is the chore of copying all my settings, the VPN server, the port forwards etc. on to the new one. It doesn’t seem like I need an upgrade because of the crappy ADSL2+ internet we are stuck with here in Australia.
@Rajesh – yep, great post. You are not alone.
It is otherwise a good router. – Or was… Actually last week, mine stopped working- it lights up (Toothpick in switch, of course) – but I can’t connect to it WiFi or wired. I’m shopping for a new router, ASUS no longer top of the list.
Thanks again for your post.
Wow, it seems that there are many with the same problem, so it is good that they didn’t use heat or power sensitive switch/circuit breaker and this does indeed seem to be a actual component failure. It too tried tape and eventually warmed up and stretched to allow the switch to come up. I decided after reading this to super glue it shut, re-taped it and placed a weight on it (I have mine mounted to a wall). This should seal it for good. If this doesn’t work I will try the toothpick method or secure a 3D printed plate over it with two small self-tapping screws into the case. To endure it remains on.
This just happened to me too. Got an RMA from ASUS sent it to them and found out it’s out of warranty so, $140.75 to repair. Really ASUS? A new one on Amazon is $97!! Sending it back to me and now I know how to repair it thanks to all of you.
My Asus RT-N66U broke down a few days ago. I first used a bottle off face cleaner from my girlfriend but she needed it and was complaining that it was warm.
Tape or glue didn’t seem a good solution because of the heat.
The toothpick works fine. Thanks from the Netherlands!!
the tooth pick trick works like a charm for my broken ASUS RT AC66U. I thought i will use one of the direct connection options, but I am happy with this fix for now.
Thanks a ton mate!
When I looked up this router, I did not expect to see this many individuals having this same power button problem. I am glad that there is a temporary fix, via the toothpick, but I have to ask, should we secure that toothpick with DUCK tape, yes, the one with the picture of a cute little duck on the bottle, and some GORILLA glue, yes, the one with ……
I just joined this club… the power button failed. So fact duct tape is working fine. Lets see how long will it last.
Thank you so much for this fix. I have just discovered this exact problem this morning, much to my dismay. I was amazed to see so many people have the same issue!
Before I saw your fix I used the tape method, which holds down a small key over the button so it doesn’t pop back up again. But the heat will likely prove too much so I’ll get the trusty toothpick out.
Cheers from the UK!
Glad to be of help CJ. I have to say I posted this “Trick” almost three years ago, and my router still has the same toothpick from back then. You can easily squeeze a few more years out of this router with this setup.
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[…] have an ASUS RT-AC66u router, but any modern router will have an option called QoS, short for quality of service. This can be […]
Late 2017 and I just had this same problem. Called ASUS. Warranty expired. They said 7-10 days to repair. ASUS guy says he has never heard of this problem and the sees no service notice about it in his system. Says there is nothing he can do for me other that accept the return of my router as a paid repair. I complained at how lame that response was. I told him he lost a customer and that I would start making these comments online. Following through on that here. At least I an be counted on, even if ASUS cannot.
Tape failed for me in minutes. I found a video that showed how to disable the spring on my (now out of warranty so I don’t mind opening it up) router. I had it fixed for good in two minutes. $300 router. $0.01 part fail. Screw you ASUS and your terrible customer service. Thank you Internet!
Just had the same exoperience with an Tenda router. I had already opened it up, and was planning to solder it permanently on, but since I don’t have one yet, I used the video and just removed the spring. Works a charm.
Wow, looks like I’m joining this club in 2020 but after a solid 5 years of operation. Had the power button die randomly on my AC-66U. So far the tape and coin method has held for a few weeks, but looking into the spring removal and or super glued coin to the backside.
Anyone still rocking the AC 66U?
Welcome to the club my man. I am the author of this post, and happy to report the trusted bugger is still carrying my data in and out of my house and business. If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it, am I right.
I thought about upgrading the router a few times, but decided to keep it just on principle. Newer versions are not going to dramatically add functionality or speed for what I do, so there really is no reason to spend money acquiring one, and also the tree-hugger in me won’t allow me to increase e-waste if I can help it. So, AC-66U will be with me for a long while. 🙂
And another joiner today, router has been in service for quite some years, only used the power cycle by switch once in a while. Yesterday I heard a loud click. And after a few minutes a program on the pc started to complain about lost connectivity. Took a few minutes to find I had to look for the blue lights on the router. Then added a heavy wrench to the back to keep the button depressed. Thought about a toothpick or tape at that moment. This blog confirms the picky solution. Could use super glue as well. Will look at the spring removal video first. Thanks all!!
and another big thank you as I’ve just been hit by this (badly indexed) problem! Inserting the toothpick even (temporary?) fixed the power button for now.