Hard Reset a Router

4 Parts:

Instructions

To reset a Linksys router using two different methods

Tips, Tricks & Warnings

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Home routers (like Netgear, Linksys, D-link, Buffalo, etc.) can be reset back to factory default settings. There are many reasons why you want to Hard Reset a router. One reason might be that you want to reconfigure and do a fresh setup or, you have forgotten the admin password to access the Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the router. Whatever the reason may be, here is how you reset a router. Please read and follow the steps below:

1. 1
   Prepare the following items

   :

   Your Router and a paper clip (you can use a needle, push pin or, any small pointed object).

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2. 2
   Turn on the router, and wait until the power symbol turns solid green.

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3. 3
   Look for a small circular hole with a red dot(Factory Reset) on the back or bottom panel of the router.

   

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4. 4
   Use a paper clip or thick needle to press and hold the reset button (through the hole) for one (1) minute then, let go

   .

   Power off your router, and wait for 20 seconds before you turn it on, and wait for the power symbol to turn solid green to indicate that the router is ready to use.

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Method 1: Soft reset

1. 1
   On your computer, open your "Browser".

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2. 2
   On your Browser type

   :

   "192.168.1.1". (This is the default IP address of all Linksys Routers).

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3. 3
   When you're done, type your Linksys username and password into the page

   .

   (If your Linksys username and password is not changed, try "admin" as username and "admin" as password.).

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4. 4
   Select "Administration tab", then it will show some options.

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5. 5
   Select "Factory Default", and click "Yes".

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6. 6
   Save the new settings by clicking "Save Settings".

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7. 7
   When you're done saving the new settings, turn off your Linksys Router for 10 to 15 seconds.

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8. 8
   After 10 to 15 seconds, turn on your Linksys router.

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9. 9
   Your Linksys router has been successfully reset.

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Method 2: Hard reset

1. 1
   Turn off your computer before you reset your Linksys router.

   

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2. 2
   If your computer is already off, get your Linksys router and turn it off.

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3. 3
   Unplug the router cable/port.

   

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4. 4
   At the back of your Linksys router, find the small button (it's like a red dot, and has a reset word at the bottom).

   

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5. 5
   Press the red button for 20 to 30 seconds.(Use sticks to press the button)

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6. 6
   When you're done pressing the button for 20 to 30 seconds, turn on your Linksys router and wait until the internet lights activate.

   

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7. 7
   Plug in the router cable/port to your Linksys router and computer.

   

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8. 8
   Turn on your Computer, and try to see if the network has internet access.

   

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9. 9
   Open your browser, and try to pull up any web page.

   

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10. 10
    Then, you're done.

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• Do not use a thin needle in resetting, as it may stick between the rim and the micro-switch.
• Upon doing a reset, you will have internet loss and configuration.
• Backup all of your Router settings before you reset, just in case you need to revert back to those old settings, you can restore.
• If the reason for resetting is forgotten Admin password, then you need to know the settings for your ISP, as to configure it manually. Restoring the backup (providing you have it previously) will restore the same Admin password that you had already forgotten.
• Reconfigure the router and reconnect all devices after the reset.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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