How to Factory Reset Any Router
Introduction
Resetting a router to factory defaults is the process through which all configured settings on it are reverted back to their original values set by the manufacturer.
This may be necessary if:
- You're no longer able to login to the router's administrative interface due to losing or forgetting the login credentials.
- You need to fix a malfunctioning router and you've exhausted all other troubleshooting steps.
- You wish to sell or give away your router.
This guide will show you how to reset your router to factory defaults.
Before You Begin:
- Ensure you know what the default router login credentials are.
- If the wireless connection settings were customized, they will need to be duplicated, otherwise all wireless devices will have to be reconnected manually.
- If you only have wireless devices and you're unable to hardwire a computer to the router to reconfigure it, ensure you know what the default wireless credentials are.
1 Factory Reset a Specific Brand of Router
We have a few guides that show you how to reset routers of specific brands to factory defaults. Choose the brand of your router below to be taken to its specific guide.
2 Factory Reset Any Router
If your router's brand is not listed above, you can follow these instructions instead:
- Make sure the router is powered on.
- Locate the Reset button on one of the sides of the router, usually on the back where the connectors are. If it's in a pinhole then you'll have to use a pin that fits in there.
- Press and hold the Reset button between 7-15 seconds then release it.
- The lights on the router should briefly turn off then back on. They will turn on one after the other indicating the router is starting back up.
- Your router should now be reset to factory defaults.
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YesNoResetting a router to factory defaults is the process through which all configured settings on it are reverted back to their original values set by the manufacturer.
This may be necessary if:
- You're no longer able to login to the router's administrative interface due to losing or forgetting the login credentials.
- You need to fix a malfunctioning router and you've exhausted all other troubleshooting steps.
- You wish to sell or give away your router.
This guide will show you how to reset your router to factory defaults.
Before You Begin:
- Ensure you know what the default router login credentials are.
- If the wireless connection settings were customized, they will need to be duplicated, otherwise all wireless devices will have to be reconnected manually.
- If you only have wireless devices and you're unable to hardwire a computer to the router to reconfigure it, ensure you know what the default wireless credentials are.
We have a few guides that show you how to reset routers of specific brands to factory defaults. Choose the brand of your router below to be taken to its specific guide.
If your router's brand is not listed above, you can follow these instructions instead:
- Make sure the router is powered on.
- Locate the Reset button on one of the sides of the router, usually on the back where the connectors are. If it's in a pinhole then you'll have to use a pin that fits in there.
- Press and hold the Reset button between 7-15 seconds then release it.
- The lights on the router should briefly turn off then back on. They will turn on one after the other indicating the router is starting back up.
- Your router should now be reset to factory defaults.