How to Reset a Linksys Router

This wikiHow teaches you how to reset a Linksys router using the "Reset" button or the web-based setup page.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Using the Reset Button

  1. Image titled Reset a Linksys Router Step 1
    1
    Power off your computer.
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    2
    Unplug your router.
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  3. Image titled Reset a Linksys Router Step 3
    3
    Wait 60 seconds and plug it back in.
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    Locate the small button labeled Reset. It's an insert button that's typically on the back of the router.
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    5
    Straighten a paper clip. You will use this to press the reset button.
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    6
    Press and hold the "Reset" button. The "Power" light should blink while you're holding the button.
    • Newer models should reset after 10 seconds. On older models, however, you may need to hold the "Reset" button for 30 seconds.[1]
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    7
    Wait for the "Power" light to stop blinking. When the "Power" light is solid, the reset is complete.
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    8
    Power on your computer.
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    9
    Open a Web browser to test for an Internet connection.
    • If you still don't have an Internet connection, try restarting your computer.[2]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Using the Web-Based Setup Page

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    1
    Go to http://192.168.1.1 in a Web browser. This should connect you to the router.
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    Enter your username and password in the labeled fields. If you haven't changed them from the factory defaults, leave the username blank and enter admin for the password.[3]
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    Click Log In.
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    Click the Administration tab. It's at the top of the window tab.
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    5
    Click Factory Defaults at the top of the window.
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    Click Restore Factory Defaults. It's a button in the center of the window.
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    7
    Wait for the "Power" light to stop blinking. When the "Power" light is solid, the reset is complete.
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    8
    Go to a Website in the browser to test for an Internet connection.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    Can I just change the password?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The admin password can be changed under "admin" when connecting to the 192.3168.1.1. The wireless password can be set under "Wireless," then "Security."
  • Question
    My modem and my computer are working together properly, but my phone will not connect to my router. Do you have any suggestions for me?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Maybe your parental controls for your mobile are on. This happened all of a sudden to me and I had no clue what was going on, but once I logged into my router it showed me that parental controls were on.
  • Question
    Is there any other website aside from 192.168.1.1 that should be changed or used to put a password on a router?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No. The address is not truly a "website," it's just the IP address to get to your router specifically from your network. Wireless security can be set up by going to the "Wireless" tab and selecting "Security."

Warnings

  • Resetting your router should be a last resort. Make sure you first try a power cycle or check your connection by opening a different browser.
    Thanks!
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.linksys.com/us/support-article?articleNum=139791
  2. ↑ http://www.linksys.com/support/
  3. ↑ https://www.linksys.com/us/support-article?articleNum=139791

About This Article

wikiHow Staff
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 2,052,636 times.
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Co-authors: 49
Updated: February 10, 2021
Views: 2,052,636
Categories: Featured Articles | Router Networking Devices
Article SummaryX

1. Log into the router's admin page.
2. Click the Administration tab.
3. Click Factory Defaults.
4. Click Restore Factory Defaults.

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