WiFi Tips

How to Factory Reset a Router - Without Losing Everything

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How to Factory Reset a Router - Without Losing Everything

A factory reset wipes your router back to the state it was in when it left the factory. Every setting you made is erased. It is the right fix when you have forgotten the admin password, the router has stopped working correctly or you are selling it.

Before resetting: if you can still access the admin panel, export a settings backup. Look for System > Backup or Administration > Save Configuration.

When to Factory Reset - and When Not To

Good reasons to reset:

  • Forgotten admin password

  • Router behaving erratically after a configuration change

  • Preparing the router for resale

  • Firmware crash that cannot be fixed by rebooting

Not a good reason:
  • Slow internet - that is usually your ISP or your device, not the router

  • WiFi range problems - a reset will not improve hardware range

  • A single device cannot connect - the problem is likely on that device

How to Factory Reset Any Router

  1. Make sure the router is powered on. A reset while powered off does nothing.
  2. Find the Reset button. It is usually a small recessed hole on the back or bottom of the router, labelled Reset or RST.
  3. Insert a pin, straightened paperclip or SIM ejector tool into the hole.
  4. Hold it pressed for 10 seconds. Some routers need up to 15 seconds - keep holding until the LEDs blink or change pattern.
  5. Release. The router reboots automatically and applies factory settings.
  6. Wait 60 seconds for the router to fully start.
The difference between Reset and Restart: the Reset button (held 10 seconds) erases settings. Simply unplugging the power cable and plugging it back in is a restart - it changes nothing.

What Happens After a Factory Reset

All your settings are gone. The router is back to factory defaults:

  • WiFi name and password: back to the defaults printed on the sticker
  • Admin password: back to the default from the sticker
  • Port forwarding, static IPs, parental controls: all deleted
  • ISP connection settings: may need to be re-entered
Connect to the default WiFi network (shown on the sticker), open a browser and log in to the admin panel with the default credentials to set everything up again.

Saving Settings Before You Reset

If you can still access your admin panel:

  1. Log in at your router's IP address (see default passwords).
  2. Navigate to Administration, System, Backup or similar.
  3. Look for Save Configuration, Export Settings or Backup.
  4. Download the backup file.
  5. After resetting, go back to the same menu and use Restore or Import to reload your settings.
Not every router supports this feature. Fritz!Box, ASUS and Netgear all do. Many budget routers do not.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I factory reset my router?

Hold the recessed Reset button for 10 seconds with the router powered on. Use a pin or paperclip.

Will a factory reset fix my router?

It fixes password issues, corrupted settings and some firmware problems. Not hardware faults.

What do I lose?

All configured settings: WiFi password, admin password, port forwarding, parental controls and custom configurations.

Is there a way to reset without losing settings?

Export a backup from the admin panel before resetting. Restore it afterwards if your router supports it.