Hold the Reset button on the back of your router for 10 seconds - that wipes everything back to factory defaults. Every custom setting you've made gets erased, so it's a last resort for most situations.
A factory reset is the right call when you've forgotten the admin password, the router won't stop acting up or you're getting ready to sell it. Before you press that button, though, there's one thing worth doing first.
If you can still access the admin panel, export a settings backup. Look for System > Backup or Administration > Save Configuration. That way you can restore your setup afterwards.
Quick answer: Press and hold the recessed Reset button on your router for 10 seconds using a pin or paperclip. The router reboots with factory defaults. All your custom settings are erased.
When to Factory Reset - and When Not To
Good reasons to reset:
- You forgot the admin password
- The router started behaving erratically after a settings change
- You're preparing it for resale
- A firmware crash that rebooting doesn't fix
Not a good reason:
- Slow internet - that's usually your ISP or your device, not the router itself
- WiFi range problems - a reset won't improve what the hardware can do
- One device can't connect - the problem is probably on that device
How to Factory Reset Any Router
- Make sure the router is powered on. Pressing reset while it's off does nothing.
- Find the Reset button. It's usually a small recessed hole on the back or bottom, labeled Reset or RST.
- Insert a pin, straightened paperclip or SIM ejector tool into the hole.
- Hold it pressed for 10 seconds. Some routers need up to 15 seconds - just keep holding until the LEDs blink or change pattern.
- Release the button. The router reboots automatically.
- Wait about 60 seconds for it to fully start up.
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
Saving Settings Before You Reset
If you can still access your admin panel:
- Log in at your router's IP address (see default passwords).
- Navigate to Administration, System, Backup or similar.
- Look for Save Configuration, Export Settings or Backup.
- Download the backup file.
- After resetting, go back to the same menu and use Restore or Import to reload your settings.