How to reset your wireless router

Posted on March 17, 2009 at 5:52 am

I recently was asked by someone in my office how they could reset their wireless router back to its default settings since they no longer could remember the password. Ever happen to you? Me too!

People usually end up having to reset their wireless routers for two reasons: either they went crazy and set it up with a password that is 50 characters long and wrote it on a piece of paper (smart) or they had it setup by someone else and now are not in touch with that person. Check out my post on how to get the default router password if that’s your situation.

Either way, resetting a wireless router is one of those not-so-scary types of computer tasks just about anyone can do. Note that when you reset a wireless router, however, you will lose all settings (SSID, etc), security configurations, port forwards, etc.

Just about every modern router can be reset by following a very simple procedure. Either flip it upside down or look at the back for a small hole with the word RESET. All you have to do now is just find a small paper clip and stick one end into the whole while the router is turned on.

Normally, you have to hold down the button for 5 to 10 seconds. At this point, you should see the wireless router flash, blink, or simply restart. Once it has fully rebooted, the router is back to it’s original state.

Source: eHow

That’s pretty much it! Some older routers may require you to turn off the router first, then hold down the reset button and then turn the router back on. If neither one of these two methods work, then you should probably take a look at the manual that came with the router.

Once it’s back up and running, make sure to read my post on how to secure your wireless network so that others cannot use your bandwidth and how to disable SSID broadcasting for more security.

If you are having any trouble resetting your wireless router or are having problems maintaining a connection to your wireless router, post a comment! Enjoy!

» Filed Under Computer Tips