How to Reset Your Router to Factory Settings

There are two types of router reset, and they do very different things. A soft reset (reboot) restarts the router without changing any settings. A factory reset (hard reset) wipes every custom configuration and restores the router to its out-of-the-box state. Knowing which one you need saves time and avoids unnecessary reconfiguration.

Soft Reset: Reboot Your Router

A reboot, not a factory reset, fixes most temporary issues like slow speeds, dropped connections, and devices unable to connect. It clears the router’s memory and re-establishes connections without erasing settings.

Method 1: Unplug it. Pull the power cable from the back of the router. Wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in. The 30-second wait matters because it allows capacitors to fully discharge and clears volatile memory.

Method 2: Use the admin panel. Log in at 192.168.1.1 (or your router’s IP), go to Administration or System Tools, and click Reboot/Restart.

Method 3: Use the power button. Some routers have a physical power button. Press it off, wait 30 seconds, press it on.

A reboot takes 1-2 minutes. All your settings (Wi-Fi name, password, port forwarding rules) remain intact. Connected devices will temporarily lose connection and automatically reconnect once the router is back up.

Try a reboot first before considering a factory reset. It solves the problem roughly 80% of the time.

Hard Reset: Factory Reset Your Router

A factory reset erases everything. Your router returns to the exact state it was in when you took it out of the box. This means:

• Wi-Fi network name reverts to the default (usually the brand name plus a random string)
• Wi-Fi password reverts to the default (printed on the router label)
• Admin panel password reverts to the default
• All port forwarding rules are deleted
• Custom DNS settings are erased
• Guest network configuration is removed
• Parental controls are cleared
• QoS / bandwidth priority rules are gone
• VPN server/client settings are wiped
• Static IP assignments (DHCP reservations) are deleted
• ISP connection settings (PPPoE credentials, VLAN tags) are erased

When to factory reset:

• You forgot the admin password and cannot log in
• The router is severely misconfigured and you cannot fix it
• You are selling or giving away the router
• A firmware update failed and the router is unstable
• You want a clean start after troubleshooting persistent issues

How to Factory Reset Any Router

The physical factory reset method works on every router brand.

1. Locate the Reset button on the back or bottom of the router. It is usually a small pinhole recessed into the case to prevent accidental presses.
2. With the router powered on, insert a paperclip, pin, or SIM ejector tool into the reset hole.
3. Press and hold for 10-15 seconds. You will see the lights on the router blink or all turn off momentarily.
4. Release the button. The router will restart automatically.
5. Wait 2-3 minutes for the router to fully boot. The power LED should be solid, and the Wi-Fi LED should be active.

After a factory reset, every device on your local network (LAN) will need to reconnect with the new Wi-Fi credentials. The router runs on factory defaults. Connect to it using the default Wi-Fi name and password printed on the router’s label.

Brand-Specific Factory Reset Instructions

TP-Link Archer routers. Hold the Reset button for 10 seconds to trigger a factory reset. You can also log in, go to Advanced > System Tools > Backup & Restore > Factory Default Restore. TP-Link Deco mesh systems: open the Deco app > More > Advanced > Reset Deco.

ASUS RT / ZenWiFi routers. Hold the Reset button for 5-10 seconds until the power LED starts flashing to begin the factory reset. Through the admin panel: Administration > Restore/Save/Upload Setting > Factory Default. AiMesh systems: factory reset the main router; mesh nodes will need to be re-added.

Netgear Nighthawk / Orbi routers. Hold the Reset button for 7 seconds (until the power LED blinks amber) for a factory reset. Through the panel: Advanced > Administration > Backup Settings > Erase. Orbi satellites should be factory reset individually if they do not reconnect to the main router.

Linksys routers. Hold the Reset button for 10-15 seconds to factory reset. Through the panel: Administration > Factory Defaults > Restore Factory Defaults. Linksys Velop nodes: press and hold the reset button on the bottom until the light turns red, then release.

D-Link routers. Hold the Reset button for 10 seconds for a factory reset. Through the panel: Maintenance > System > Restore to Factory Default Settings.

Reconfiguring After a Factory Reset

After the factory reset, you need to set up the router again. Connect to the default Wi-Fi network (check the router label for the name and password), then open a browser and go to the router’s default IP address.

Step 1: Run the setup wizard. Most modern routers launch a setup wizard on first connection. Follow the prompts to set your Wi-Fi name, password, and admin credentials.

Step 2: Re-enter ISP settings if needed. If your internet connection uses DHCP (most cable and fiber connections), the router will detect the internet automatically. If your ISP uses PPPoE, you will need to enter the PPPoE username and password provided by your ISP.

Step 3: Set a strong Wi-Fi password. Use WPA2-Personal or WPA3-Personal with a password of at least 12 characters. See the guide on changing your Wi-Fi password for detailed steps.

Step 4: Change the admin password. Do not leave the default admin credentials in place. Set a unique admin password and store it somewhere safe.

Step 5: Restore custom settings. If you had port forwarding rules, static DHCP assignments, DNS overrides, or other custom configurations, you will need to re-enter them manually. This is why it is a good idea to export a backup of your router settings periodically. Most routers have a Backup option in their administration panel.

ISP-Specific Notes

Some ISP-provided routers require specific configuration that a factory reset will wipe.

TM Unifi (Malaysia). TM Unifi fiber connections use PPPoE authentication and require VLAN ID 500 for the internet connection on many router models. After a factory reset, you need to configure: Internet Connection Type = PPPoE, VLAN ID = 500 (if your router requires it; some handle this automatically), and enter your Unifi PPPoE username and password. If you do not have these credentials, contact TM at 100. Third-party routers replacing the default Unifi router will always need the VLAN tag configured manually.

Other PPPoE ISPs. Any ISP using PPPoE (common with DSL and some fiber connections) will require you to re-enter the PPPoE credentials after a factory reset. Keep these credentials written down or stored securely before performing a factory reset.

Cable ISPs. Most cable connections (using DOCSIS modems) use DHCP. After a factory reset, the router will pick up an IP address automatically. You may need to power cycle the modem as well: unplug the modem for 30 seconds, plug it back in, wait for it to fully boot, then power on the router.

ISP-provided routers with custom firmware. Some ISPs lock down their provided routers with custom firmware. A factory reset on these may trigger a re-provisioning process where the ISP pushes settings automatically, or it may restore ISP-specific defaults. If you have an ISP-provided router and something does not work after a factory reset, call your ISP’s support line.

Before You Reset: Quick Checklist

Before performing a factory reset, run through this list:

• Try a simple reboot first, as it fixes most issues without erasing settings
• Log in to the admin panel and export a configuration backup if possible
• Write down your PPPoE username and password if your ISP uses PPPoE
• Note any port forwarding rules, static IPs, or custom DNS settings you want to restore
• Check the router label for default Wi-Fi name, password, and admin credentials

For step-by-step instructions on accessing your admin panel after a factory reset, see the router login guide.