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How to Reset the Actiontec C1000A

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Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 3 minutes

In this guide we will show you how to reset your Actiontec C1000A CenturyLink router to it's factory default settings. This is not the same as rebooting the router which is simply turning it off and back on again to cycle the power.

Warning: Resetting this Actiontec C1000A CenturyLink router will erase everything you have done to it. Some things to consider before continuing are:

  • The router's main username and password are reset to factory defaults.
  • The wireless SSID/username and password are reset to factory defaults.
  • ISP information such as username and password are erased. If you don't know these call your ISP.
  • Everything you have done to personalize the router such as firewalls and port forwards are erased. These will need to be re-entered.

Other Actiontec C1000A Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Actiontec C1000A CenturyLink. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Actiontec C1000A

Use a VPN

Have you considered using a VPN when you connect to the internet? A VPN is a great way to increase your security and anonymity while surfing.

We use and recommend NordVPN because not only is it the fastest VPN, it includes a new feature called Meshnet that makes securely sharing your home network super simple. With NordVPN Meshnet, you can connect to your devices from anywhere in the world, completely secure, over a highly encrypted VPN tunnel.

When shopping for a VPN, make sure that they meet the following criteria:

  • Your VPN provider should have a no-logs policy. This means that they do not keep any logs of any kind.
  • Make sure that your VPN provider has lots of exit nodes all around the world.
  • Check that your VPN will not affect your speed.
  • Verify that your VPN provider uses WireGuard as the underlying protocol.
  • Many people prefer a VPN provider that is not based in the United States.

This is the list of requirements that we used when we were shopping around for a VPN provider. There are lots of free, shady VPN providers out there that we looked at and dismissed.

Based in Panama, using diskless servers, and with over 6,100 servers in 61 countries, we can safely say that NordVPN satisfies all of these requirements.

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Once you've set up your NordVPN account on multiple computers and enabled Meshnet, you can seamlessly access all of your devices as if they were on the same network. You don't even have to log in to your router. It's very simple.

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Make sure your router is turned on.

Now turn your Actiontec C1000A CenturyLink router around so you are looking at the rear panel.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Actiontec C1000A router.

Using the end of a paperclip or other similar object press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds. The reset process begins as soon as you stop holding the reset button. Do not unplug your router while the reset process is happening. This could permanently damage your router.

Resetting this Actiontec C1000A CenturyLink router erases everything you have done to it previously. Try other troubleshooting options before resetting to avoid this.

Login to the Actiontec C1000A

Once you have reset the Actiontec C1000A CenturyLink you need to login to the router using the factory default username and password. If you need help try using our Login Guide for this router.

Change Your Password

As soon as you've logged into the router's interface it's a good idea to change the password. Check out this Password Guide for help in creating a strong password.

Tip: Write this new password down on a post-it note and stick it to the bottom of the router for future reference.

Setup the WiFi on the Actiontec C1000A CenturyLink

We highly recommend re-configuring your WiFi security after you reset your router. Some router manufacturers leave the security open as a default. It is unwise to leave it this way. To create a strong secure WiFi follow our How to Setup WiFi on the Actiontec C1000A CenturyLink.

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Actiontec C1000A Help

Be sure to check out our other Actiontec C1000A info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Actiontec C1000A CenturyLink. We also have the following guides for the same router: