How to Reset the Actiontec C2000A CenturyLink

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

Have you tried to login to the Actiontec C2000A CenturyLink and are unable to do so. It may be time to reset the Actiontec C2000A CenturyLink router.

A reset is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the unit. When you reset a router you take all the settings that have been changed in the past and reverts them all to factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting the Actiontec C2000A CenturyLink router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. We strongly recommend that you create a list of all the settings you have changed in the past including:

  • The router's main username and password.
  • The WiFi information such as SSID and Internet password.
  • If you have DSL you need to re-enter the ISP username and password to keep your Internet connection. Call your local ISP for these details.
  • Have you forwarded any ports or changed any IP addresses? These need to be re-configured after the reset is complete.

Other Actiontec C2000A CenturyLink Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Actiontec C2000A CenturyLink. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Actiontec C2000A CenturyLink

Use a VPN Instead

Have you considered using a VPN instead of forwarding a port? For most users, a VPN is a much simpler and more secure choice than forwarding a port.

We use and recommend NordVPN because not only is it the fastest VPN, it includes a new feature called Meshnet that makes forwarding a port no longer necessary for most applications. With NordVPN Meshnet, you can connect to your devices from anywhere in the world, completely secure, over a highly encrypted VPN tunnel.

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  • 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.

Every time you click on one of our affiliate links, such as NordVPN, we get a little kickback for introducing you to the service. Think of us as your VPN wingman.

The first step in a factory reset is to find the reset button. On the Actiontec C2000A CenturyLink router it is located on the back panel. I have circled it's location for you in the image below:

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Actiontec C2000A CenturyLink router.

In order to reset this router you need to take a straightened paperclip or similar object and press down on the reset button for approximately 10 seconds. This begins the reset process which can takes several minutes.

Warning: Do not turn off or unplug the router during the reset process, Doing so can cause permanent damage to the device.

Please exhaust your other trouble shooting options before you decide to reset this router.

Login to the Actiontec C2000A CenturyLink

It is important to login to the Actiontec C2000A CenturyLink router when you are finished resetting it. In order to login you need to use the defaults. If you do not know these, follow our Actiontec C2000A CenturyLink Login Guide.

Change Your Password

Most routers encourage you to change the router username and password after the first login. This is a smart thing to do because router passwords are notoriously easy to guess. To help you with creating a strong password read our page titled Choosing a Strong Password.

Tip: One way to avoid losing this password in the future is to write it down on a piece of paper and stick it to the router for next time.

Setup WiFi on the Actiontec C2000A CenturyLink

Before exiting the router interface you should check on the wireless security. We recommend using as strong a security and encryption as possible. WPA2-PSK or Personal with AES encryption is what we recommend.

WiFi guide coming soon...

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Actiontec C2000A CenturyLink Help

Be sure to check out our other Actiontec C2000A CenturyLink info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Actiontec C2000A CenturyLink. We also have the following guides for the same router: