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How to Reset the Actiontec PK5000

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

This guide will show you how to reset your Actiontec PK5000 Qwest router. This is not rebooting. Rebooting the router only consists of cycling the power by turning it off and back on again. Resetting the router is more in depth and reverts the router to the original factory settings.

Warning: Resetting the router can cause some problems if you haven't considered the following:

  • The main router password and username will be reset to factory defaults.
  • The WiFi username and password are reset as well.
  • If you use a DSL router (a phone line will be connected to the router in the back) you will lose connection from the Internet if you don't re-enter the ISP username and password. Contact your ISP for further info.
  • All changes you have made to your router such as firewalls and port forwards will be erased.

Other Actiontec PK5000 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Actiontec PK5000 Qwest. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Actiontec PK5000

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.

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.

While your router is on, turn it over so you are looking at the back panel.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Actiontec PK5000 router.

Use a small pin or end of a paperclip to press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds. The reset process should begin after you release the button.

Warning: Do not unplug or turn off the router during the reset process as this could cause permanent damage.

Don't forget that this will erase everything you have done to personalize this router. Reset the Actiontec PK5000 Qwest router only after you have tried other troubleshooting options.

Login to the Actiontec PK5000

Now that you have finished resetting the Actiontec PK5000 Qwest router you need to login to it to make some changes. Login by following this Login Guide we have created.

Change Your Password

After logging in to the Actiontec PK5000 Qwest router you should change that default router password. The new password can be just about anything you like. If you need help, we have tips in this Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: Take a piece of paper and write this new password down. Then attach it to the bottom of your router.

Setup WiFi on the Actiontec PK5000 Qwest

The last thing we recommend changing right away is the WiFi settings. Sometimes router manufacturers leave the security open as default. This means everyone and their sister can use your Internet if they are in range. Change this right away to WPA2-PSK. We have a great security guide for you to follow called How to Setup WiFi on the Actiontec PK5000 Qwest.

Don't forget to sign up for NordVPN's promo deal before it's gone.

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You might notice that most of our site doesn't have ads on it. This is because we use partnerships with companies like NordVPN to keep the site running. Thank you for supporting us by using our referral links.

Actiontec PK5000 Help

Be sure to check out our other Actiontec PK5000 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Actiontec PK5000 Qwest. We also have the following guides for the same router: