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How to Reset the Actiontec PK5001A

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Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 2 minutes

On this page we will show you how to reset your Actiontec PK5001A CenturyLink router. This is not the same thing as a reboot. Rebooting a device is simply turning it off and back on again. A reset erases all changed settings and returns the device to factory default settings.

Warning: You will need to reconfigure your router after this reset is complete. Some of the items that will need to reconfigured are:

  • the router's login username and password
  • the Wi-Fi SSID and password
  • any ISP information such as username and password
  • any port forwards, IP address changes, schedules, etc...

Other Actiontec PK5001A Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Actiontec PK5001A CAP002-10-0.29 CenturyLink. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Actiontec PK5001A

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.

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.

NordVPN is the fastest VPN!

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.

Flip the router over so you see the back of it like this:

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Actiontec PK5001A router.

While the router is on, take a small sharp tool such as an unfolded paperclip and press down on the reset button for approximately 10 seconds. This begins the reset process which can take several minutes to complete.

Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router during the reset process! Doing so can cause permanent damage to the router.

Remember this reset erases all settings you have changed in the past. A reset should only be done after other troubleshooting options have been exhausted.

Login to the Actiontec PK5001A

Once the reset is complete, you will need to login to the Actiontec PK5001A CenturyLink router. When you do this after a reset you need to use the default values.

If you are unsure what these are, check out our Actiontec PK5001A CenturyLink Login Guide.

Change Your Password

It is highly recommended that you change the router login information after you login for the first time. If you need help coming up with a strong password, check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

TIP: Don't lose this password. Tape it to the bottom of the router for safe keeping.

Setup Wi-Fi on the Actiontec PK5001A CenturyLink

One more thing to configure before you exit is the wireless security. This is a very important step. Your router needs to have WPA2 encryption with a strong password.

Check out our WiFi Instructions here.

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

NordVPN faster than ever deal!

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 PK5001A Help

Be sure to check out our other Actiontec PK5001A info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Actiontec PK5001A CAP002-10-0.29 CenturyLink. We also have the following guides for the same router: