How to Reset the Actiontec T1200H

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

This guide will show you how to reset your Actiontec T1200H router. Resetting is different than rebooting.

Rebooting - cycling the power to the router by turning it off and then back on again.

Resetting - a process in which the router is reverted back to it's original factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting the router is serious. Make sure you have tried other options first before continuing. Some things to take into consideration are:

  • router password and username are reset
  • the Internet SSID and password are reset
  • if you use a DSL router you will lose Internet access if you don't know the ISP username and password. If you are unsure you need to call your ISP.
  • Any configurations such as firewalls or port forwards will be erased.

As you can tell, resetting the router can cause problems if you are unprepared.

Other Actiontec T1200H Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Actiontec T1200H. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Actiontec T1200H

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 faster than ever deal!

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 the Actiontec T1200H router is on turn it over so you are looking at the back panel. Look at the picture below.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Actiontec T1200H router.

Press and hold the reset button (circled in red) for 5 seconds using a pin or unfolded paperclip. When you release the reset button the reset process will begin.

Warning: Do not unplug or turn off the Actiontec T1200H router during the reset process as this could seriously damage your router.

Remember this erases everything you have done to make this router yours. Only reset the router after you have exhausted all other options.

Login to the Actiontec T1200H

You have now reset your Actiontec T1200H router. It's time to login to the router using the default username and password. For a great guide on that topic check out this Login Guide.

Change Your Password

Once you have logged into the Actiontec T1200H router you should change the router's password. This can be just about anything you want it to be. If you need help we have this Choosing a Strong Password guide you can use.

Tip: Write this new password down on a slip of paper and attach it to the bottom of the router for next time.

Setup WiFi on the Actiontec T1200H

The last setting that needs your attention is the WiFi settings. Some router manufacturers like to leave the security open as default. This means everyone can use your Internet access if they are in range. Change this to a more secure setting of WPA2-PSK. To help you create a secure network follow our How to Setup WiFi on the Actiontec T1200H guide.

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

NordVPN is the fastest VPN 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 T1200H Help

Be sure to check out our other Actiontec T1200H info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Actiontec T1200H. We also have the following guides for the same router: