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How to Reset the Arris DG860A

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

In this guide I will show you how to reset the Arris DG860A router back to factory defaults. This is not the same thing as rebooting your router. Rebooting is simply cycling the power by switching off or unplugging the router and turning in back on again. Resetting is almost as easy but has much bigger consequences.

Warning: Resetting the router can cause unexpected problems if you are unaware of what will change. Please consider the following before you continue with the reset.

  • The router username and password are reset.
  • The WiFi SSID/username and password are reset.
  • If you use a DSL connection you will need to re-enter the ISP or Internet Service Provider username and password. If you don't do this you will lose Internet connection. Call your ISP for more information.
  • All configurations you have made before the reset are erased. This could include anything from IP address changes to port forwards.

Other Arris DG860A Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Arris DG860A. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Arris DG860A

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.

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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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The first step to resetting the Arris DG860A router is to make sure it is on. If the device is turned off or unplugged during the reset process it could cause permanent damage to the router.

The next step is to locate the reset button. Normally this can be found on the back panel of the device. In the image below we have circled the location of the reset button for the Arris DG860A.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Arris DG860A router.

Use an unfolded paperclip or pin to press and hold the tiny reset button for more than 15 seconds.

Don't forget that this will erase everything you have done to your router to personalize it. Make sure you have tried other troubleshooting methods before resetting the Arris DG860A router.

Login to the Arris DG860A

Now that you have reset the Arris DG860A router you need to login using the default username and password for your router. We have compiled these for you in the Arris DG860A Login Guide.

Change Your Password

After logging into the Arris DG860A you should now change the default password. This password can be just about anything you like but there are a few guidelines to follow in order to make this password strong. Use our Choosing a Strong Password guide for helpful hints.

Tip: Jot this new password down on a piece of paper and attach it to the bottom of the router for future reference.

Setup WiFi on the Arris DG860A

The last setting you should check before leaving this guide is the WiFi security. This will have been reset as well. There are some router manufacturers that like to leave the security open by default. This means you have no security. We strongly recommend changing the encryption to WPA2-PSK. We have a guide for you to follow if you need it. The WiFi guide is titled How to Setup WiFi on the Arris DG860A.

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Arris DG860A Help

Be sure to check out our other Arris DG860A info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Arris DG860A. We also have the following guides for the same router: