How to Reset the Asus DSL-AC52U

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

On this page I will show you how to reset the Asus DSL-AC52U router back to it's original factory defaults.

It is important that you understand the difference between a reset and a reboot before I begin. A reboot is a cycle in the power to the unit only. No settings are changed during a reboot. A reset on the other hand erases all settings you have changed in the past. A reset is a full factory restore of all settings.

Warning: Resetting the Asus DSL-AC52U router is a big step and should be taken seriously. I recommend creating a list of all the settings you have changed in the past. Some of these settings may include:

  • The router's main username and password. This is how you access the router interface pages to make setting changes to your network.
  • The WiFi settings such as SSID, encryption and password. This is what protects your wireless network.
  • If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP or Internet Service Provider username and password. If you don't have this information you need to call your ISP.
  • Any other settings such as parental controls, DNS servers, and IP address changes.

Other Asus DSL-AC52U Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Asus DSL-AC52U. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Asus DSL-AC52U

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.

Below is an image of the back panel of the Asus DSL-AC52U router. As you can see I circled the reset button for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Asus DSL-AC52U router.

While the router is on, take a straightened paperclip or similar object and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This begins the reset process which can take several minutes to complete. If you don't hold this button down long enough you might end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it so be aware.

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

Don't forget that this reset erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. I strongly recommend trying other troubleshooting methods before you continue.

Login to the Asus DSL-AC52U

Now that the router reset is complete you will need to login to it using the default IP address, username, and password. Not sure what these are? You can check them out in our Login Guide for the Asus DSL-AC52U router.

Tip: Unable to login with the defaults? The router might have not been properly reset. Try resetting it again but this time hold down the button for a little longer.

Change Your Password

Once you have successfully logged into the router you should change the default password as soon as possible. By doing this, you will keep your router secure. To get started on coming up with a good password, visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: To avoid losing your password, try writing it down on some paper and attach it to the bottom of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Asus DSL-AC52U

Finally you need to start the reconfiguration process. This includes the list you made at the beginning of this guide. We have all kinds of guides to help. I highly recommend following our How to Setup WiFi on the Asus DSL-AC52U guide.

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.

Asus DSL-AC52U Help

Be sure to check out our other Asus DSL-AC52U info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Asus DSL-AC52U. We also have the following guides for the same router: