Setup Router logo in white Setup router name logo in white
Get Software

How to Reset the Asus RT-AC5300

Thumbnail image of Setup Router Staff
Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 5 minutes

Have you been trying to login to the Asus RT-AC5300 router without success? It might be time to reset the Asus RT-AC5300 router back to the original factory defaults.

There is a lot of confusion between a reset and a reboot. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the unit. When you reset a router you take all the settings and return them all to factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting the Asus RT-AC5300 router is a big step. We strongly encourage you to try other methods of troubleshooting before you decide to reset. It is also a good idea to make a list of all the settings you have ever changed in the past. This could include:

  • The router's interface username and password.
  • The WiFi SSID, encryption and password.
  • If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP or Internet Service Provider username and password. Call your ISP for these details.
  • What other personal changes have you made? Have you made any IP address changes or parental control changes.

Other Asus RT-AC5300 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Asus RT-AC5300 3.0.0.4.380_3941. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Asus RT-AC5300

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 I have circled the reset button for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Asus RT-AC5300 router.

While the router is on take a straightened paperclip or other similar object and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This begins the reset process. If you don't hold the reset button down for long enough you might end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

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

Remember a reset like this one erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. Try other methods of troubleshooting before you continue.

Login to the Asus RT-AC5300

Following the router reset you will need to login to it using the default values from the factory. Not sure what these are? Check them out in our Login Guide for the Asus RT-AC5300 router.

Tip: If the defaults are not working you may have not held down the reset button for long enough. Try resetting it again.

Change Your Password

Once you successfully login to the router you should change the password as soon as possible. Default passwords are unsecure and can leave your router at risk. If you are not sure what makes up a good password, visit our Choosing a Strong Password for helpful advice to get you started.

Tip: To avoid losing your password, try writing it down on a note and attaching to the base of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Asus RT-AC5300

Now you can begin to reconfigure your router's settings. Make sure that you also secure your wireless network by configuring the WiFi settings. For an easy to read guide on this important step, follow our WiFi Instructions for the Asus RT-AC5300 router.

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 RT-AC5300 Help

Be sure to check out our other Asus RT-AC5300 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Asus RT-AC5300 3.0.0.4.380_3941. We also have the following guides for the same router: