In this guide I will show you how to reset the Asus RT-AC68W router back to it's original factory defaults. A factory reset is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a device you simply cycle the power to it. You can do this by turning it off and back on again. A factory reset erases all your settings and a full reconfiguration is needed afterwards.
Warning: Resetting a router changes a lot of settings, some of these include:
- The router's login username and password.
- The WiFi username and password.
- If you have DSL, you probably need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. Call your ISP for the details.
- Any other changes such as port forwards or IP addresses.
Other Asus RT-AC68W Guides
This is the reset router guide for the Asus RT-AC68W. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Reset the Asus RT-AC68W
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.
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.
The first step in a reset is to find the reset button. For the Asus RT-AC68W router you can find it on the side panel. I have circled it for you in the image below:
Take a pin or unfolded paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds to begin the reset process. This process can take several minutes, so be patient.
Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router during the reset process. Doing so can, and probably will, cause permanent damage to the unit.
Remember a reset like this erases every single setting you have changed in the past, please exhaust all your other troubleshooting options first.
Login to the Asus RT-AC68W
When you have finished resetting the Asus RT-AC68W router you need to login to it to configure the basic settings. In order to login after a reset you need to use the default values.
We have the Asus RT-AC68W Login Guide if you are interested.
Change Your Password
Most router encourage you to change the router's username and password as soon as you login the first time. This is strongly recommended because most router usernames and passwords are very easy to guess. To create a more secure password, follow the directions on our Choosing a Strong Password guide.
Tip: In order to avoid losing the router's username and password in the future, write it down on a piece of paper and attach it to the bottom of the router.
Setup WiFi on the Asus RT-AC68W
It is also very important that you check the security of the Asus RT-AC68W router before using it to access the Internet. The strongest form of WiFi security and encryption is WPA2 Personal with AES and a strong Internet password.
Don't forget to sign up for NordVPN's promo deal before it's gone.
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-AC68W Help
Be sure to check out our other Asus RT-AC68W info that you might be interested in.
This is the reset router guide for the Asus RT-AC68W. We also have the following guides for the same router: