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Reset the Asus RT-AC88U

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Setup Router Staff
Last Updated: | Reading Time: 5 minutes

This guide shows you how to reset your Asus RT-AC88U router to factory default settings. Resetting a router is different than rebooting a router. A reboot happens every time a router loses power. A Router Reset completely erases the router and returns it to factory settings.

Warning: Before you continue, there are a few things you need to know. A router reset will affect the following settings:

  • The router's login and password are reset to factory defaults.
  • All WiFi settings are reset, including network name and password.
  • All ISP settings will reset to default, and you may have to contact your ISP.
  • Any parental controls, firewall settings, or port forwards will be removed.

A router reset should be considered the last resort when you cannot log in to your router any other way. Before you reset your router, you may want to try recovering your router password with our Router Password Finder.

Other Asus RT-AC88U Guides

Use a VPN Instead

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  • Check that your VPN will not affect your speed.
  • Verify that your VPN provider uses WireGuard as the underlying protocol.
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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.

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.

This is the reset router guide for the Asus RT-AC88U 3.0.0.4.384_81116 (PT). We also have the following guides for the same router:

Recover Password in Asus RT-AC88U

If you are resetting your router because you forgot your router password, then you should try running our Router Password Finder first.

Router Password Finder is designed from the ground up to help you recover your forgotten router username and password, which can save you a lot of time.

Router Password Finder - Automatically Recover Lost or Forgotten Router Passwords

Just keep in mind that a router reset should be done as the last resort when you are unable to login to your router.

Reset the Asus RT-AC88U

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There is usually a small reset button located on either the back or the bottom of a router. Look at your router and try to find something that looks like this:

Router Reset Button

Yours may look slightly different, but they are usually tiny. You may need a paper clip to push the reset button.

Hold the reset button down for about 10 seconds while watching the lights on the front of your router. After a few seconds the lights should blink differently. When this happens, the reset is complete. It is harmless to hold the reset button too long.

Just don't forget that this will totally reset your Asus RT-AC88U router.

Only do this once you have exhausted all other troubleshooting options, such as running our Router Password Finder software, which can recover a lost router password for you.

Login to the Asus RT-AC88U

Now you need to log in using the factory default username and password. You can find all of the information that you need in our RT-AC88U Login Guide.

Change Your Password

After logging in, you should really change your router's password for added security. It's a very bad idea to leave your router's password set to the factory default. Our Choosing a Strong Password guide can help you pick a strong password for your router.

Tip: Write your new password down on a note and tape it to the bottom of your router for future reference.

Other Asus RT-AC88U Guides

If you want additional help with your Asus RT-AC88U be sure to check out some of our other guides.

This is the reset router guide for the Asus RT-AC88U 3.0.0.4.384_81116 (PT). We also have the following guides for the same router: