If you are locked out of your router's interface and can't remember the username and password you created when you got the router you might need to reset the Asus RT-N65R router back to it's original factory defaults.
Before I begin this guide I want to make sure you understand the difference between a reset and a reboot. When I reboot something you cycle the power to the unit. When you reset the router you take all the settings and return them all to factory defaults.
Warning: Resetting this router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. I strongly recommend writing down all the settings you may of changed in the past. These settings will include:
- The router's main username and password. These are the most likely reason you need to reset the router.
- The WiFi settings such as SSID and Internet 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 if you don't known them.
- Any other settings such as port forwards or IP addresses are also erased.
Other Asus RT-N65R Guides
This is the reset router guide for the Asus RT-N65R. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Reset the Asus RT-N65R
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.
Below is an image of the side panel of the Asus RT-N65R router. The reset button is circled in red.
While the router remains on press down on the reset button for approximately 10 seconds to begin the reset process. If you don't hold the reset button down for long enough you end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you intended.
Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router during the reset process. Doing so could result in permanent damage to the Asus RT-N65R router.
Remember a reset like this one erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. I highly recommend trying other troubleshooting methods before you continue.
Login to the Asus RT-N65R
After the router has been reset you will need to login to it. To accomplish this you will need to use the default IP address, username, and password. This information has been found for you and included in our Asus RT-N65R Login Guide, be sure to check it out.
Tip: If you can't login with the defaults, try resetting the router again but this time hold down the reset button for a little longer.
Change Your Password
The first thing you should do once you login to the router is change the password. The default password for routers is often easy to guess and can leave your router at risk. Try to make your new password 14-20 characters long and contain no personal information. For additional advice on making a secure password, see our Choosing a Strong Password guide.
Tip: Want to avoid losing your password? Try writing it on a slip of paper and attaching it to the bottom of the router.
Setup WiFi on the Asus RT-N65R
It is time to begin the reconfiguration process for the Asus RT-N65R router. Check out our different guides specific to this router if you want. I highly recommend following our Asus RT-N65RWiFi Instructions to secure your network.
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-N65R Help
Be sure to check out our other Asus RT-N65R info that you might be interested in.
This is the reset router guide for the Asus RT-N65R. We also have the following guides for the same router: