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How to Reset the Asus RT-N66R

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

In this guide we will discuss how to reset the Asus RT-N66R router to factory defaults. There is some confusion about the difference between rebooting a router and resetting a router. A reboot is cycling the power by turning the device off and back on again. Resetting a router is erasing all configurations and reverting the entire thing back to factory default settings.

Warning: Resetting the router can be tricky. It may cause problems if you don't know what changes during a reset. Please take careful consideration of the following:

  • When resetting the router's main username and password are changed to default.
  • The WiFi SSID/username, password, and security method are all reverted back to factory settings.
  • If you use DSL you need to re-enter the ISP username and password. If you don't know what these are check with your ISP.
  • Finally all your personal configurations you have made to your router are erased. This could include firewall settings, port forwards, or even IP address changes.

Other Asus RT-N66R Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Asus RT-N66R. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Asus RT-N66R

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.

Before you begin resetting the Asus RT-N66R router you need to make sure the device remains on during the entire process. If it is turned off or unplugged it could permanently damage the router.

Now to find the reset button. It is typically a very small recessed button on the back panel of your router. We have found it's location for you and circled it in the image below.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Asus RT-N66R router.

Using a small sharp object such as an unwound paperclip press and hold the button for about 8 to 10 seconds.

Please be aware that this erases everything you have done to your router. Make sure you have tried other troubleshooting methods first.

Login to the Asus RT-N66R

After you have finished resetting the Asus RT-N66R router you need to login to it using the proper default username and password from the factory. This is found in the user manual. We have found them for you and added them to our Asus RT-N66R Login Guide.

Change Your Password

The next step is to change that default password. It is never a good idea to leave a default password. Change it as soon as possible. It's not super important what you change it to. If creating new passwords is difficult check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: Go ahead and write this new password down on a piece of paper and attach it to the bottom of the router if your router is not in a publicly accessible place.

Setup WiFi on the Asus RT-N66R

The last step we will have you take right now is to ensure your security is running and your security password is created. Some router companies like to leave the security open as default. Change this right away to a more secure option of WPA2-Personal. For instructions on how to do this read our How to Setup WiFi on the Asus RT-N66R.

Don't forget to sign up for NordVPN's promo deal before it's gone.

NordVPN faster than ever deal!

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Asus RT-N66R Help

Be sure to check out our other Asus RT-N66R info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Asus RT-N66R. We also have the following guides for the same router: