On this page I will be showing you how to reset the Asus RT-N66W router back to it's original factory settings. Before we begin though I need to explain the difference between a reset and a reboot. In this guide when I use the term reboot I am only referring to a cycle in the power to the device. When I use the term reset I am referring to a complete factory restore of all settings that have been changed.
Warning: Resetting this router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. We recommend creating a list before you begin your reset. This list needs to include any settings you think you may of changed in the router's past. Settings you need to consider are:
- The router's access username and password.
- The Internet name and password.
- If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP or Internet Service Provider username and password.
- Add any port forwarding you may have done or IP address changes as well.
Other Asus RT-N66W Guides
This is the reset router guide for the Asus RT-N66W. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Reset the Asus RT-N66W
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 any reset is to locate the reset button/pinhole. For this router you can find it on the back panel. I have found an image of the Asus RT-N66W back panel and circled the reset button for you.
The next step involves taking a straightened paperclip and pressing down on the reset button for about 10 seconds while the router is on. This starts the reset process and should take about a minute to complete. If you don't hold the reset button down for the entire 10 seconds you might end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.
Don't forget that a reset like this one erases every single setting you have ever changed on your device. To avoid this we recommend trying other troubleshooting methods first.
Login to the Asus RT-N66W
Now that you have finished the reset you should login using the appropriate default values. These can be found in our Login Guide for the Asus RT-N66W router.
Tip: If the defaults don't work it may be because the reset button wasn't held down long enough.
Change Your Password
It's now a great idea to change the default password you just used to access your router interface. When creating your new password it might be helpful to read our Choosing a Strong Password page.
Tip: One way to avoid losing this password is to write it down on a piece of paper and then attach it to the bottom of the router for next time.
Setup WiFi on the Asus RT-N66W
Finally you need to begin re-configuring the Asus RT-N66W router back to how you had it before you reset it. Don't forget to reconfigure the WiFi settings. Check out our How to Setup WiFi on the Asus RT-N66W guide to help you do just that.
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-N66W Help
Be sure to check out our other Asus RT-N66W info that you might be interested in.
This is the reset router guide for the Asus RT-N66W. We also have the following guides for the same router: