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How to Reset the Cisco Linksys E3000

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

When you reset the Cisco Linksys-E3000 router it is not the same thing as rebooting the router. A reboot is a way of cycling the power to the device. A reset takes all the settings in the router and erases them sending them all back to how they were from the factory. This guide will cover how to reset the Cisco Linksys-E3000 router back to original factory settings.

Warning: Make sure you really want to reset this router before you go any farther. A router reset has consequences you may not have thought about. Please consider the following before resetting your router:

  • The router username and password are reverted to factory settings.
  • If you use a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP username and password. This information can be gathered by calling your local Internet Service Provider.
  • The Internet name and password are reverted to factory settings as well.
  • Any other changes you have made are returned to default so they will need to be re-entered after the reset process is complete.

Other Cisco Linksys E3000 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Cisco Linksys E3000. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Cisco Linksys E3000

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.

The first step to resetting a router is to find the tiny recessed reset button on the outside of the device. On this device it is located on the backside of the device. We have circled it's location for you in the image below.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Cisco Linksys E3000 router.

Taking a pin or unfolded paperclip to press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds. If you don't hold this button down for the proper amount of time you will likely only reboot the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Remember this reset erases every setting you have ever changed on your device. If you want to try and avoid re-configuring the device you should try other troubleshooting options before you continue.

Login to the Cisco Linksys E3000

Now you need to login to your router using the appropriate default login values from the factory. We have this information for you in our Cisco Linksys-E3000 Login Guide.

Change Your Password

The next step is to change the default password you just used for the router. It's never a good idea to leave a password as it's default. If you need further assistance with this topic check out our guide titled Choosing a Strong Password.

Tip: If you keep this router in your home you can write this password down on a piece of paper and attach it to the bottom of the router for future reference.

Setup WiFi on the Cisco Linksys-E3000

Now take a look at your wireless settings. These should include the network name, the Internet password and the security method. If you want the most secure network available right now you should use the option of WPA2 along with a strong Internet password. For further information on this topic check out our guide titled How to Setup WiFi on the Cisco Linksys-E3000.

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Cisco Linksys E3000 Help

Be sure to check out our other Cisco Linksys E3000 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Cisco Linksys E3000. We also have the following guides for the same router: