How to Reset the Cisco EPC3940AD

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

Have you been trying to login to the Cisco EPC3940AD router without success? If so you may need to reset the Cisco EPC3940ADrouter.

There is a lot of confusion between resetting a router and rebooting a router. They are sometimes considered a soft reset and a hard reset. When rebooting a router (soft reset) you are simply cycling the power to the unit. When you reset (hard reset) a router you are taking all the settings you have changed in the past, erasing them, and reverting them all to factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting the Cisco EPC3940AD router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. Please consider other options first. It is also a good idea to create a list of possible changes you have made in the past such as:

  • The router's main username and password.
  • The Internet name and password.
  • If this is a DSL router you must re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password as well. Call your ISP for this information.
  • Have you made any other changes to your router? How about port forwards or IP addresses? These should be written down as well.

Other Cisco EPC3940AD Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Cisco EPC3940AD. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Cisco EPC3940AD

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Below is an image of the Cisco EPC3940AD back panel. Take a look at where the reset button/pinhole is located.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Cisco EPC3940AD router.

While the router is on, take a straightened paperclip or other similar object and press down on the reset button/pinhole for over 10 seconds. This begins the reset process which can take several minutes sometimes. If you don't hold the reset button down for the entire 10 seconds you will only reboot the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Warning: Do not unplug or turn off the router during the reset process! Doing so will most likely end in permanent damage to your router.

We strongly recommend trying other troubleshooting methods before you continue with this reset. Remember a reset like the one described here erases all settings you have changed during the lifetime of this router.

Login to the Cisco EPC3940AD

Now that you have completed the reset you should login to the Cisco EPC3940AD router. To do this properly you need to use the default IP address, username and password that came with the router from the factory. We have found these for you and included them in our Cisco EPC3940AD Login Guide.

Tip: If the default values didn't work it is possible you didn't hold the reset button down for long enough. Try again and hold the reset button down for a few more seconds.

Change Your Password

After the login is successful you should change the router's default password. This password is what protects your router's settings. I recommend following the guidelines laid out in our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: There are many ways to avoid losing your new password. One is to write it down on a sticky note and attach it to the bottom of your router for safekeeping.

Setup WiFi on the Cisco EPC3940AD

It is now a good idea to setup your wireless settings on the Cisco EPC3940AD router. We have a great guide on the topic just click the Cisco EPC3940AD WiFi Instructions link.

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Cisco EPC3940AD Help

Be sure to check out our other Cisco EPC3940AD info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Cisco EPC3940AD. We also have the following guides for the same router: