This page covers the basics of resetting the Cisco RV042G router back to factory settings. Before we do that we need to understand the difference between a reset and a reboot. When you reboot something you cycle the power to the device. When you reset something you clear all the settings on the device and return everything back to how it was from the factory.
Warning: Please understand that this factory reset erases everything you have done to your router. Please consider the following before continuing:
- The router's interface username and password are cleared.
- If you use a DSL router you have to re-enter the ISP username and password in order to use the Internet again. Call your Internet Service Provider for more information.
- Have you made any other changes since you have gotten the router? Anything you changed such as port forwards or IP address assignments are all erased.
Other Cisco RV042G Guides
This is the reset router guide for the Cisco RV042G. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Reset the Cisco RV042G
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 resetting the Cisco RV042G router is to know where the reset button is located. For this model of Cisco you can find the recessed button on the back panel of the device next to port number 1. See the image below.
Take the tip of an unwound paperclip or sharp pencil to press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds. This begins the reset process. If you only hold the button down for a second or two you may only reboot the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.
Remember this erases all your previous settings. You need to reconfigure the router after this reset. If you want to try and avoid re-configuring the router you should try other methods of troubleshooting first.
Login to the Cisco RV042G
Now you need to login to the device using the correct default username and password. This information is in our Login Guide for the Cisco RV042G router.
Change Your Password
It is always a good idea to change the default passwords. We recommend changing the router's main password to something you create. If you need help or just a reminder of what makes a good password check out our guide titled Choosing a Strong Password.
Tip: Keep this password somewhere safe. If you have this router in your home it's okay to write it down on a piece of paper taped to the bottom of the router.
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.
Cisco RV042G Help
Be sure to check out our other Cisco RV042G info that you might be interested in.
This is the reset router guide for the Cisco RV042G. We also have the following guides for the same router: