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How to Reset the Cisco RV120W

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

Before we begin it's important to know the difference between resetting a router and rebooting a router. A router reboot is a way of cycling the power without having to unplug it from the power source. A router reset is erasing all the settings in the router and returning them to factory default. This page will show you how to reset the Cisco RV-120W router back to it's original factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting this router is a big step to solving a problem. If you don't understand what this reset will do you could end up with even more problems. Some things you should consider before continuing are:

  • The router's main username and password are reverted to factory defaults.
  • The Internet information such as name and password are reverted to factory defaults.
  • If you own a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP username and password to continue to use your Internet. Call your local Internet Service Provider for more information.
  • Have you made any other changes to your router? Write these down so you can reconfigure them after the reset.

Other Cisco RV120W Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Cisco RV120W 1.0.3.10. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Cisco RV120W

Use a VPN

Have you considered using a VPN when you connect to the internet? A VPN is a great way to increase your security and anonymity while surfing.

We use and recommend NordVPN because not only is it the fastest VPN, it includes a new feature called Meshnet that makes securely sharing your home network super simple. 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.

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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.

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The first step is to know where the reset button is. Turn your router around so you are looking at the back of it. This tiny recessed button is located on the back side of your device. Take a look at the picture below for more of an idea.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Cisco RV120W router.

As you can see this button is very small and recessed. This is to avoid an accidental reset. Using a sharpened pencil or paperclip tip press and hold the reset button down for about 10 seconds. This begins the reset process which could take a minute or so. If you only hold the button down for 5 seconds or less you simply reboot the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Please make sure you understand that this reset is erasing all your personal settings on the Cisco RV-120W router. You must reconfigure the router after the reset is complete. To avoid resetting this router try other troubleshooting methods first.

Login to the Cisco RV120W

After the reset process is complete you need to login to the Cisco RV-120W device using the default IP address, username, and password. You can find these in our Cisco RV-120W Login Guide.

Change Your Password

It is now a good idea to change the default password you used on the last step. Default passwords generally are not secure passwords. Change this as soon as you can. If you need help or just a refresher check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: Don't lose this password. If you keep this Cisco RV-120W router in your home you can write the updated information on a piece of paper and stick it to the underside of the device for future reference.

Setup WiFi on the Cisco RV-120W

Finally we advise you to reconfigure the WiFi settings. The SSID or network name has been cleared along with the Internet password and any changes you made to the default security. We recommend using WPA2 for your security along with a strong password. For step-by-step instructions on making your local network secure, check out our How to Setup WiFi on the Cisco RV-120W guide.

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Cisco RV120W Help

Be sure to check out our other Cisco RV120W info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Cisco RV120W 1.0.3.10. We also have the following guides for the same router: