This guide will show you how to reset the Cisco X3000 router back to factory defaults. This is not the same thing as rebooting a router which simply means you are cycling the power to the device. A reset takes all the settings and returns them all to factory defaults.
Warning: Resetting your router can cause even more problems for you if you are not aware of what is changed. We strongly recommend that you consider the following before continuing.
- The router's main username and password are reverted to factory defaults.
- The Internet name and password are reverted as well.
- If you use a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP username and password to continue using the Internet. Call your Internet Service Provider for more information.
- Finally if you have made any other changes to your router you need to write these down so you can reconfigure them later.
Other Cisco X3000 Guides
This is the reset router guide for the Cisco X3000. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Reset the Cisco X3000
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.
Now you need to locate your reset button for the Cisco X3000 router. For most Cisco routers it can be found on the bottom of the device like the image below.
Take the end of an unwound paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This starts the reset process. If you don't hold the button down for long enough it will not reset.
Please remember this will erase all settings on your Cisco X3000 router. If you want to try and avoid this you need to try other ways of fixing your problem.
Login to the Cisco X3000
Once the reset process is complete you should login using the right default username and password. We have already found this information for you and included it in our Cisco X3000 Login Guide.
Change Your Password
Now it's time to create a new password for your router's interface. We recommend using our Choosing a Strong Password guide to help you if you need it.
Tip: To avoid losing this router information you could write it down on a sticky note and attach it to the bottom of the router for the next time you need it.
Setup WiFi on the Cisco X3000
Finally let's check the wireless settings. These will include the SSID, the Internet password, and the security method. We recommend using the WPA2 option with a strong password. We have a guide outlining how to do this, check it out here in our How to Setup WiFi on the Cisco X3000 guide.
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Cisco X3000 Help
Be sure to check out our other Cisco X3000 info that you might be interested in.
This is the reset router guide for the Cisco X3000. We also have the following guides for the same router: