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How to Reset the Cradlepoint CTR500

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

On this page I will show you how to reset the Cradlepoint CTR-500 router back to it's original factory defaults. It's important that you know the difference between a reset and reboot before we begin. A reboot is cycling the power to the device. It completely turns it off and then restarts it. A reset takes all the settings that have ever been changed and returns them all to the original factory settings.

Warning: Resetting this router can be a problem for you if you don't understand what settings have been changed. We suggest making a list of any settings you have changed in the past. Consider the following:

  • The router's interface username and password are reverted back to factory defaults.
  • The Internet name and password are reverted to factory settings.
  • The ISP username and password are erased if you have a DSL router. Call your local Internet Service Provider for more details.
  • If you have ever made any other changes to the router you need to write these down so you don't forget to reconfigure them after the reset process is complete.

Other Cradlepoint CTR500 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Cradlepoint CTR500. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Cradlepoint CTR500

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 in any reset is to know where the reset button is located. We have circled it's location for you in the image below:

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Cradlepoint CTR500 router.

Take the tip of a sharp pin or unfolded paperclip to press and hold the reset button for around 10 seconds. This begins the reset process.

Warning: If you don't hold the reset button down for long enough you end up simply rebooting the router instead of resetting it. This causes a lot of confusion.

It's also important to remember that resetting the Cradlepoint CTR-500 router will cause all your personal settings to be gone. To avoid losing them you need to try other troubleshooting methods first.

Login to the Cradlepoint CTR500

Now that you've reset the Cradlepoint CTR-500 router it's time to login to it. Use the default username and password found in our Login Guide.

Tip: If the defaults aren't working for you it's possible that you need to hold the reset button down for longer.

Change Your Password

Once you've logged in it's a good idea to change your router's default password. For help in creating a strong password check out our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Tip: To avoiding losing your password we suggest writing it on a sticky note and attaching it to the bottom of your router.

Setup WiFi on the Cradlepoint CTR-500

Finally take a look at the wireless settings. These need to be reconfigured to keep your network secure after a reset. Make sure your security mode is where you want it to be. We recommend using WPA2 with a strong password. For instructions check out our guide titled How to Setup WiFi on the Cradlepoint CTR-500.

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NordVPN faster than ever deal!

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.

Cradlepoint CTR500 Help

Be sure to check out our other Cradlepoint CTR500 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Cradlepoint CTR500. We also have the following guides for the same router: