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How to Reset the Dlink DAP-2553

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

With this page I will explain how to reset the Dlink DAP-2553 router back to it's original factory defaults. Some people thing a reboot and a reset are basically the same thing. When I refer to a reboot I mean a cycle of power to the device. This is done manually by turning the router off and back on again after about 30 seconds to fully cycle the power. When I refer to a reset I mean taking all the settings and returning every one of them back to factory defaults.

Warning: A factory reset is a major troubleshooting step. Be sure you completely understand what happens when you reset this router. Consider the following before continuing:

  • The network name and Internet password are erased and put back to factory default settings.
  • The router's setup username and password are reverted to factory default settings.
  • If this is a DSL router you have to re-enter the ISP username and password in order to continue using the Internet. Call your local Internet Service Provider for more details.
  • If you have ever made any other changes to this router you need to reconfigure these after the reset process is complete.

Other Dlink DAP-2553 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DAP-2553. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DAP-2553

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.

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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.

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 is to locate the reset button. This is typically on the back panel of the device. Take a look at the image below:

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DAP-2553 router.

Taking the tip of a sharp pencil or pen press and hold the reset button for approximately 10 seconds. If you don't hold this button down for long enough you may end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Remember this Dlink DAP-2553 reset WILL erase every single setting you have ever changed on this device. To avoid losing all those changes you should try other troubleshooting methods first.

Login to the Dlink DAP-2553

Once you've reset the Dlink DAP-2553 router you'll need to log into it. This is accomplished using the default username and password. If you don't know what these are visit our Login Guide. We've got them listed for you.

Tip: Defaults not working? Try holding the reset button down for longer.

Change Your Password

After you've logged in we suggest setting a new password. Not sure what you should change it to? Check out our Choosing a Strong Password Guide for help.

Tip: Keep from losing your new password by writing it down on a note and attaching it to the bottom of your router.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DAP-2553

It's now a good idea to check on the WiFi settings, These settings include the Network Name, the Internet password or passphrase, and the Encryption you want to use for your network. The strongest encryption is WPA2 and that's what we recommend. For details on how to set that up check out our How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DAP-2553 guide.

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Dlink DAP-2553 Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DAP-2553 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DAP-2553. We also have the following guides for the same router: