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How to Reset the Dlink DAP-3520

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

On this page we show you how to reset the Dlink DAP-3520 router back to factory defaults. This is not the same thing as a reboot however. A reboot is simply a way of cycling the power to the device. A reset is a way of taking all the settings and returning them all to factory defaults.

Warning: This reset can cause even more problems for you if you don't understand what is changed during the process. Please consider the following before continuing:

  • The router's main username and password are reverted back to the original factory settings.
  • The Internet name and password are reverted to their original factory defaults as well.
  • If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP username and password in order to use the Internet again.
  • Have you made any other setting changes to this router? If so you should write these down so you can reconfigure them later.

Other Dlink DAP-3520 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DAP-3520. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DAP-3520

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.

Begin by finding the reset button on the Dlink DAP-3520 router. This button is on the back panel of your device. See the image below for it's location.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DAP-3520 router.

Take a paperclip or pen to press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds. If you don't hold this button down for long enough you end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Remember this reset is going to erase every single setting you have ever changed on your device. We suggest trying other troubleshooting methods before continuing with this.

Login to the Dlink DAP-3520

Once you've reset the Dlink DAP-3520 router you'll need to log into it. This is done using the default username and password. Not sure where to get these? We have them in our Login Guide.

Tip: If the defaults aren't working for you it may be because the reset button wasn't held down for long enough.

Change Your Password

After that we suggest setting a new password. This can be anything you like, however keep in mind that a strong password consist of 14-20 characters and contains no personal information. For more help check out our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Tip: Avoid losing your new password by writing it down on a sticky note and putting it on the underside of your router.

Setup WiFi on the

Now take the time to check on your wireless settings. This should include updating your SSID and Internet password. It should also include making sure your security method is what you want it to be. If you want instructions on how to do this check out our page on How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DAP-3520.

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Dlink DAP-3520 Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DAP-3520 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DAP-3520. We also have the following guides for the same router: