Setup Router logo in white Setup router name logo in white
Get Software

How to Reset the Dlink DCS-1000W

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

On this page we explain how to reset the Dlink DCS-1000W camera back to it's original factory defaults. It's important that you know this is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot you cycle the power to the device. This solves some of the minor problems you might have with your camera. When you reset you end up taking all the settings and returning every one of them back to factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting this camera is a big step and shouldn't be taken lightly. We recommend creating a list of settings that you know will be changed. Consider the following before you continue:

  • The camera's main username and password are reverted to factory default settings.
  • The Internet name and password are also reverted to factory defaults.
  • If this is a DSL style camera you need to re-enter the ISP or Internet Service Provider username and password. Call your local ISP for more details.
  • If you have ever made any other changes to your camera you need to write these down so you can reconfigure them later on.

Other Dlink DCS-1000W Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DCS-1000W. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DCS-1000W

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 faster than ever deal!

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 locating the reset button on your camera. This is located on the back panel of your Dlink DCS-1000W camera. Take a look at the image below. We have circled the reset button on that camera.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DCS-1000W router.

This tiny button is recessed into the back of the camera. Take an unfolded paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. If you don't hold this button down for long enough you could end up only rebooting the camera instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Remember a factory reset erases all of the previously configured setting you have made to your camera. If you want to try and avoid that you need to try other troubleshooting methods first.

Login to the Dlink DCS-1000W

Now that you've reset the Dlink DCS-1000W camera you'll need to log into it. Do this using the default username and password. Don't know where to find these? We have them for you in our Login Guide.

Tip: If the defaults don't seem to be working it may be because you didn't hold the reset button down for long enough.

Change Your Password

After logging in we suggest setting a new password. This can be whatever you like. However keep in mind that a strong password can be difficult to think up. For help creating a strong password visit our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DCS-1000W

Now check on the WiFi settings for your camera. These should include a SSID, the Internet password and the security encryption for your camera. We recommend using WPA2 as your security along with a strong Internet password. For more on this check out our page called How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DCS-1000W.

Don't forget to sign up for NordVPN's promo deal before it's gone.

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.

Dlink DCS-1000W Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DCS-1000W info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DCS-1000W. We also have the following guides for the same router: