How to Reset the Dlink DCS-2120

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

On this page I will be explaining how to reset the Dlink DCS-2120 Internet camera back to it's original factory default settings. This is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot something you take and remove the power to the device, cycling the power. When you reset something you take all the settings and return every one of them back to factory default values.

Warning: This reset can cause even more problems for you if you are unprepared for what it does. Every setting you have ever changed in the interface of the camera is restored to original factory defaults. Please consider the following before you continue:

  • The camera's main username and password to access the interface have been restored to original factory defaults.
  • The Internet name and password you use to protect your network the camera is on is restored to factory defaults.
  • If you use a DSL connection for your Internet you need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider's username and password to use the Internet again. Call your local ISP for the details.
  • Have you made other changes to this camera? Make sure to write the changes you have made down so they can be reconfigured after the reset is complete.

Other Dlink DCS-2120 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DCS-2120. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DCS-2120

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 locating the reset button on the device itself. This button should be on the back side of the device. Take a look at the image below:

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DCS-2120 router.

Take the end of a paperclip or pin and press down on this button for a full 30 seconds to start the factory reset process. If you don't hold this button down for the entire amount of time you only reboot the camera instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Remember this reset is erasing every single setting you have ever changed on this device. If you want to try and avoid losing all this information you should try other trouble shooting methods first.

Login to the Dlink DCS-2120

Once you've reset the Dlink DCS-2120 camera you'll need to log into it. This is done using the factory default username and password. If you don't have these, don't panic. We have them listed for you in our Login Guide.

Tip: Having trouble with the defaults? It may be because you didn't hold the reset button down for long enough.

Change Your Password

Now that you've logged in it's a good idea to set a new password. This can be whatever you like, however bear in mind that a strong password is 14-20 characters in length and avoids the use of any personal information. For more help visit our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DCS-2120

Now that you have reset the camera's password you should check on the wireless settings. This includes the SSID, the Internet password, and the network security. We recommend using WPA2 with a good strong password for your Internet connection. For more details on that you should check out our page called How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DCS-2120.

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-2120 Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DCS-2120 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DCS-2120. We also have the following guides for the same router: