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

How to Reset the Dlink DCS-3420

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

On this page we show you how to reset the Dlink DCS-3420 Internet camera back to factory defaults. This is not the same thing as a reboot. A reboot is a cycle of power to the device. A reset is taking all the settings and returning them to factory defaults.

Warning: This reset could cause problems for you if you don't know what settings get changed and what ones don't. Making a list of the settings you know will be changed is very helpful. Consider the following:

  • The reset causes the camera's main username and password to be restored to factory defaults.
  • The Internet name and password are reverted to factory defaults.
  • If you use a DSL connection you may need to re-enter the ISP username and password. Call your local Internet Service Provider for more information.
  • Have you made any other changes to your router? These need to be reconfigured after the reset is complete.

Other Dlink DCS-3420 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DCS-3420. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DCS-3420

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 physical reset button on the outside of the device. On this camera it is found on the back panel. Take a look at the image below. I have circled it's location in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DCS-3420 router.

Take a pin or unfolded paperclip and press the reset button for about 10 seconds. If you don't hold the reset button down for long enough you end up only rebooting the router instead of the desired reset.

Warning: Do not unplug the camera during the reset process. It needs to remain on during the entire process. Unplugging the device could result in permanent damage.

Please remember that this reset is going to erase every single setting you have ever changed on this device. We recommend trying other troubleshooting techniques in order to avoid this loss of information.

Login to the Dlink DCS-3420

Following that you'll need to log into your Dlink DCS-3420 camera. This is done by using the factory default username and password. Don't know what these are? Not to worry; we have them listed for you in our Login Guide.

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

Change Your Password

Now that you've logged in we suggest setting a new password. Keep in mind that a strong password is 14-20 characters in length and includes no personal information. For more help take a look through our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DCS-3420

Now is a good time to check on the wireless settings also. This includes the SSID, the Internet password, and the security method. We recommend using WPA2 for your security along with a strong password. Check out our How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DCS-3420 page.

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-3420 Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DCS-3420 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DCS-3420. We also have the following guides for the same router: