How to Reset the Dlink DI-514

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Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 4 minutes

Here I will explain how to properly reset the Dlink DI-514 router back to it's original factory defaults. This is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a unit you cycle the power to the device. When you reset a unit you take all the previously configured settings and return every single one of them back to factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting the router can cause problems if you don't know what what settings are changed. We strongly recommend making a list of the settings you know about. Consider the following:

  • The router's interface username and password are erased and replaced with the original factory choices.
  • The Internet name/SSID and Internet password are also reverted back to how they were from the factory.
  • If you use DSL you need to re-enter the ISP username and password. Call your Internet Service Provider for further information.
  • Have you made other changes to this router? Every thing you have ever changed is erased. Make sure to reconfigure these after the reset is complete.

Other Dlink DI-514 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DI-514. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DI-514

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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.

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The first step is to take a look at the outside of your router and find the tiny recessed button called reset. For this model of Dlink you can find it on the back panel. Take a look at the image below.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DI-514 router.

As you can see this tiny button is very small indeed. Take the tip of an unwound paperclip or other similar object and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This begins the reset process which takes more than 30 seconds to complete. If you don't hold the button down for the entire 10 seconds you may end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Please remember this reset is erasing all settings you have ever changed on this device. If you want to try and avoid this we strongly recommend trying other troubleshooting methods first.

Login to the Dlink DI-514

Next you'll need to log into the Dlink DI-514 router. This is done by using the factory default username and password. We have these listed for you in our Login Guide.

Tip: If the defaults aren't working for you try holding the reset button for longer.

Change Your Password

Once you've logged in you'll need to set a new password. This can be whatever you want it to be, however bear in mind that a strong password consists of 14-20 characters and includes no personal information. For more help be sure to take a look through our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Tip: Write your new password on a note and tape it to the underside of your router to keep from losing it.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DI-514

Now is a great time to check on the wireless settings. This should include the SSID, the Internet password, and the encryption technique. Our recommendation is WPA2 with a strong password for your Internet. For a full set of instructions check out our guide titled How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DI-514.

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Dlink DI-514 Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DI-514 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DI-514. We also have the following guides for the same router: