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

Use a VPN

Have you considered using a VPN when you connect to the internet? A VPN is a great way to increase your security and anonymity while surfing.

We use and recommend NordVPN because not only is it the fastest VPN, it includes a new feature called Meshnet that makes securely sharing your home network super simple. 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.

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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.

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.

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.

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

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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 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: