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How to Reset the Dlink DIR-412

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

On this page I show you how to properly reset the Dlink DIR-412 router back to the original factory defaults. This is completely different than a reboot. When I use the word reboot I am referring to a complete cycle of power to the device. If you wanted to do this manually you would turn the device off, wait a bit, then turn it back on. When I use the word reset I am referring to a complete factory restore of all settings.

Warning: This means every single setting you have ever changed is reverted back to factory defaults. We strongly recommend making a list of any settings you have changed in the past. We began that list for you:

  • If you have a DSL connection you need to re-enter the ISP username and password to use the Internet again. Call your Internet Service Provider for the details.
  • The router's setup username and password are put back to factory defaults.
  • The Internet information such as SSID and Internet password are erased and reverted back to factory settings.
  • Have you ever forwarded any ports or changed an IP address? All of these are erased and need to be reconfigured after the reset process is complete.

Other Dlink DIR-412 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-412. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DIR-412

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.

The first step in a reset is to find the reset button on the back panel of your Dlink DIR-412 unit. I have circled it's location for you in the image below.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DIR-412 router.

Now take a very sharp pencil and press down on the reset button for approximately 10 seconds to begin the reset process. If you don't hold this button down for long enough you end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wished.

Tip: If you want to try and avoid the necessity of a reconfiguration you should try other troubleshooting methods first.

Login to the Dlink DIR-412

Once you've reset the Dlink DIR-412 router you should log into it. This is done by using the default username and password. We have both these listed for you in our Login Guide.

Tip: Defaults not working for you? It may be because the reset button wasn't held down for long enough.

Change Your Password

Now that you've logged into your router we recommend setting a new password for it. Remember that this password only protects your router settings, not your wireless network. Still, setting a strong password is always a good idea. For help in doing so be sure to visit our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Tip: Keep from losing your new password by writing it on a note and attaching it to the bottom of your router.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-412

Finally you need to take a look at your WiFi settings. The security method may have changed along with the SSID and Internet password. If you require extra help with this we have a special guide on this subject titled How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-412.

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Dlink DIR-412 Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DIR-412 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-412. We also have the following guides for the same router: