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How to Reset the Dlink DIR-450

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

With this guide I will be showing you how to reset the Dlink DIR-450 router back to it's original factory defaults.

Before I begin however it is important that I explain the difference between two terms that are extremely easily confused. The first term is a reboot. When I reboot a router I cycle the power to the device. This is done when your router is in error. A complete power shut off typically fixes these minor problems. On the other hand when I reset a router I take every single setting and return them all to how they were from the factory. This factory reset completely wipes the router clean of any personal settings you have done to it.

Warning: The fact that a reset erases every setting you have changed is reason to take a moment and think about whether you really want to do this or not. We strongly suggest making a list of any settings you have changed in the past as they will need to be reconfigured afterwards. We started a list for you:

  • The Internet name and password.
  • The router setup username and password.
  • If you use a DSL connection you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. Call your ISP for these details.
  • Have you created any port forwards or filters? These all need to be reconfigured after the reset process is complete.

Other Dlink DIR-450 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-450. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DIR-450

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.

Turn your router around so you are looking at the back panel of the unit. In the image below I have circled the location of the reset button for you.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DIR-450 router.

As you can see this "button" is more of a pin-hole than a button. Take the end of an unwound paperclip and press this "button" for about 10 seconds to start the reset process.

Warning: Do not turn your router off or unplug it during this process as it could damage your router.

Be aware that if you don't hold the reset button down for long enough you end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it.

Login to the Dlink DIR-450

Now that you've reset your Dlink DIR-450 router you should log into it. This is done by using the factory default username and password. We have these listed for you in our Login Guide.

Tip: Defaults not logging you in? Try holding the reset button down for longer.

Change Your Password

Once you've reset and logged into your router you should set a new password. Keep in mind that this password only protects your router settings, not your wireless network. All the same it's always a good idea to set a strong password. For help in doing that be sure to visit our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Tip: Avoid losing your new password by writing it on a note and taping it to the bottom of your router.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-450

After all of that you need to check on the WiFi settings as well. The SSID, Internet password, and encryption style all need to updated or at least checked. If you need help with this step we have the How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-450 guide for you to use.

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 DIR-450 Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DIR-450 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-450. We also have the following guides for the same router: