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How to Reset the Dlink DIR-451

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

Here I will be explaining how to reset the Dlink DIR-451 router back to the original factory defaults.

Before I begin I need to explain the difference between a reset and a reboot. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the device. This is either done inside the router's interface or manually. To reboot a router manually you unplug the power source, wait about 10 seconds, then plug the power back in. When you reset a router you completely erase every personal configuration you have ever made to the router.

Warning: Resetting a router is a big step in troubleshooting and should only be done after you have exhausted your other options. We highly recommend making a list of any settings you have changed during the lifetime of this router. Consider the following:

  • The router's main username and password are reverted to factory defaults.
  • The Internet information such as network name and password are erased.
  • If you use a DSL connection you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. Go ahead and call your local ISP for the details.
  • Have you forwarded any ports? Have you created parental controls? All of this will be erased.

Other Dlink DIR-451 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-451. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DIR-451

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 thing to do is locate the reset button. In this case it is found on the back panel of the device. See the image below, I have circled the reset button for you.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DIR-451 router.

Take the end of a paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This begins the reset process. If you don't hold the button down for long enough you end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Remember this reset erases every single setting you have ever changed on this device. If you want to avoid the loss this creates we strongly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting.

Login to the Dlink DIR-451

Now that you've reset the Dlink DIR-451 router you'll need to log into it. Do this 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 down for longer.

Change Your Password

Once you've logged into your router we suggest setting a new password. This can be whatever you want it to be, however keep in mind that a strong password is 14-20 characters in length and includes no personal information. For more help be sure to check out our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

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

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-451

It's time to take a look at your WiFi settings. These settings have been reset as well as everything else. In order to create a strong network I have a guide titled How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-451 you can use.

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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-451 Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DIR-451 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-451. We also have the following guides for the same router: