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How to Reset the Dlink DIR-515

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

In this guide I will be showing you how to reset the Dlink DIR-515 router back to it's original factory defaults. This is called a reset not a reboot. When you reboot a router you basically are turning it off and back on again to cycle the power. When you reset a router you wipe it's memory of you completely. It "forgets" everything you have ever done to it and reverts the entire unit back to how it was from the factory.

Warning: Depending on how many things you have changed this could cause a even bigger problem for you. We recommend making a list of all settings you have changed in the past. Consider the following:

  • The router's main username and password are reverted back to factory defaults.
  • The Internet name and password are reverted back to factory values.
  • If you use a DSL connection you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. Call your local ISP for the details.
  • If you have ever made any other changes to this unit write them down so you can reconfigure them after the reset is complete.

Other Dlink DIR-515 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-515. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DIR-515

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.

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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.

Once you have decided to reset the Dlink DIR-515 router you need to locate the reset button. For the Dlink DIR-515 model you can find it on the back panel. See the image below where I have circled it in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DIR-515 router.

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

Don't forget this will erase every single setting you have ever changed on the device. We recommend exhausting your other troubleshooting options first in order to avoid this loss.

Login to the Dlink DIR-515

Following that you'll need to log into your Dlink DIR-515 router. This is done using the factory default username and password we have provided to you in our Login Guide.

Tip: Defaults not logging you it? It could 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. Remember that this password only protects your router settings, not your wireless network. Still, a strong password is always a good idea. 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 note and attaching it to the underside of your router.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-515

It's time to check on the Dlink DIR-515 WiFi settings. If you need help with the SSID, Internet password, or encryption type check out our guide titled How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-515.

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Dlink DIR-515 Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DIR-515 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-515. We also have the following guides for the same router: