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How to Reset the Dlink DIR-601

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

On this page I will be showing you how to reset the Dlink DIR-601 router back to it's original factory defaults. This is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot something you are simply cycling the power to the device. By completely turning the device off and then on again solves minor behavioral problems the router may be experiencing. When you reset a router it is much more in depth. A reset erases every single setting you have ever changed on your device.

Warning: Resetting this router is a big step in solving a problem. We strongly suggest making a list of the settings that will change after the reset process is complete. Take the following into consideration:

  • The router's main username and password are reverted back to factory defaults.
  • The WiFi information such as SSID, security type, and Internet password are all erased.
  • If you use a DSL connection you need to enter the ISP username and password again. Call your Internet Service Provider for the details.
  • If you have ever made any other changes such as port forwards or parental controls they need to be reconfigured after the reset is complete.

Other Dlink DIR-601 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-601. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DIR-601

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.

Looking at the image below you can see that the reset button is located on the back panel of the device.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DIR-601 router.

While the Dlink DIR-601 router is on press the reset button/hole for about 10 seconds using an unwound paperclip or pin. This begins the reset process which can take up to a few minutes. It's important that you hold this reset button down for the entire amount of time. If you don't hold this reset button down for long enough you end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you initially wanted.

Warning: Remember this reset erases every single setting you have ever changed on this device. We strongly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you decide a reset is your best option.

Login to the Dlink DIR-601

Now that you've reset the Dlink DIR-601 router you'll need to 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? It could be because the reset button wasn't held down for long enough.

Change Your Password

After you've logged into your router we recommend setting a new password for it. 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 use a strong password. For help setting one check out our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

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

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-601

It's now a good time to check on the WiFi settings since these have also been reset to how they were from the factory. We have a wireless guide for you if you are interested. It is titled How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-601.

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Dlink DIR-601 Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DIR-601 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-601. We also have the following guides for the same router: