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How to Reset the Dlink DIR-803

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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-803 router back to it's original factory defaults.

Before I begin I want to explain the difference between two terms I will be using. The first is a reboot. A reboot is referring to a cycle in the power to the device. This is usually done when your router is not acting correctly. The second term is a reset. When you reset a router you erase every setting that have ever changed on the device.

Warning: Resetting a router is a big step. Please consider the following before you decide to reset this device:

  • The router's main username and password are erased. Forgetting one's password and/or username is the number one reason for a reset. Just about everything else can be fixed from inside the router's interface.
  • The Internet name and password are also erased. These need to be reconfigured after the reset process is done.
  • If you use a DSL style connection you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password to be able to use the Internet again after the reset. To learn more call your ISP.
  • Have you made any other changes to your device? Things you may have forgotten include any parental controls you have in place or port forwards. Don't forget these are erased as well and need to be reconfigured after the reset is finished.

Other Dlink DIR-803 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-803. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DIR-803

Use a VPN

Have you considered using a VPN when you connect to the internet? A VPN is a great way to increase your security and anonymity while surfing.

We use and recommend NordVPN because not only is it the fastest VPN, it includes a new feature called Meshnet that makes securely sharing your home network super simple. 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.

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Now you need to know where the reset button is located. For this model of D'link you can find it on the back panel. In the image below I have circled it in red for you.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DIR-803 router.

Take the end of a paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. 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.

Remember this reset erases every single setting you have ever changed on this device. If you want to avoid this you should try other methods of troubleshooting before you continue.

Login to the Dlink DIR-803

Once you've reset the Dlink DIR-803 router you'll need to log into it. This is done by using the factory default username and password found in our Login Guide.

Tip: If the defaults aren't logging you in 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 suggest setting a new password for it. Remember that this password will only protect your router settings, not your wireless network. Still, setting a strong password is always a good idea. For more information be sure to check out our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Tip: Prevent yourself from losing your new password by writing it on a sticky note and putting it on the underside of your router.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-803

It is now time to reconfigure the router to the way it was before you reset it. This usually includes the WiFi settings. We have written a guide on that topic. Check it out here in our How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-803.

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Dlink DIR-803 Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DIR-803 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-803. We also have the following guides for the same router: