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How to Reset the Dlink DIR-820L

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

With this guide I will be explaining how to reset the Dlink DIR-820L router back to factory defaults. It needs to be mentioned that this is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the device. When you reset a router you erase every setting that was ever changed and they are returned to factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting this router can cause additional problems for you if you are unaware of what settings are changed and what ones are not. Some things you need to consider before continuing are:

  • The router user interface name and password are erased and returned to factory defaults.
  • The Internet name and password are also erased and returned to factory values.
  • If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP username and password to uses the Internet again. Call your local Internet Service Provider for the details.
  • Have you ever made any other changes to your device? Have you forwarded any ports or changed any IP addresses? These are all erased and need to be reconfigured after the reset is complete.

Other Dlink DIR-820L Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-820L. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DIR-820L

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 reset button for the Dlink DIR-820L router is located on the bottom panel of the device. Take a look at the image we have provided.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DIR-820L router.

While the router is on, take a straightened paperclip to press and hold the reset button for about 6 seconds to begin the reset process. If you don't hold the reset button down for long enough you may end up rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Remember this reset erases every single setting you have ever changed on your device. If you want to try and avoid this loss of information we recommend trying other methods of fixing the problem you are having.

Login to the Dlink DIR-820L

Once you've reset the Dlink DIR-820L router you should log back into it. This is done by using the default username and password. Don't know where to get these? We have them provided for you in our Login Guide.

Tip: If the defaults aren't logging you in try holding the reset button down for longer.

Change Your Password

After resetting your router you should set a new password for it. Keep in mind that this password will only protect your router settings and not your wireless network. However, setting a strong password is always a good idea. For help in doing so be sure to visit our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Tip: Avoid 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-820L

Now it's time to check on the wireless settings. We have created a guide to help you setup your network security. Check it out here on our How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-820L page.

Don't forget to sign up for NordVPN's promo deal before it's gone.

NordVPN is the fastest VPN deal!

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Dlink DIR-820L Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DIR-820L info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-820L. We also have the following guides for the same router: