Setup Router logo in white Setup router name logo in white
Get Software

How to Reset the Dlink DIR-826L

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

This page shows you how to reset the Dlink DIR-826L router back to factory defaults. It's important that you know this is not the same thing as rebooting a router. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the device. When you reset a router you take all the settings and return them all to how they were out of the factory.

Warning: Resetting a router can cause you problems if you don't understand what settings have been changed and what ones have not. Please consider the following:

  • The router's setup username and password are erased. These are then returned to the original factory default ones. This is the number one reason for needing to reset your Dlink DIR-826L router.
  • The Internet name and password are also erased and returned to how they were out of the factory.
  • If you own a DSL router you may need to re-enter the ISP or Internet Service Provider username and password. For further details contact your local ISP.
  • Any other settings you have changed are also erased. It's a good idea to write these down for reconfiguration later.

Other Dlink DIR-826L Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-826L. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DIR-826L

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 faster than ever deal!

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-826L router you need to find the reset button. The manual says that the reset button is found on the back panel but I was unable to find it there. A very similar router has the reset button on the bottom. I have circled the location for you in the image below.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DIR-826L router.

Take a paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This begins the reset process which can take upwards of a minute or more. If you don't hold the reset button down for long enough you end up only rebooting the device not resetting it.

Remember resetting this router will erase every setting you have ever changed on the device. If you want to avoid that you will need to try other methods of troubleshooting.

Login to the Dlink DIR-826L

Following that you'll need to log into your Dlink DIR-826L router. This is accomplished by using the factory default username and password. We have both of these provided for you in our Login Guide.

Tip: Defaults not logging you in? It could be because the reset button wasn't held for long enough.

Change Your Password

Now that you've logged into your router we recommend setting a new password for it. This can be anything you like, however remember that a strong password consists of 14-20 characters 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-826L

It's time to reconfigure the device. This means setting up the wireless settings again. For a guide on that check out our How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-826L page.

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

NordVPN is the fastest VPN 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-826L Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DIR-826L info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-826L. We also have the following guides for the same router: