How to Reset the Dlink DIR-857

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

Have you tried logging into the Dlink DIR-857 router with no success? It might be time to consider a reset. A reset like this one is not the same thing as a reboot. When I reboot the Dlink DIR-857 router I am simply cycling the power to the device. When you reset a router you take all the settings and return them to factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting this router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. Please consider other options first. Make a list of all the possible settings you may of changed in the past. These could include:

  • The router's main username and password.
  • The WiFi SSID and password.
  • If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. You need to call your ISP for these details.
  • Have you made any other changes to the device? How about port forwards or IP addresses?

Other Dlink DIR-857 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-857. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DIR-857

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.

In the image below you can see the back panel of the Dlink DIR-857 router. I have circled the reset button for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DIR-857 router.

While the router remains on take a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. If you don't hold this button down for long enough you might end up only rebooting the router instead of the desired reset.

Warning: Do not unplug or turn off the router during this process. Doing so may result in permanent damage to the device.

It is important that you remember a reset like this one erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. We strongly encourage you to try other troubleshooting methods before you reset.

Login to the Dlink DIR-857

Following that you'll want to log into your Dlink DIR-857 router. This is accomplished by using the factory default username and password we have provided for your use in our Login Guide.

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

Change Your Password

Now that you've successfully reset and logged into your router we suggest setting a new password for it. This can be anything you want it to be, however bear in mind that this password will only protect your router settings, not your wireless network. All the same, setting a strong password is always a good idea. For more help be sure to take a look through our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Tip: Keep from losing your new password by writing it on a slip of paper and attaching it to the bottom of your router.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-857

It is now time to setup the security of your network. To do this we have made a guide for you. Click the link titled Dlink DIR-857 WiFi Instructions. We also have some other guides at the bottom of this page if your interested.

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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-857 Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DIR-857 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-857. We also have the following guides for the same router: