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How to Reset the Dlink DIR-860L

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

On this page you will learn how to properly reset the Dlink DIR-860L router back to it's original factory defaults.

Before I begin I need to explain the difference between a reset and a reboot. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the device. When you reset a router you do a complete factory restore of all settings.

Warning: This means every single setting you have ever changed is erased. It is extremely helpful to create a list of all the settings you have changed in the past. Consider the following:

  • If you have a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP or Internet Service Provider username and password. For more details contact your ISP.
  • The router's main username and password are also reverted back to factory defaults.
  • If you have a DSL router you need to enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) user name and password. Call your ISP for the details.
  • Have you made any other changes to your router? Write these down so they can be reconfigured later.

Other Dlink DIR-860L Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-860L. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DIR-860L

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 first step is to know where the reset button is located. We found the reset button for you on the bottom panel.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DIR-860L router.

Take a pin or paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This begins the reset process. 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 is erasing every single setting you have ever set on the device. If you want to avoid this you need to try other methods of troubleshooting.

Login to the Dlink DIR-860L

Next you'll need to log into your Dlink DIR-860L router. This is accomplished by using the factory default username and password we have provided for you in our Login Guide.

Tip: Defaults not logging you in? Try holding the reset button down for longer.

Change Your Password

After you've logged into your router we suggest setting a new password for it. Keep in mind that this password will protect your router settings only, not your wireless network. Still, setting a strong password is always a good idea. For help in doing so be sure to take a look through our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

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

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-860L

Finally let's check on the WiFi settings. For a guide on this topic check out our How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-860L page.

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NordVPN faster than ever 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-860L Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DIR-860L info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-860L. We also have the following guides for the same router: