On this page we will show you how to reset the Dlink DIR-862L router back to factory defaults. This is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the unit. When you reset a router you take all the settings and return them all to factory defaults.
Warning: This means every single setting you have ever changed is erased and returned to factory defaults. It's helpful to make a list of any settings you have changed in the past. Consider the following:
- The router setup username and password are reverted back to factory defaults.
- The Internet name and password are also reverted back to how they were out of the factory.
- If you use a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. Call your ISP for the details.
- Finally if you have made any other changes such as port forwards or DNS address changes, they are erased.
Other Dlink DIR-862L Guides
This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-862L. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Reset the Dlink DIR-862L
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.
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 in a reset is to find the reset button. This button will look more like a pin-hole. We have located it for you and circled it in the image below. The reset is on the bottom panel of the device.
Take a paperclip and unfold it. Take the end and press the reset button for about 10 seconds. If you don't hold this button down for a long enough period of time you end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it. This causes a lot of confusion.
Remember resetting a router erases every setting you have ever changed on this device. We strongly recommend trying other ways of fixing your problem before you decide to reset.
Login to the Dlink DIR-862L
Once you've logged into your Dlink DIR-862L router you'll need to log into it. This is accomplished by using the factory default username and password. If you're not sure where to find these, don't panic. We have them listed for you in our Login Guide.
Tip: Defaults not logging you in? It could be because the reset button wasn't held down for long enough.
Change Your Password
Next you should set a new password for your router. This can be whatever you want it to be, however keep in mind that a strong password consists of 14-20 characters and includes no personal information. For more helpful hints be sure to visit our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.
Tip: If you're afraid of losing your new password try writing it on a sticky note and putting it on the underside of your router.
Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-862L
It's now time to check on the other settings in your router. One of them should be the WiFi settings. For a detailed guide on that topic check out our How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DIR-862L page.
Don't forget to sign up for NordVPN's promo deal before it's gone.
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-862L Help
Be sure to check out our other Dlink DIR-862L info that you might be interested in.
This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DIR-862L. We also have the following guides for the same router: