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

How to Reset the Dlink DSL-2540U

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

On this page we will be showing you how to reset the Dlink DSL-2540U router back to it's original factory defaults. This is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot something you cycle the power to the unit. This will solve a lot of the problems you may encounter with this device. When you reset router you take all the settings and return them all to factory defaults.

Warning: This means every single setting you have ever changed is reverted back to the original factory defaults. Making a list of the settings you have changed in the past is a great idea. Consider the following:

  • The router's main username and password used to access the web interface is erased and reverted back to factory defaults.
  • If you have made any other changes such as port forwards or IP addresses be sure to reconfigure these later.

Other Dlink DSL-2540U Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DSL-2540U. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DSL-2540U

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.

Turn this router around so you are looking at the back panel of the device. The reset button/pinhole is located here. I have circled it's location for you in the image below.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DSL-2540U router.

Take a straight paperclip or sharpened pencil and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds to begin the reset process. If you don't hold this button down for long enough you end up only rebooting the unit instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Don't forget that this reset erases all your personal configurations. To avoid this inevitable loss you should try other methods of fixing your router before you decide to reset it.

Login to the Dlink DSL-2540U

After you've reset the Dlink DSL-2540U router you'll need to log into it. This is accomplished by using the factory default username and password. Not sure where to find these? We have them listed for you in our Login Guide.

Tip: If the defaults don't seem to be working for you it might be because the reset button wasn't held down for long enough.

Change Your Password

Now that you've logged into your router we suggest setting a new password for it. This can be whatever you like, however keep in mind that a strong password is 14-20 characters in length and includes no personal information. For more helpful hints be sure to visit our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Tip: To keep from losing your new password try writing it on a note and attaching it the bottom of your router.

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

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 DSL-2540U Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DSL-2540U info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DSL-2540U. We also have the following guides for the same router: