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How to Reset the Dlink DSL-2740R

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

This page is about resetting the Dlink DSL-2740R router back to factory defaults. A reset is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the device. No settings are changed in a reboot. When you reset a router every single setting you have ever changed is erased.

Warning: This reset can cause problems for you if you don't know what settings are changed and what ones are not. Things you need to consider are:

  • The router's main username and password are erased and returned to factory defaults.
  • The Internet name and password are also erased and returned to factory defaults.
  • If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP or Internet Service Provider username and password. Call your ISP for the details.
  • Finally if you have ever forwarded a port or changed an IP address, these are all erased and returned to factory defaults.

Other Dlink DSL-2740R Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DSL-2740R. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DSL-2740R

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 in this reset is to find the reset button on the device itself. We have found it for you and circled the location in the image below.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DSL-2740R router.

Take a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 15 seconds. This begins the reset process which could take up to a minute or more. If you don't hold this button down for the entire 15 seconds you may end up only rebooting the device instead of resetting it like you planned.

Remember this reset is going to erase every single setting you have ever changed on this device. If you want to try and avoid this loss we recommend trying other troubleshooting methods first.

Login to the Dlink DSL-2740R

Once you've reset your Dlink DSL-2740R router we suggest setting a new password for it. This is done 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 aren't logging you in it could be because the reset button wasn't held down for long enough.

Change Your Password

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

Tip: Afraid of losing your new password? Try writing it on a note and taping it to the bottom of your router.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DSL-2740R

It is time to start re-configuring the router back to how you want it. This should the WiFi settings. For a great guide on this topic check out our page called How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DSL-2740R.

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Dlink DSL-2740R Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DSL-2740R info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DSL-2740R. We also have the following guides for the same router: