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How to Reset the Dlink DSL-2900AL

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

On this page we are showing you how to properly reset the Dlink DSL-2900AL router back to it's original factory defaults. This is not a reboot. When you reboot a router you are only cycling the power to the device. When you reset a router you take every setting and return them all back to factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting a router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. It would be a great idea to make a list of all the settings you know will be changed. We went ahead and started the list for you:

  • The main username and password for the router's interface.
  • The name and password for your Internet connection.
  • If this is an DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. You need to call your local ISP for the details.
  • Have you ever changed anything else on this router? Have you ever forwarded a port or changed an IP address for any reason? These are all erased and need to be reconfigured after the reset is complete.

Other Dlink DSL-2900AL Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DSL-2900AL. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DSL-2900AL

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.

Begin by finding the reset button on the device itself. For the Dlink DSL-2900AL router you can find it on the bottom panel. Take a look at the image below for more of an idea.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DSL-2900AL router.

Taking a straight paperclip press and hold down this reset button/pinhole for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to simply press and release this button as it may only reboot the router instead of resetting it.

Please remember a reset like the one you are about to do will erase every single setting you have ever changed on this device. It is a good idea to try other methods of fixing your problem before you resort to a factory reset like this.

Login to the Dlink DSL-2900AL

After you've reset your Dlink DSL-2900AL router you'll need to log into it. This is accomplished by using the factory default username and password. Not sure where to get these? Not to worry. We have them listed for you in our Login Guide.

Tip: If the defaults aren't logging you in try holding the reset button down for longer.

Change Your Password

Once you've logged into your router we recommend 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 help be sure to visit our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Tip: Prevent yourself from losing your new password by writing it on a sticky note and attaching it to the bottom of your router.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DSL-2900AL

Finally you need to reconfigure the WiFi settings so your local network is secure. Our guide on that subject will take you step by step through the process. Check it out here on the page called How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DSL-2900AL.

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-2900AL Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DSL-2900AL info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DSL-2900AL. We also have the following guides for the same router: