How to Reset the Dlink DWL-G800AP

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

This page shows you how to reset the Dlink DWL-G800AP router back to factory defaults. A reset is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot your router you cycle the power to the device. When you reset your router you take all the settings and revert them to factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting this router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. We recommend making a list of any settings you may have changed during the lifetime of this router. Take time to consider the following list:

  • The router username and password.
  • The Internet name and password.
  • If this is a DSL router you have to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. For more details call your local ISP.
  • Have you made any other changes to your router? How about port forwards or IP address changes?

Other Dlink DWL-G800AP Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWL-G800AP. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DWL-G800AP

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.

Begin by locating the reset button on your router. For the Dlink DWL-G800AP you can find it on the back panel. I have found it for you and circled it in the image below.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DWL-G800AP router.

With the router on, take a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds to begin the reset process. If you simply press and release the reset button you may only reboot the device instead of resetting.

Remember this reset is going to erase every single setting you have ever changed on this router. We suggest trying other methods of troubleshooting before you reset the router.

Login to the Dlink DWL-G800AP

After you have finished resetting the Dlink DWL-G800AP router you need to login using the default IP address, username and password for your particular router. If you don't know what these values are you should use our Login Guide.

Tip: If the defaults didn't work it is possible you have not held the reset button down for long enough.

Change Your Password

Okay, you should now be logged in. The first thing you should do is change the default password you just used. This password will be protecting the router's settings. We have a guide called Choosing a Strong Password if you need it.

Tip: One way to avoid losing this password is to write it down on a piece of paper and sticking it to the underside of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DWL-G800AP

It is now time to begin the reconfiguration process. Don't forget the WiFi settings. For a great guide on the topic, check out our How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DWL-G800AP.

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 DWL-G800AP Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DWL-G800AP info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWL-G800AP. We also have the following guides for the same router: