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How to Reset the Dlink DWR-512

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

On this page we will show you how to reset the Dlink DWR-512 router back to the original factory defaults. This is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the device. When you reset the router you take all the settings and return them all to factory defaults.

Warning: This reset is a big step and should not be taken lightly. We recommend taking a moment to create a list of all the settings you have changed in the past. Consider the following:

  • The main username and password are erased and returned to factory defaults.
  • The Internet name and password are also reverted back to factory defaults.
  • If you have a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP username and password. Call your Internet Service Provider for the details.
  • Have you changed any other settings on this device. Make sure to write them down as you will need to re-configure them later.

Other Dlink DWR-512 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWR-512. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DWR-512

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 this reset by finding the reset button on the front panel of this router. In the image below I have circled the reset button in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DWR-512 router.

While the router is on, take a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This begins the reset process. If you don't hold this button down for the entire amount of time you end up only rebooting the device instead of resetting it.

Don't forget that this reset is going to erase every single setting you have ever changed on this device. We recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before continuing.

Login to the Dlink DWR-512

Once you've reset the Dlink DWR-512 router you'll want to log into it. Do this by using the factory default username and password provided for your use in our Login Guide.

Tip: If the defaults aren't logging you in it might be because the reset button wasn't held down for long enough.

Change Your Password

After you've logged into your router we recommend setting a new password for it. This can be anything you want it to be, however keep in mind that a strong password contains no personal information and is 14-20 characters in length. For more help take a look through our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

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

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DWR-512

Finally you need to start the reconfiguration process. We recommend beginning with the WiFi settings. For a good guide on that topic check out our How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DWR-512.

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 DWR-512 Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DWR-512 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWR-512. We also have the following guides for the same router: