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How to Reset the Dlink DWR-921

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Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 4 minutes

On this page I will show you how to reset the Dlink DWR-921 back to it's original factory default settings. Before I begin I need to explain the difference between a reset and a reboot. When you reboot something you cycle the power to the device. When you reset something you are telling the router to erase any settings that have been changed since it came from the factory.

Warning: This reset is going to erase every single setting you have ever changed on your device. Don't take a reset lightly. We recommend making a list of all the settings that you have changed. Things that you may not consider are:

  • The router's main username and password are erased and returned to the original factory default setting.
  • The Internet name and password are 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. Find out what these are by calling your local ISP.
  • If you have ever changed any other settings, write them down so you can remember to reconfigure them later.

Other Dlink DWR-921 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWR-921 v2.01. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DWR-921

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 finding the reset button on the outside of the device. For this specific router you can find it on the front panel of the device. Take a look at the image below. I have circled the reset button in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DWR-921 router.

While the router is on, take a straight paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. If you don't hold this down for the full 10 seconds you might end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

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

Login to the Dlink DWR-921

Now that you've reset your Dlink DWR-921 router you'll want to log into it. Do this by using the default username and password provided for your use in our Login Guide.

Tip: Defaults not logging you in? Try holding the reset button down for longer.

Change Your Password

After you've reset and logged into your router we recommend setting a new password for it. This can be whatever you want it to be, 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: Keep from losing your new password by writing it on a sticky note and attaching it the underside of your router.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DWR-921

Now you can begin the reconfiguration process. A good place to start is the WiFi settings. An easy to follow guide can be found on the How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DWR-921 page.

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NordVPN is the fastest VPN deal!

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Dlink DWR-921 Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DWR-921 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWR-921 v2.01. We also have the following guides for the same router: