On this page you will learn how to reset the Dlink DWR-953 router back to factory defaults. There is a lot of confusion as to what exactly a reset is. In this guide when I use the word reset I am not referring to a reset. A reset is where all the settings are returned to factory defaults. A reboot is simply a cycle in the power to the unit.
Warning: Resetting this device erases all your personal information. Only do a reset if you have already tried other troubleshooting techniques first. I recommend creating a list of all the possible settings that may be erased. These settings could include:
- The router's main username and password.
- The Internet name, encryption and password.
- If you have a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. Call your Internet provider for these details.
- Have you made any other changes to this device? How about port forwards or IP address changes?
Other Dlink DWR-953 Guides
This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWR-953. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Reset the Dlink DWR-953
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.
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.
It is now time to find the reset button. For the Dlink DWR-953 router you can find it on the front panel. I have circled it in the image below.
While the router is powered on take a straight paperclip or similar object and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This begins the reset process. Make sure you hold the reset button down for a full 10 seconds. If you don't you might end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it.
Warning: Do not unplug or turn off the Dlink DWR-953 router during the actual reset process. Doing so could result in permanent damage to the unit.
This reset erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. Please consider other options first.
Login to the Dlink DWR-953
Now that the router reset is complete you will need to login to it. To accomplish this you will need the default IP address, username, and password. If you are unsure of what these are we have compiled them for you in our Login Guide for the Dlink DWR-953 router.
Tip: Defaults not working? Try resetting the router again, but this time hold down the reset button for a little longer.
Change Your Password
Once you successfully login to the router you should consider changing the password as soon as possible. Default passwords are easy to guess, making them terrible password. If you need any help on coming up with a secure password, visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide.
Tip: To prevent from losing your password, try writing it down on some paper and attach it to the underside of the router.
Setup WiFi on the Dlink DWR-953
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Dlink DWR-953 Help
Be sure to check out our other Dlink DWR-953 info that you might be interested in.
This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWR-953. We also have the following guides for the same router: