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How to Reset the Edimax AR-7286WnA

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

Here on this page I will show you how to reset the Edimax AR-7286WnA router back to factory defaults. Before I begin I need to explain the difference between a reset and a reboot. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the unit. When you reset a router you take all the settings and return them all to factory defaults.

Warning: A reset like this should only be done after you have exhausted other troubleshooting methods. Make a list of all settings you may of changed in the past. Things you need to consider:

  • The main router access username and password are erased and returned to factory defaults.
  • The Internet name and password are also erased and returned to factory defaults.
  • If this happens to be a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. Call your local ISP for the details.
  • Have you made any other changes such as port forwards or IP Address changes? Write these down in your list as well.

Other Edimax AR-7286WnA Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Edimax AR-7286WnA. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Edimax AR-7286WnA

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:

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  • 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.

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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.

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Do you know where the reset button is located? On this particular model you can find it on the back panel. I have found an image of the Edimax AR-7286WnA back panel and circled the reset button for you.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Edimax AR-7286WnA router.

To press this tiny reset button/pinhole you need to find a sharp object such as a straightened out paperclip. While the router is on, press down and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds. If you don't hold this button down for the entire amount of time you end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Please don't forget that this erases every single setting you have ever changed on this device. We strongly recommend that you try other methods of troubleshooting before you decide to reset the Edimax AR-7286WnA router.

Login to the Edimax AR-7286WnA

Once you've reset your Edimax AR-7286WnA router you'll want to log into it. This is done by using the factory default username and password listed for your use in our Login Guide.

Tip: Defaults not logging you in? It could be because the reset button wasn't held down for long enough.

Change Your Password

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

Tip: Keep yourself from losing your new password by writing it on a slip of paper and taping it to the underside of your router.

Setup WiFi on the Edimax AR-7286WnA

Begin the reconfiguration process. This needs to include the WiFi settings. For a great guide on this topic check out our How to Setup WiFi on the Edimax AR-7286WnA page.

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Edimax AR-7286WnA Help

Be sure to check out our other Edimax AR-7286WnA info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Edimax AR-7286WnA. We also have the following guides for the same router: