How to Reset the Linksys BEFDSR41W

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

Have you tried to login to the Linksys BEFDSR41W router without success? It might be time to consider a reset. This reset is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot the router you are only cycling the power to the unit. When you reset the router you take all the previously changed settings and return them all to factory defaults.

Warning: This type of reset is a big step and you need to consider the consequences before you continue. One way to do that is make a list of all the settings you have changed in the past. These will all need to be reconfigured after the reset is complete. Some of the settings will include:

  • The router's main interface username and password.
  • Any port forwarding you have done in the past.
  • Parental controls you have in place.
  • IP addresses you have changed.

Other Linksys BEFDSR41W Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys BEFDSR41W. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys BEFDSR41W

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.

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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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Below is an image of the back panel of the Linksys BEFDSR41W router. I have circled the reset button for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys BEFDSR41W router.

While the router is on take a straightened paperclip or similar object and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This should begin the reset process. If you don't hold the reset button down for long enough you end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Caution: Do not unplug or turn off the router during the reset process! Doing so could result in irreparable damage to the router.

Please don't forget a reset like this is going to erase every single setting you have ever changed in the past. We strongly encourage you to try other troubleshooting methods before you continue.

Login to the Linksys BEFDSR41W

It is now time to login to the Linksys BEFDSR41W router. To do this properly you need to use the default IP address, username and password. We have this information for you and it is included in our Login Guide for the Linksys BEFDSR41W router.

Tip: If the defaults did not work it is possible you simply rebooted the router instead of resetting it like you intended. Try resetting it again but hold the reset button down for a bit longer this time.

Change Your Password

The next step is to change the password you just used in the previous step. This password protects your router settings and should be strong. If you need help check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: One way to avoid losing this password is to write it down on a piece of paper and attach it to the bottom of the router for next time.

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Linksys BEFDSR41W Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys BEFDSR41W info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys BEFDSR41W. We also have the following guides for the same router: