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How to Reset the Linksys BEFSR41

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

Have you tried to login to the Linksys BEFSR41v2 router without success? It might be time to consider a reset. When you reset this router it is not the same thing as a reboot. When a reboot is done the router simply restarts. When a reset is done the router erases all the personal settings and returns them to factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting this router means everything you have changed is erased. We strongly recommend trying other troubleshooting methods before you continue. It is also a great idea to write down the settings that you may of changed in the past. For example:

  • the router's main username and password.
  • What other settings have you changed? How about port forwards or parental controls?

Other Linksys BEFSR41 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys BEFSR41 v2. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys BEFSR41

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.

Below is an image of the back panel of the Linksys BEFSR41v2 router. For your convenience I have circled the reset button for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys BEFSR41 router.

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

Warning: Do not unplug or turn off the router during the reset process. Doing so might result in permanent damage to the device.

Remember a reset like this one erases all your personal changes you have made to the device. Please consider other troubleshooting methods before you continue.

Login to the Linksys BEFSR41

You may now login to the Linksys BEFSR41v2 router using the default values. These include the IP address, username and password. Click the Linksys BEFSR41v2 Login Guide link to take you to our login instructions. This guide has all the default values for you.

Tip: If the defaults didn't work it is possible you didn't hold the reset button down for long enough. Try again.

Change Your Password

After a successful login you should change the default password you just used to access the router interface. If you are interested in learning what makes a strong password check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: If you want to avoid losing this password try writing it down on a piece of paper and attaching it to the bottom of the device.

Don't forget to sign up for NordVPN's promo deal before it's gone.

NordVPN is the fastest VPN 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.

Linksys BEFSR41 Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys BEFSR41 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys BEFSR41 v2. We also have the following guides for the same router: