How to Reset the Linksys BEFSR41

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

On this page I will show you how to properly reset the Linksys BEFSR41v3 router back to the original factory default settings.

There is some confusion on 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: Resetting this router is a big step. Please don't take this lightly. A reset erases every single personal setting you have ever changed. I recommend creating a list of all the settings you have ever changed in the past. These settings will include:

  • The router's main username and password used to access the interface.
  • Any port forwarding you have done in the past.
  • Any parental controls you have in place.
  • Changed IP addresses, DNS servers, etc...

Other Linksys BEFSR41 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys BEFSR41 v3-v4-v5. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys BEFSR41

The image below shows the reset button for you.

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

While the router remains on, take a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This should start the reset process which can take several minutes to complete. If you don't hold the reset button down for long enough you might end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you intended.

Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off the device during the reset process. Doing so could cause permanent damage to the unit.

Please remember a reset like this one erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. We strongly recommend trying other troubleshooting methods before you continue.

Login to the Linksys BEFSR41

The next step is to login to the device. To do this properly you need to use the factory default values. These include the IP address, username and password. We have compiled all this information for you in our Linksys BEFSR41v3 Login Guide.

Tip: Don't panic if the defaults didn't work. An easy mistake to make is to not hold the reset button down long enough. This results in a reboot instead of a reset.

Change Your Password

After a successful login you need to change the password you just used to access the interface. To create a strong password follow the instructions in our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: To avoid losing this password in the future you could write it down on a slip of paper and attach it to the bottom of the router for future reference.

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 v3-v4-v5. We also have the following guides for the same router: