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How to Reset the Linksys BEFSR81v2

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

If you have been have been trying to login to the Linksys BEFSR81v2 router with no success it might be time to consider a reset.

Resetting a router differs from rebooting a router yet these two words are used to express both. In this guide when I use the term reboot I am referring to a cycle in the power to the device. When I use the term reset I am referring to a full restore of all settings back to factory defaults.

Warning: This reset is a big step and should not be taken lightly. Only do a reset after you have tried other methods of troubleshooting and still are having problems. We recommend making a list of all the possible settings you may of changed in the past. These settings will include:

  • The router's main username and password.
  • Have you forwarded any ports or changed any IP addresses? These should be written down as well.

Other Linksys BEFSR81v2 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys BEFSR81v2. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys BEFSR81v2

The first step in a reset is to find the reset button. I have found an image of the back panel of the Linksys BEFSR81v2 router and circled the reset button for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys BEFSR81v2 router.

Take a straightened paperclip and while the router is on press down on the reset button until the front Diag LED light goes on and then off again. After the Diag light goes out release the reset button. 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! If you do it could cause permanent damage to the device.

This reset erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. It is very important that you try other methods of troubleshooting before you decide on a reset.

Login to the Linksys BEFSR81v2

Now that the reset is complete you need to login to the router interface to make some changes. Make sure to use the default IP address, username and password when doing this. We have gathered all this information for you and included it in our Linksys BEFSR81v2 Login Guide.

Tip: If the defaults didn't work, don't panic yet. You may of accidentally rebooted the router instead of resetting it like you wanted. Try the reset again.

Change Your Password

It is now time to change the default password. To do this follow the instructions in 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 stick it to the bottom of the router for next time.

Linksys BEFSR81v2 Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys BEFSR81v2 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys BEFSR81v2. We also have the following guides for the same router: