Setup Router logo in white Setup router name logo in white
Get Software

How to Reset the Linksys E2000

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

In this guide I will walk you through the steps to reset the Linksys E2000 router back to it's original factory defaults.

There is a lot of confusing with the term reset. When I use the term reset I do not mean a reboot. Rebooting a router is simply cycling the power to the device. Resetting a router takes all the settings you have changed and changes them back to factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting this device is a big step. All your personal data is erased. We recommend making a list of all the settings you may of changed in the past. This could include:

  • the router's main username and password.
  • the WiFi information such as SSID and Internet password.
  • if this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP username and password. Call your ISP for these details.
  • What other settings have you changed? How about port forwards or IP address changes.

Other Linksys E2000 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys E2000. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys E2000

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 faster than ever deal!

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 E2000 router. I have circled the reset button for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys E2000 router.

First be sure the router is on. Then take a sharp object such as a straightened paperclip or pin and press down on the reset button for approximately 10 seconds. This starts the reset process which sometimes takes several minutes to complete. If you don't hold the reset button down long enough you might end up simply rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router during this process. Doing so could irreparable damage to the device.

Don't forget a reset erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. Please consider other troubleshooting methods before you continue.

Login to the Linksys E2000

After you've successfully reset the Linksys E2000 router you'll need to log into it. This is done by using the factory default username and password. Not sure where you can find these? We have them listed for your use in our Login Guide.

Tip: If the defaults aren't working for you it might be because the reset button wasn't held down for long enough.

Change Your Password

Following that you'll want to set a new password for your router. This can be whatever you like, however bear in mind that a strong password is 14-20 characters in length and includes no personal information. For more help be sure to take a look through our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

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

Setup WiFi on the Linksys E2000

Finally it is time to reconfigure the Linksys E2000 router. This needs to include the WiFi settings. Follow our Linksys E2000 WiFi Instructions for easy to follow steps.

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 E2000 Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys E2000 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys E2000. We also have the following guides for the same router: