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How to Reset the Linksys E2500

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

Have you been trying to login to the Linksys E2500 router without success? It might be time to consider a reset.

A reset like the one I will be showing you here is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the unit only. When you reset a router you erase all your personal data and return it all to factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting this router is a big step and should be taken seriously. It is always a good idea to try other options first. Then if you are still sure you want to reset the router make a list of all the settings you need to change after the reset is complete. These settings should include:

  • The router's main username and password.
  • The Wireless SSID and Internet password.
  • If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP or Internet Service Provider username and password. Call your ISP for these details.
  • What other settings have you changed in the past? Make sure to write them all down.

Other Linksys E2500 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys E2500 1.0.03. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys E2500

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 bottom of the Linksys E2500 router. I have circled the reset button for you.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys E2500 router.

First be sure the Linksys E2500 router is powered on. Then take a small sharp object such as a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This initiates the reset process. If you don't hold the reset button down long enough you might only reboot the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Caution: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router during the reset process. You could permanently damage the router.

Remember this type of reset erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. Please consider other troubleshooting methods before you continue.

Login to the Linksys E2500

Following that you'll want to log into your Linksys E2500 router. Do this 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 could be because the reset button wasn't held down for long enough.

Change Your Password

After that you'll want to set a new password for your router. This can be anything you like, however bear in mind that this password will only protect your router settings, not your wireless network. However setting a strong password is always a good idea. For more help be sure to check out our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

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

Setup WiFi on the Linksys E2500

Finally it is time to reconfigure the Linksys E2500 router. This probably includes many different settings. Don't forget to reconfigure the WiFi settings as well. Take a look at our Linksys E2500 WiFi Instructions.

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

NordVPN faster than ever 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 E2500 Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys E2500 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys E2500 1.0.03. We also have the following guides for the same router: