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How to Reset the Linksys E3000

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

Have you been trying to login to the Linksys E3000 router without success? It might be time to consider a reset. When you reset a router it is not the same thing as rebooting a router. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the unit. When you reset the router you take all the settings and return them all to factory defaults.

Warning: This means all your personal data is erased. We strongly encourage you to try other methods of troubleshooting before you continue. It is then a good idea to make a list of all the settings you may of changed in the past as these will all need to be reconfigured afterwards. In this list should be:

  • The router's main username and password.
  • The WiFi username and 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.
  • Any port forwards or IP addresses you have changed.

Other Linksys E3000 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys E3000. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys E3000

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.

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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 panel of the Linksys E3000 router. I have circled the reset button for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys E3000 router.

First be sure the router is on. Then take a straightened paperclip or similar object 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 long enough you end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you intended.

Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router during the reset process, even if it seems to be taking a long time. Doing so could cause permanent damage to the device.

Remember a reset like this is erasing every single setting you have ever changed in the past. Please consider all your other options first.

Login to the Linksys E3000

Now that you've reset the Linksys E3000 router you'll need to log into it. Accomplish this by using the factory default username and password. We have these provided for your use in our Login Guide.

Tip: Defaults not working for you? It could be because the reset button wasn't held down for long enough.

Change Your Password

After you've successfully reset and logged into your router we suggest setting a new password for it. This can be whatever you like, however bear in mind that a strong password is 14-20 characters in length and contains no personal information. For more help be sure to visit our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Tip: Afraid of losing your new password? Try writing it on a sticky note and attaching it to the bottom of your router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys E3000

Don't forget to reconfigure your WiFi settings next. Take a look at the How to Setup WiFi on the Linksys E3000 guide for easy to follow instructions.

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 E3000 Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys E3000 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys E3000. We also have the following guides for the same router: