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How to Reset the Linksys E3200

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

Have you been trying to login to the Linksys E3200 router unsuccessfully? It might be time to consider a reset. This reset is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a router you simply cycle the power to the device nothing more. When you reset a router you take all the settings you have ever changed and erase them. The reset then reverts all the settings back to how they were when the router left the factory.

Warning: Resetting the router is a big step. Don't take it lightly. We recommend making a list of all the possible settings you have changed in the past. I have started the list for you:

  • 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. You have to call your ISP for these details.
  • What other settings have you changed in the past? How about port forwards or IP address changes?

Other Linksys E3200 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys E3200. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys E3200

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 E3200 router. I have circled the reset button for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys E3200 router.

While the router is on take a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button/pinhole for about 10 seconds. This starts the reset process which can take several minutes to complete. If you don't hold this button down long enough you end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Warning: When resetting this router DO NOT unplug or turn off the router. Doing so could cause permanent damage to the device.

Remember a reset like this one erases every single setting you have ever changed on this device. It is a good idea to try other methods of troubleshooting before you decide to reset.

Login to the Linksys E3200

Once the reset is complete you will need to login to the router. All of the login information will have been set back to the default values. Our Linksys E3200 Login Guide contains all of the information you will need to login to the router.

Tip: If the defaults aren't working, the router might not have been reset properly. Try resetting it again but hold down the button for a little longer.

Change Your Password

Next you should change the password that you just used to login to the router. Default passwords are easy to guess and are not very secure. If you need any help making a secure password check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: Write down your password on a slip of paper and attach it to the bottom of the write so that you won't lose it.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys E3200

After you set your new password you should work on configuring the wireless settings to keep your Wifi network secure. For some simple instructions on this task, see our Linksys E3200 WiFi Instructions.

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NordVPN is the fastest VPN deal!

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Linksys E3200 Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys E3200 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys E3200. We also have the following guides for the same router: