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How to Reset the Linksys E900

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

On this page I will show you how to properly reset the Linksys E900 router back to the original factory defaults.

This is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the unit. When you reset a router you take all the settings and return them all to factory defaults. This means every setting you have ever changed is erased and returned to factory defaults.

Warning: Try other troubleshooting methods before deciding to reset the Linksys E900 router. A reset is a big step and should not be taken lightly. It is a good idea to create a list of all the possible settings you changed during the life of this router. These settings could include:

  • The router's main username and password.
  • The WiFi SSID and password.
  • If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. Call your local ISP for these details.
  • Finally, write down any other settings such as port forwards or IP address changes. These are erased as well.

Other Linksys E900 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys E900. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys E900

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.

The first step is to find the reset button on the outside of the device. For the Linksys E900 router you can find it on the back panel. Take a look at the image below.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys E900 router.

While the router is on take a straightened paperclip or other similar object and press down on the reset button for about 5 to 10 seconds until all the port lights flash at the same time. What is a port light? Check out the image below.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys E900 router.

If you don't hold the reset button down until all the lights flash you might only reboot the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Warning: DO NOT turn off the router or unplug it during the reset process. Doing so could permanently damage the device.

Don't forget this erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. We strongly urge you to try other methods of troubleshooting before you continue.

Login to the Linksys E900

Next, you will need to login to the Linksys E900 router using the default IP address, password, and username. We have found this login information for you and compiled it in our Linksys E900 Login Guide.

Tip: Defaults not working? You might not have held down the reset button for long enough.

Change Your Password

The default password for your router is likely easy to guess and not very secure. It is important that you change this password to something more secure and unique. Our Choosing a Strong Password guide can help you get started on coming up with a strong password.

Tip: Try writing your new password down on a note and attach it to the bottom of the router for future reference.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys E900

The next step is to secure your WiFi network by configuring the wireless settings. For some easy to follow instructions on this check out our Linksys E900 WiFi Instructions.

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

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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 E900 Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys E900 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys E900. We also have the following guides for the same router: