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How to Reset the Linksys EA3500

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

Have you been trying unsuccessfully to login to the Linksys EA3500 router? It might be time to consider a reset.

There is a lot of confusion between the term reset and reboot. When I use the term reboot I am referring to a cycle in the power to the unit. When I use the term reset I am referring to a full factory restore of all the settings you have changed in the past.

Warning: Resetting the router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. We recommend trying other methods of fixing your router before you decide on a reset. We also recommend making a list of all the settings you have changed in the past. Below I have started the list for you.

  • The router's main username and password.
  • The WiFi SSID, encryption and Internet password.
  • If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP or Internet Service Provider username and password. You should call your ISP for these details.
  • What other settings have you changed? How about port forwards or IP address changes?

Other Linksys EA3500 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys EA3500. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys EA3500

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 is the fastest VPN!

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.

It is now time to find the reset button. For the Linksys EA3500 router you need to look at the bottom panel of the device. I have circled it for you in the image below.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys EA3500 router.

While the router remains on take a sharp object such as a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 5 to 15 seconds until all the port lights on the back of the router flash at the same time. If you don't know what a port light is check the image below.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys EA3500 router.

If you don't hold the reset button down for long enough you might end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you planned.

Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router during the reset process. Doing so could result in permanent damage to the unit.

Remember a reset like the one you are about to perform WILL erase every personal change you have made to the device during the lifetime of the router. We strongly recommend trying other troubleshooting methods before you continue.

Login to the Linksys EA3500

After resetting the router you will need to login to it. To login to the router you will need the default IP adress, password, and username. We have found this information for you and included it in our Linksys EA3500 Login Guide.

Tip: Defaults not working? It is possible that you didn't hold the reset button for long enough.

Change Your Password

The default password for the router is easy to guess and not very secure, so it should be changed as soon as possible. Remember that a good password contains 14-20 characters and no personal information. If you need any extra help coming up with a password, check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: Avoid losing your password by writing it down on a note and attaching it to the bottom of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys EA3500

Make sure that you secure your network by setting up the wireless networks. For some easy to read instructions on how to do this see our Linksys EA3500 WiFi Instructions.

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

NordVPN birthday 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 EA3500 Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys EA3500 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys EA3500. We also have the following guides for the same router: