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How to Reset the Linksys EA4500 Smart Wi-Fi

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

On this page I will show you how to reset the Linksys EA4500 Smart Wi-Fi router back to the original factory defaults.

There is some confusion about between a reset and 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 to factory defaults.

Warning: This means every setting you have ever changed is erased during a reset. It is a very good idea to create a list of all the settings you have changed in the past. These settings include:

  • The router's main username and password. This protects the router interface pages.
  • The WiFi settings. These include the SSID, encryption and Internet password.
  • Is this a DSL router? If it is you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. Call your local provider for the details.
  • What other settings have you changed in the past? Have you port forwarded or changed any IP addresses? Don't forget to write these down as well.

Other Linksys EA4500 Smart Wi-Fi Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys EA4500 Smart Wi-Fi. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys EA4500 Smart Wi-Fi

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  • 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.

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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.

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Below is an image of the back panel. I have circled the reset button/pinhole for you.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys EA4500 Smart Wi-Fi router.

While the router is on take a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button/pinhole for about 10 seconds. If you don't hold this button down for the entire amount of time required to reset the router you might end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

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

Remember a reset erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. Please consider other options first.

Login to the Linksys EA4500 Smart Wi-Fi

Next you will need to login to the router using the default IP address, password, and username. We have found this information for you and included it in our Linksys EA4500 Smart Wi-Fi Login Guide.

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

Change Your Password

Now that you have logged in to the router you should consider changing the password from the default. Default passwords are easy to guess, making them terrible passwords. If you need any help coming up with a secure password for your router, check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: Worried about losing your new password? Write it down on a piece of paper and attach it to the bottom of the router for future reference.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys EA4500 Smart Wi-Fi

As you begin to reconfigure the router settings, remember to also configure the wireless settings and secure your network. Our Linksys EA4500 Smart Wi-Fi WiFi Instructions will make this important step easy to accomplish.

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Linksys EA4500 Smart Wi-Fi Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys EA4500 Smart Wi-Fi info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys EA4500 Smart Wi-Fi. We also have the following guides for the same router: