On this page I will describe how to reset the Linksys EA6900 router back to factory defaults.
Before I begin I need to explain the difference between a reset and a reboot. When I reboot a router I cycle the power to the unit only. No settings are changed during a reboot. When I reset a router, all personal data is lost. Every setting is erased and reverted back to factory defaults.
Warning: Resetting this router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. We strongly recommend trying other methods of fixing the problem you are having before you decide to reset. It is recommended that you make up a list of all the settings you have changed in the past. These settings will include:
- The router's main username and password. These are used to access your router's setup pages.
- The WiFi settings such as SSID, encryption and Internet password.
- If this is a DSL router you may need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. Call your local provider for these details.
- Other settings such as port forwards or IP address changes are also erased.
Other Linksys EA6900 Guides
This is the reset router guide for the Linksys EA6900. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Reset the Linksys EA6900
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.
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 a Linksys router. The reset pinhole has been marked.
First, be sure the router remains on. Then take a straightened paperclip or similar object and press down on the reset button/pinhole for about 10 seconds. This begins the reset process which can take several minutes to complete. If you don't hold the reset button down long enough you might end up only rebooting the Linksys EA6900 router instead of resetting it like you wanted.
Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off the Linksys EA6900 router during the reset process. Doing so could cause permanent damage to the device.
Don't forget that this reset erases every single setting you have ever changed. We strongly recommend you exhaust your other troubleshooting methods before you continue.
Login to the Linksys EA6900
Upon finishing the reset you will need to login to the router. To do this you will have to use the default IP address, username, and password. We have found this information for you and have included it in our Linksys EA6900 Login Guide.
Tip: Defaults not working? You might not have held down the reset button for long enough. Try resetting the router again but this time hold down the button for a little longer.
Change Your Password
Your next step should be to change the router's password. This is an important step, because the default password is easy to guess and not secure. If you need assistance making up a secure password, check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide.
Tip: Don't lose this password! Write it down on a sticky note and attach it to the bottom of the router for future reference.
Setup WiFi on the Linksys EA6900
After changing your password, make sure that you secure your wireless network. Our Linksys EA6900 WiFi Instructions will walk you through this important step.
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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 EA6900 Help
Be sure to check out our other Linksys EA6900 info that you might be interested in.
This is the reset router guide for the Linksys EA6900. We also have the following guides for the same router: