Setup Router logo in white Setup router name logo in white
Get Software

How to Reset the Linksys EA8500

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

Here on this page I will be showing you how to properly reset the Linksys EA8500 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 the router cycles the power to the unit. Absolutely no settings are changed. When I reset a router all my personal data on the router is erased. Every setting is reverted back to factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting the Linksys EA8500 router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. It's a very good idea to make a list of all the possible settings you have changed in the past. These settings will include:

  • The router's main username and password.
  • The wireless settings such as SSID, encryption and Internet password.
  • If you own a DSL router you need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider username and password. If you don't know these call your ISP.
  • Any other settings such as port forwards or IP address changes also are erased so be sure to write these down as well.

Other Linksys EA8500 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys EA8500 1.1.4.169978. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys EA8500

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.

Below is an image of the back panel of the Linksys EA8500 router. Take note of where the reset button/pinhole is located.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys EA8500 router.

First, be sure the router is on. Then take a small sharp object and press down on the reset button for at least 10 seconds. This begins the reset process which sometimes takes several minutes to complete. I have come across one router that warns it could take upwards of 30 minutes. 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 intended.

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

Remember this reset erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. It is a very good idea to try other methods of troubleshooting before you continue with this reset.

Login to the Linksys EA8500

Now that you have finished resetting the router, you will need to login to it using the default password, username, and IP address. Not sure what these are? Check them out in our Login Guide for the Linksys EA8500 router.

Tip: If the defaults don't work the router might not have been properly reset. Try resetting it again but hold down the button for a little longer this time.

Change Your Password

After you successfully login to the router you should consider changing the password. The default password is easy to guess and not secure. If you need help making a secure password be sure to visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: Avoid losing your new password by writing it down on a sticky note or some other paper and attach it to the bottom of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys EA8500

Next, you can begin to reconfigure the router settings back to how you like them. Make sure that you also configure the WiFi settings. Our Linksys EA8500 WiFi Instructions will make securing your network an easy process.

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 EA8500 Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys EA8500 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys EA8500 1.1.4.169978. We also have the following guides for the same router: