How to Reset the Linksys EA9500

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

Here I will describe how to reset the Linksys EA9500 router.

Before I begin it is very important that you know a reset is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a router you are simply cycling the power to the device. Absolutely no settings are changed during a reboot. When you reset a router you are getting rid of all your personal data. Every setting you have ever changed is erased and returned to factory defaults.

Warning: A factory reset is a big step. Make sure you understand that ALL your personal data will be gone. You need to reconfigure the router after the reset is complete. I recommend making a list of all the settings you have ever changed in the past. These settings include:

  • The router's main username and password used to access the router setup pages.
  • The wireless information such as the network name, encryption and Internet password.
  • If you have a DSL router you need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. Call your local ISP for these details.
  • Any other settings such as port forwards or IP address changes need to be written down as well.

Other Linksys EA9500 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys EA9500. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys EA9500

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Below is an image of the back panel of the Linksys EA9500 router. I have circled the reset button for you in red. Take note that the reset button is more of a pinhole. This is to avoid accidental resets.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys EA9500 router.

While the router remains on, take a sharp object such as a pin or straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This starts the reset process. 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 wanted.

Warning: Sometimes a reset takes quite a while to complete. DO NOT unplug or turn off the Linksys EA9500 router during this process. Doing so could cause permanent damage to the unit.

Remember a reset erases ALL your personal data. I strongly recommend trying other methods of fixing the specific problem you are having before you decide to reset the Linksys EA9500 router.

Login to the Linksys EA9500

After the reset is complete you will need to login to your router by using the default login information. This includes the default IP address, username, and password. All of this information can be found in our Login Guide for the Linksys EA9500 router.

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

Change Your Password

The password for your router should be changed from the default as soon as possible. Leaving the default password in place can put your router at risk. Try to make your new password 14-20 characters long and have it contain no personal information. For additional advice on making a secure password visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: If you are worried about losing your password you might want to try writing it down on some paper and attaching it to the base of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys EA9500

Finally, it is time to begin re-configuring the router's settings. Don't forget to also secure your network by configuring the WiFi settings. If you would like an easy to follow guide on this process, see our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys EA9500 router.

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Linksys EA9500 Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys EA9500 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys EA9500. We also have the following guides for the same router: