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How to Reset the Linksys RT042

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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 RT042 router back to the original factory defaults.

This is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot something you are only cycling the power to the unit. When you reset something you are erasing all personal data and returning it all to factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting the Linksys RT042 router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. We strongly recommend trying other troubleshooting methods before you continue. It is also a good idea to make a list of all the possible settings you have changed in the past. These could include:

  • The router's interface username and password.
  • All port forwarding you have done.
  • The IP addresses that have been changed.
  • Parental controls, DNS, etc...

Other Linksys RT042 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys RT042. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys RT042

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.

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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.
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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.

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 RT042 router. I have circled the reset button for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys RT042 router.

While the router remains on take a straightened paperclip or pin and press down on the reset button for a full 30 seconds. If you don't hold the reset button down long enough you end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you planned.

Warning: A reset can take awhile to complete so don't lose patience. DO NOT unplug or turn off the router during the reset process. Doing so will most likely cause permanent damage to the router.

Remember a reset like this one erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. It is very important that you try other troubleshooting measures before you continue with a reset.

Login to the Linksys RT042

Following the router reset you will have to login to the router using the default password, username, IP address. We have found this login information for you and have included it in our Login Guide for the Linksys RT042 router.

Tip: If the reset didn't work it is possible you didn't hold the reset button down long enough. Go ahead and give it another try.

Change Your Password

After you login to the router you should change the password as soon as possible to keep your router secure. Not sure what makes up a secure password? Visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide for some handy advice to get you started.

Tip: Worried about losing your password? Try writing it down on some paper and attach it to the bottom of the router.

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Linksys RT042 Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys RT042 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys RT042. We also have the following guides for the same router: