How to Reset the Linksys SPA-2002

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

On this page I will show you how to reset the Linksys SPA-2002 back to the factory defaults.

There is a lot of confusion between a reset and a reboot. When I use the term reboot I am only referring to a cycle in the power to the device. When I use the term reset I am referring to a full factory restore of all settings.

Warning: Resetting the Linksys SPA-2002 is a big step. The Internet Service Provider for this router requires you to contact them first. You are unable to reset unless you have the web utility password from them. If they allow you to reset the Linksys SPA-2002 I recommend making a list of all the settings you may of changed in the past. These settings might include:

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

Other Linksys SPA-2002 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys SPA-2002. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys SPA-2002

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.

To reset the Linksys SPA-2002 you need the password from your Internet Service Provider. You will need to call them for the password in order to reset the Linksys SPA-2002.

To enter the password you need to use the keypad of the phone connected to the Linksys SPA-2002. Use the keypad as follows:

  • upper or lower case a,b,c press 2
  • upper or lower case d,e,f press 3
  • upper or lower case g,h,i press 4
  • upper or lower case j,k,l press 5
  • upper or lower case m,n,o press 6
  • upper or lower case p,q,r,s press 7
  • upper or lower case t,u,v press 8
  • upper or lower case w,x,y,z press 9
  • all other characters press 0

Once you have entered in the ISP password use the keypad to enter 73738

To confirm this you need to type in 1. If you want to cancel type * on your keypad.

Wait until you hear Option Successful then hang up.

At this point the device will reset then reboot. When it is finished the Linksys SPA-2002 will be reset to factory defaults.

Warning: DO NOT interrupt a reset. Doing so could cause permanent damage to the device.

Remember a reset like this one erases all personal data on the device. I recommend trying other troubleshooting methods before you decide to reset.

Login to the Linksys SPA-2002

The next step after the reset is to login to your Linksys SPA-2002 router. To do this you will need the default IP address, username, and password. You can find this information in our Login Guide for the Linksys SPA-2002 router, be sure to check it out.

Change Your Password

After you login to the router, make sure that you change the password as soon as possible to keep your router secure. A good password is unique, contains no personal information, and is about 14-20 characters long. If you need any additional advice on coming up with a good password visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

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

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 SPA-2002 Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys SPA-2002 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys SPA-2002. We also have the following guides for the same router: