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

How to Reset the Linksys WAG160N

Thumbnail image of Setup Router Staff
Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 4 minutes

If you cannot log in to the Linksys WAG160N router you might need to reset the device.

There is a big difference between a reset and a reboot. When you reboot a router you are only cycling the power to the unit. When you reset the unit you are taking all the settings and returning them to factory defaults.

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

  • The router's main username and password are reverted back to factory defaults.
  • You lose all the WiFi information. This includes the SSID, encryption and Internet password.
  • If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. Call your provider for these details.
  • Any other settings such as port forwarding or IP address changes are also erased.

Other Linksys WAG160N Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WAG160N. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WAG160N

Use a VPN

Have you considered using a VPN when you connect to the internet? A VPN is a great way to increase your security and anonymity while surfing.

We use and recommend NordVPN because not only is it the fastest VPN, it includes a new feature called Meshnet that makes securely sharing your home network super simple. 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 birthday deal!

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.

Take a look at the image below. I have circled the reset button for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WAG160N router.

The first step is to be sure the Linksys WAG160N router is on.

Then press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This begins the reset process. If you don't hold the reset button down long enough you might end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you planned.

Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off Linksys WAG160N router. Doing so could result in permanent damage to the router.

Don't forget a reset like this one erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. We strongly recommend trying other troubleshooting methods first.

Login to the Linksys WAG160N

Following the reset you will have to login to the router by using the default login information. This includes the default IP address, password, and username. This information can be found in our Login Guide for the Linksys WAG160N router, be sure to check it out.

Tip: If you are unable to login with the defaults, you might have not held down the reset button for long enough. Try resetting the router again but hold down the button for a little longer this time.

Change Your Password

Once you successfully login to the router you should change the password as soon as possible to keep your router secure. Try to make your new password unique and 14-20 characters long. If you need additional help on making a good password, visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: To prevent losing your password, you might want to try writing it down on some paper and attach it to the bottom of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WAG160N

The next step is to begin re-configuring the settings for your router back to the way you like them. Don't forget to also configure the wireless settings. For an easy to follow guide on this important step, check out our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WAG160N router.

Don't forget to sign up for NordVPN's promo deal before it's gone.

NordVPN faster than ever 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 WAG160N Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WAG160N info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WAG160N. We also have the following guides for the same router: