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How to Reset the Linksys WAG200G

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

On this page I will describe how to properly reset the Linksys WAG200G router back to factory defaults.

It is important that before we begin you understand the difference between a reset and a reboot. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the router. When you reset a router you take all the settings and return them to factory defaults. This means all your personal information is lost.

Warning: ALL your personal changes you have done to the Linksys WAG200G router are erased. It is a good idea to make a list of all the possible settings you have changed in the past. These settings should include:

  • the router's main username and password.
  • the WiFi settings such as the SSID, encryption and Internet password.
  • Is this a DSL rotuer? If so you probably need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. To find out what these are you should call your local ISP.
  • Any other settings you have changed like port forwarding or IP address changes are also lost.

Other Linksys WAG200G Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WAG200G. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WAG200G

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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  • 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.

Take a look at the image below. I have circled the reset button for you in red. Notice that this "button" is not actually a button, it is a pinhole.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WAG200G router.

While the Linksys WAG200G router remains on take a sharp object such as a bent paperclip and press down on the reset button for approximately 5 seconds. If you don't hold the reset button down that long you might end up only rebooting the device instead of resetting it like you planned.

DO NOT: unplug or turn off the Linksys WAG200G router during the reset process. If you do you could cause permanent damage to the unit.

Don't forget that after this reset is complete ALL your personal data is gone. I strongly recommend trying other ways to fix the problem you are having before you decide to reset the Linksys WAG200G router.

Login to the Linksys WAG200G

Now that the reset is complete you will need to login to your router using the default login information. Visit our Linksys WAG200G Login Guide to find all of the information you will need to login to your router.

Tip: Defaults not working? You might have accidentally rebooted the router instead of resetting it. Try resetting it again but this time hold down the button for a little longer.

Change Your Password

After you login to the router you should consider changing the default password as soon as possible. Default passwords are not very secure and can leave your router at risk. If you need help getting started on making a good password, check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: Avoid losing your password by writing it down on some paper and attaching it to the underside of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WAG200G

The next step is to secure your wireless network by configuring the WiFi settings. For an easy to understand guide on this important process, follow our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WAG200G router.

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Linksys WAG200G Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WAG200G info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WAG200G. We also have the following guides for the same router: