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How to Reset the Linksys WAG54G

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Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 5 minutes

On this page I will describe how to properly reset the Linksys WAG54Gv2 router back to factory defaults.

There is understandably a lot of confusion between the terms reset and reboot. When you reboot a router like this one you are only cycling the power to the unit. When you reset a router you are taking all the settings and returning them all to factory defaults. ALL your personal data will be lost.

Warning: Resetting the Linksys WAG54Gv2 router is a big step. I highly recommend making a list of all the possible settings you have changed in the past. Some of these settings include:

  • The router's main username and password. These are used to access the router's setup pages.
  • The router's wireless settings are erased and reverted back to factory defaults as well.
  • If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. If you don't know these values call your service provider.
  • What other settings have you changed in the past? Have you ever forwarded a port or changed an IP address? These are all erased.

Other Linksys WAG54G Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WAG54G v2. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WAG54G

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.
  • 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.

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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.

In the image below I have circled the reset button for you in red. Notice where it is and try and find it on your router at home.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WAG54G router.

The first step in a factory reset is to make sure the router remains on and plugged in. Then take a sharp object such as a straightened paperclip or similar object and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. If you don't hold this button down for the full 10 seconds you may end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you planned.

Caution: DO NOT unplug or turn off your machine. Turning the router off in the middle of a reset can cause permanent damage to the device.

Remember this reset is going to erase every single setting you have ever changed in the past. Please consider other troubleshooting methods before you continue.

Login to the Linksys WAG54G

Upon completing the router reset you will need to login to your Linksys WAG54Gv2 router by using the default IP address, password, and username. If you are unsure of what these are you can find them in our Linksys WAG54Gv2 Login Guide.

Tip: Unable to login with the defaults? The router might have not been properly reset. Try resetting it again, but this time hold down the reset button for a little longer.

Change Your Password

Now that you have successfully logged into your router you should change the default password as soon as possible. Try to make your new password unique and be 14-20 characters long. Check out our Choosing a Strong Password for more advice on making a seucre password.

Tip: Keep from losing your password by writing it down on a note of some kind and attaching it to the bottom of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WAG54Gv2

Tip: Finally, it is time to begin reconfiguring the router settings back to how you like them. Don't forget to also configure the wireless settings in order to secure your network. To get started on this process, visit our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WAG54Gv2 router.

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Linksys WAG54G Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WAG54G info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WAG54G v2. We also have the following guides for the same router: