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How to Reset the Linksys WAG54G2-NL

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

On this page I describe how to reset the Linksys WAG54G2-NL router back to factory defaults. This is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the unit. When you reset a router you take all the settings and return them to factory defaults. This means every single setting you have ever changed is erased and reverted back to factory defaults.

Warning: This reset is a big step and should not be taken lightly. We strongly recommend creating a list of all possible settings you have changed in the past. These settings could include:

  • The router's main username and password. These are used to access the router's setup pages.
  • The WiFi settings such as port forwards or IP address changes.
  • If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP or Internet Service Provider username and password. Call your local provider for these details.
  • What other settings have you changed in the past? Have you ever created any port forwards or changed any IP addresses? Make sure to write these down as well.

Other Linksys WAG54G2-NL Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WAG54G2-NL. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WAG54G2-NL

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.

Take a look at the image below. As you can see I have circled the reset button for you in red. Take note that this reset button looks more like a pinhole than a button. This is to avoid any accidental resets.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WAG54G2-NL router.

While the router is on take a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This begins the reset process which can sometimes take upwards or several minutes to complete. If you don't hold the reset button down for long enough you end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you intended.

Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router during the reset process. Doing so could result in rendering your router useless.

Remember this reset erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. I strongly recommend trying other troubleshooting methods before you continue with this reset.

Login to the Linksys WAG54G2-NL

Once the reset is finished you will be required to login to your router by using the default login information. Not sure what this information is? You can find it in our Login Guide for the Linksys WAG54G2-NL router.

Tip: Defaults not working? You might have not held down the reset button for long enough during the router reset. Try resetting it again.

Change Your Password

After you successfully login to your router, you should change the password from the default. The default password is not very secure, so doing this will keep your router safe. Try to make your new password 14-20 characters long. For more advice on making a secure password, check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: Worried about losing your password? Write it down on a slip of paper and attach it to the bottom of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WAG54G2-NL

As you start re-configuring the router settings, make sure that you secure your wireless network by configuring the WiFi settings. See our Linksys WAG54G2-NL WiFi Instructions for easy an easy to follow walkthrough on this process.

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Linksys WAG54G2-NL Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WAG54G2-NL info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WAG54G2-NL. We also have the following guides for the same router: