On this page I describe how to properly reset the Linksys WAG54G2 router back to factory defaults. There are a couple different ways to reset this router I will be showing you how to do a reset if you are unable to access the router setup pages.
There is a difference between resetting a router and rebooting the router. When you reboot this router you cycle the power the unit. No settings are changed. When you reset this router you take all the settings and return them to factory defaults. All personal data is lost.
Warning: Resetting this device is a big step. It is a good idea to make a list of all the settings you have to change. These settings include:
- The router's access username and password.
- The Wireless settings like the SSID and Internet password.
- Is this a DSL router? If it is you probably have to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. Call your ISP for these details.
- Any other settings like port forwards or changed IP addresses.
Other Linksys WAG54G2 Guides
This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WAG54G2. We also have the following guides for the same router:
- Linksys WAG54G2 - How to change the IP Address on a Linksys WAG54G2 router
- Linksys WAG54G2 - Linksys WAG54G2 User Manual
- Linksys WAG54G2 - Linksys WAG54G2 Login Instructions
- Linksys WAG54G2 - Setup WiFi on the Linksys WAG54G2
- Linksys WAG54G2 - Information About the Linksys WAG54G2 Router
- Linksys WAG54G2 - Linksys WAG54G2 Screenshots
Reset the Linksys WAG54G2
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.
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.
Below is an image of the back panel of the Linksys WAG54G2 router. I have circled the reset button for you in red. Notice that this tiny little button is more of a pinhole than a button. This is to avoid accidentally resetting the device.
When you are ready to reset the Linksys WAG54G2 router be sure the router is on. Then take a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. If you don't hold the button down that long you might end up only rebooting the device instead of resetting it.
Caution: DO NOT turn off or unplug the router during the reset process. Doing so could cause permanent damage to the device.
Don't forget this reset erases every personal setting you have ever changed on the device. Please consider other options first.
Login to the Linksys WAG54G2
Upon finishing the reset you will have to login to your Linksys WAG54G2 router by using the default login information. This includes the default IP address, password, and username. If you don't know this information, check it out in our Linksys WAG54G2 Login Guide.
Tip: If you are unable to login with the default information, you might have improperly reset the router. Try resetting it again, but this time hold down the reset button for a little longer.
Change Your Password
After you login to the router you should change the password as soon as possible. The default password is easy to guess and can leave your router at risk. Try to make your password 14-20 characters long and contain no personal information. For additional help on making a secure password, visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide.
Tip: Worried about losing your password? Try writing it down on a piece of paper and placing it underneath the router.
Setup WiFi on the Linksys WAG54G2
The next step is to secure your wireless network by configuring the WiFi settings. Check out our Linksys WAG54G2 WiFi Instructions for help with this important step.
Don't forget to sign up for NordVPN's promo deal before it's gone.
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 WAG54G2 Help
Be sure to check out our other Linksys WAG54G2 info that you might be interested in.
This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WAG54G2. We also have the following guides for the same router:
- Linksys WAG54G2 - How to change the IP Address on a Linksys WAG54G2 router
- Linksys WAG54G2 - Linksys WAG54G2 User Manual
- Linksys WAG54G2 - Linksys WAG54G2 Login Instructions
- Linksys WAG54G2 - Setup WiFi on the Linksys WAG54G2
- Linksys WAG54G2 - Information About the Linksys WAG54G2 Router
- Linksys WAG54G2 - Linksys WAG54G2 Screenshots