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How to Reset the Linksys WAP51AB

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

Have you been having trouble accessing your Linksys WAP51AB router interface? It might be time to consider a reset.

There is confusion between a reset and a reboot. When I use the term reboot I am referring to a cycle in the power to the unit. When I use the term reset I am referring to a full restore of all the settings back to factory defaults.

Warning: All your personal data is lost in this reset. I highly recommend making a list of all the possible settings you have changed in the past. These settings should include:

  • The router's main username and password used for access to the router setup pages.
  • The Wireless settings such as network name, encryption and Internet password.
  • If you are resetting a DSL router you need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. Call your ISP for these details.
  • What other settings have you changed. Don't forget any port forwards or IP address changes you may have done.

Other Linksys WAP51AB Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WAP51AB. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WAP51AB

Use a VPN Instead

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  • 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.

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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.

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Below is an image of the Linksys WAP51AB back panel. I have circled the reset button for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WAP51AB router.

While the router remains on take and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This starts the reset process which can take upwards of several minutes to complete. If you don't hold this button down for the full 10 seconds you might end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you planned.

Caution: DO NOT unplug or turn off the machine during the reset process. Doing so could cause permanent damage to the router.

Remember a reset like this one WILL erase every single setting you have ever changed in the history of this device. I strongly recommend trying other troubleshooting methods before you decide to reset.

Login to the Linksys WAP51AB

After you finish resetting your Linksys WAP51AB router, you will have to login to it with the default login information. Here at setuprouter.com we have collected this information for you and included it in our Login Guide for the Linksys WAP51AB router.

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

The password for your router should be changed from the default as soon as possible. To keep your router secure, try to make your new password 14-20 characters long and have it contain no personal information. If you need additional help making a new password, visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: Worried about losing your password? Try writing it down on paper and attaching it to the bottom of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WAP51AB

Don't forget to secure your wireless network by configuring the WiFi settings for your router. If you need help, our Linksys WAP51AB WiFi Instructions are easy to follow and will get you started on securing your network.

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Linksys WAP51AB Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WAP51AB info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WAP51AB. We also have the following guides for the same router: