Setup Router logo in white Setup router name logo in white
Get Software

How to Reset the Linksys WAP54GP

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

A reset is sometimes needed if you cannot access your router setup pages. When you reset a router you are doing much more than simply rebooting it. In this guide when I use the term reboot it will simply mean a cycle in the power to the unit. When I use the term reset it will mean a full factory restore of all settings.

Warning: Resetting this router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. I highly recommend making a list of all the settings you have changed in the past. These settings include:

  • The router's main username and password.
  • The WiFi settings such as the SSID and password.
  • If this is a DSL router you are resetting you need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. To find out what these are you need to call your local provider.
  • Other settings may include port forwards, IP address changes, DNS servers, parental controls, etc...

Other Linksys WAP54GP Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WAP54GP. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WAP54GP

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.

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.

In the image below you can see the back panel of the Linksys WAP54GP router. Most routers have the reset button recessed to avoid accidental resets. If your router has a recessed button you need to use a small object such as pin or straightened paperclip to reach it.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WAP54GP router.

While the router is on take the object of choice and press down on the reset button for at least 10 seconds. This starts the reset process. If you don't hold the reset button down for the required amount of time you may end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you planned.

Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router while the reset is happening. Turning off or unplugging the machine can result in permanent damage to the router.

Don't forget this reset is erasing all your personal data. I strongly recommend trying other troubleshooting methods before you continue.

Login to the Linksys WAP54GP

Now that your Linksys WAP54GP router has finished resetting you will be required to login to it with the default IP address, password, and username. If you don't know what these are, don't worry. You can find them in our Login Guide for the Linksys WAP54GP router.

Tip: If the defaults aren't working for you try resetting the router again, but this time hold down the reset button for a little longer.

Change Your Password

After you successfully login to your router you should change the password as soon as possible. The default password for your router is easy to guess and not very secure. Check our out Choosing a Strong Password guide for helpful advice on making a secure password.

Tip: Want to keep from losing your password? Write it down on some paper for reference and attach it to the base of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WAP54GP

Finally, it is time to start re-configuring your router settings back to how you want them. Be sure to also configure the WiFi settings in order to secure your wireless network. To get started, visit our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WAP54GP router.

Don't forget to sign up for NordVPN's promo deal before it's gone.

NordVPN birthday deal!

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 WAP54GP Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WAP54GP info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WAP54GP. We also have the following guides for the same router: