How to Reset the Linksys WCG200

Thumbnail image of Setup Router Staff
Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 4 minutes

On this page I explain how to reset the Linksys WCG200v2 router.

When you reset a router you need to know 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 revert them back to how they were when they left the factory.

Warning: Resetting this router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. I strongly recommend trying other troubleshooting methods before you continue. Then I suggest making a list of all the settings you have changed in the past. These could include settings such as:

  • The router's main username and password used to access the router's setup pages.
  • The WiFi information such as SSID, encryption and Internet password.
  • Are you resetting a DSL router? If so you need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. Call your local service provider for these details.
  • What other settings can you think of? How about port forwards, IP address changes, DNS servers...

Other Linksys WCG200 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WCG200 v2. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WCG200

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.

Below is an image of the back panel of the Linksys WCG200v2 router. I have circled the reset button for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WCG200 router.

While the router is on you take a small sharp object such as a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 5 seconds. If you don't hold the reset button down for the full 5 seconds you might end up only rebooting the device instead of resetting it like you intended.

Caution: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router during the reset process. This could cause irreversible damage to the unit.

Please remember a reset ERASES all your personal data. I strongly encourage you to try other methods of troubleshooting before you continue.

Login to the Linksys WCG200

Now that the router reset is complete you will have to login to your Linksys WCG200v2 router. This can be done by using the default login information, which includes the default IP address, password, and username. This information can be found in our Login Guide for the Linksys WCG200v2 router.

Tip: If you are unable to login with the defaults, you might have accidentally rebooted the router instead of resetting it. Try resetting it again, but this time hold down the reset button for a little longer.

Change Your Password

After you have successfully logged into the router you should consider changing the password from the default. Default passwords are easy to guess, which makes them terrible passwords. Visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide to get started on making a secure password for your router.

Tip: Avoid losing your password by writing it on some paper for reference, and then attaching it to the bottom of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WCG200v2

Next you should configure your router's WiFi settings in order to secure your wireless network. For an easy to follow guide on this step, see our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WCG200v2 router.

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

NordVPN faster than ever 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 WCG200 Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WCG200 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WCG200 v2. We also have the following guides for the same router: