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How to Reset the Linksys WRT120N

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

On this page I explain how to properly reset the Linksys WRT120N router back to factory defaults.

There is a lot of confusion between a reset and a reboot. A lot of router manufacturers use these terms interchangeably. In this guide when I use the term reboot I am simply referring to a power cycle. This can be done by unplugging the power, waiting about 30 seconds then plugging the power back in. No settings are changed during a reboot. In this guide when I use the term reset I am referring to a full factory restore of all the settings. Any setting you have changed in the past is erased.

Warning: This reset erases all your personal data. Please consider carefully what you are about to do. I recommend creating a list of all the settings you have changed in the past. These could include:

  • The router's main username and password. These are used to access the router's setup pages.
  • The WiFi information such as the SSID and the Internet password.
  • Is this a DSL router? If it is you may need re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. Call your ISP for these details.
  • What other settings have you changed in the past. These could include port forwards or IP address changes.

Other Linksys WRT120N Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT120N. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRT120N

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.

The very first step in this reset is to find the reset button/pinhole. For the Linksys WRT120N router it can be found on the back panel. I have circled it's location for you in the image below.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WRT120N router.

Next, you need to make sure the router is on. Then take a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 5 seconds. This starts the reset process which can take upwards of several minutes. If you don't hold the reset button down for long enough you might end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you planned.

Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router during the reset process. Doing so could result in permanent damage to the device.

This reset erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. I strongly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you decide to reset the router.

Login to the Linksys WRT120N

Now that your Linksys WRT120N router has been reset it is time to login to it. To do this you will need to use the default login information. This information has been found for you and compiled in our Login Guide for the Linksys WRT120N router.

Tip: Can't login with the defaults? Try resetting the router again. This time make sure that you hold down the reset button for a little bit longer to make ensure that it properly resets.

Change Your Password

Once you have successfully logged into your router you should change the password from the default to something more secure. The default password is easy to guess and should be changed as soon as possible. If you need help getting started be sure to visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide for some helpful advice.

Tip: Avoid losing your password by writing it on a piece of paper for future reference and then attach it to the bottom of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT120N

As you begin to reconfigure the rotuer's settings don't forget to also secure your wireless network. This can be done by configuring the WiFi settings. Follow our Linksys WRT120N WiFi Instructions to get this important step done easily.

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NordVPN faster than ever deal!

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Linksys WRT120N Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WRT120N info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT120N. We also have the following guides for the same router: