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:
- Linksys WRT120N - How to change the IP Address on a Linksys WRT120N router
- Linksys WRT120N - Linksys WRT120N User Manual
- Linksys WRT120N - Linksys WRT120N Login Instructions
- Linksys WRT120N - How to change the DNS settings on a Linksys WRT120N router
- Linksys WRT120N - Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT120N
- Linksys WRT120N - Information About the Linksys WRT120N Router
- Linksys WRT120N - Linksys WRT120N Screenshots
Reset the Linksys WRT120N
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.
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.
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:
- Linksys WRT120N - How to change the IP Address on a Linksys WRT120N router
- Linksys WRT120N - Linksys WRT120N User Manual
- Linksys WRT120N - Linksys WRT120N Login Instructions
- Linksys WRT120N - How to change the DNS settings on a Linksys WRT120N router
- Linksys WRT120N - Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT120N
- Linksys WRT120N - Information About the Linksys WRT120N Router
- Linksys WRT120N - Linksys WRT120N Screenshots