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How to Reset the Linksys WRT160N

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Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 6 minutes

On this page I will be showing you how to properly reset the Linksys WRT160N router. This is done when you are unable to login to the router after several attempts.

There is a big difference between a reset and a reboot. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the unit. No settings are changed during a reboot. When you reset a router you take all the settings and return them to factory defaults.

Warning: All your personal data is lost during this reset. I recommend trying other ways of fixing your problem before you decide to reset the Linksys WRT160N router. Once you have decided you have to reset it make a list of all the settings you have changed in the past. These need to include the following:

  • The router's main username and password used to access the router setup pages.
  • The WiFi settings such as the SSID, encryption and Internet password.
  • Is this a DSL router? If it is you need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. If you don't know these settings you need to call your local provider.
  • What other settings have you changed? If you have ever forwarded any ports or changed any IP addresses you need write these down as well.

Other Linksys WRT160N Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT160N. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRT160N

The image below is the back panel of the Linksys WRT160N router. I have circled the location for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WRT160N router.

While the router is on take a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This starts the reset process. 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. If you do you might damage your router beyond repair.

Remember this sort of 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 Linksys WRT160N router.

Login to the Linksys WRT160N

Now that the Linksys WRT160N router has been reset you will be required to login to it by using the default IP address, password, and username. Here at setuprouter.com we have found this information and included it in our Login Guide for the Linksys WRT160N router.

Tip: If you are unable to login with the defaults then 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

Make sure that you secure your router by changing the password from the default. Default passwords are easy to guess which makes them terrible passwords. Try to make your new password 14-20 characters long. Visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide if you need additional assistance with making a secure password.

Tip: Keep from losing your password by writing it down on a slip of paper and attaching it to the bottom of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT160N

Next you will need to configure the router's WiFi settings in order to secure your wireless network. Need help with this process? Follow our Linksys WRT160N WiFi Instructions to get this important step done easily.

Linksys WRT160N Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WRT160N info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT160N. We also have the following guides for the same router: