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

How to Reset the Linksys WRT160N

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

On this page I will be showing you how to correctly reset the Linksys WRT160Nv2 router back to factory defaults.

There is a lot of confusion about the difference in a reset and a reboot. When you reboot something you cycle the power to the unit only. No settings are changed while doing this. A reboot can be done by unplugging the power, waiting a few seconds, then plugging it back in. When you reset a router you take all the settings and return them all to factory defaults. This erases all your personal data.

Warning: Resetting this router is a big step. Please be sure you really want to proceed. I suggest creating a list of all the possible settings you have changed in the past. These settings include:

  • The router's main username and password. These are used to access the router interface pages.
  • The wireless settings such as the SSID and the Internet password.
  • If this is a DSL router you may need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. Call your ISP for these details.
  • What other settings can you think of? If you have changed any other settings be sure to write them down as well.

Other Linksys WRT160N Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT160N v2. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRT160N

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 any reset is to locate the reset button on the router. For the Linksys WRT160Nv2 router you can find it on the back panel. I have circled it for you in red.

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

The next step in this reset is to make sure the Linksys WRT160Nv2 router is plugged in and on. Then take a sharp object such as a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This begins the reset process. If you don't hold the reset button down for long enough you end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

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

It is important that you remember a reset erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past. Please consider your other options first.

Login to the Linksys WRT160N

After the Linksys WRT160Nv2 router has been reset you will be required to login to it with the default login information. Not sure what this information is? You can find it in our Login Guide for the Linksys WRT160Nv2 router.

Tip: Defaults not working? Try resetting the router again. This time make sure that you hold down the reset button for a little longer to make sure that it properly resets.

Change Your Password

The password for your router should be changed as soon as possible. Leaving the default password in place can put your router at risk. Not sure what goes into making a secure password for your router? Check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: If you are worried about losing your password try writing it down on a slip of paper and then attaching it to the bottom of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT160Nv2

Finally it is time to secure your wireless network. This can be accomplished by configuring the router's WiFi settings. Need help with this part? Be sure to follow our Linksys WRT160Nv2 WiFi Instructions to get started.

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 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 v2. We also have the following guides for the same router: