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How to Reset the Linksys WRT160N

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

Have you been trying to login to the Linksys WRT160Nv3 router without any success? It might be time to consider a reset to solve your problem.

Do not confuse a reset for a reboot. When you reboot a router all you are doing is cycling the power to the unit. No settings are changed in a reboot. When you reset a router all your personal changes are erased.

Warning: A reset is a big step. Don't take this lightly. I recommend making a list of all the settings you have changed in the past. These settings could include:

  • The router's main username and password.
  • The WiFi settings such as Internet password and SSID.
  • Is this a DSL router? You may need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. Call your ISP for these details.
  • How about port forwarding or IP address changes? Any other settings need to be written down as well.

Other Linksys WRT160N Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT160N v3. 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.

Looking at the image below you can see the reset button on the back panel. If the reset button is not found there take a look at the bottom panel. It may be located on the right side of the label.

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While the router is on take a straightened paperclip or similar object and press down on the reset button for about 5 seconds. This begins the reset process. If you don't hold the reset button down long enough you could end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you planned.

Warning: DO NOT UNPLUG OR TURN OFF THE ROUTER DURING THIS PROCESS. Doing so could cause permanent damage to the device.

I strongly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting. Remember this reset erases every single setting you have ever changed in the past.

Login to the Linksys WRT160N

Now that the Linksys WRT160Nv3 router has been reset you will be required to login to it by using the default login information. Unsure of what this information is? You can find everything you need to login to your router in our Linksys WRT160Nv3 Login Guide.

Tip: If the defaults aren't working 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 just a little longer.

Change Your Password

After you login you should secure your Linksys WRT160Nv3 router by changing the password from the default. Try to make your new password 14-20 characters long, have it be unique, and have it contain no personal information. Visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide if you need additional help with making a secure password.

Tip: Worried about losing your password? Try writing it down on a slip of paper and attaching it to the underside of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT160Nv3

Finally it is time to start reconfiguring the router's settings back to how you like them. Don't forget to also secure your wireless network. To do this you will need to configure the WiFi settings. If you need help with this important step then be sure to follow our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WRT160Nv3 router.

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

NordVPN birthday deal!

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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 v3. We also have the following guides for the same router: