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

How to Reset the Linksys WRT330N

Thumbnail image of Setup Router Staff
Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 4 minutes

On this page I will show you how to properly reset the Linksys WRT330N router back to factory defaults.

There is a lot of confusion between a reset and a reboot. In this guide when I use the term reboot I am referring to a cycle in the power to the unit only. No settings are changed. When I use the term reset I am referring to a complete factory restore of all settings. All your personal data is lost.

Warning: Resetting the router is a big step. Do not take this lightly. I strongly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you decide to reset. I also recommend making a list of all the possible settings you have changed in the past. These settings should include:

  • The router's main username and password. This is the main reason for needing a reset.
  • The wireless settings such as the SSID/network name and Internet password.
  • Are you resetting a DSL router? If so you need to re-enter the ISP or Internet Service Provider username and password. Do you know what these are? If not you need to call your local provider for the details.
  • What other settings have you changed in the past? How about port forwards or IP addresses?

Other Linksys WRT330N Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT330N. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRT330N

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.

Now that you have decided to reset the Linksys WRT330N router you need to locate the reset button on the outside of the device. The image below is the back panel of the Linksys WRT330N router. I have circled the reset button for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WRT330N router.

First, you must be sure the router is plugged in and turned on. The reset will not work if the router is not powered up.

Now take a straightened paperclip or pen 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 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 could result in permanent damage to the device.

Please remember a reset like this one erases every single settings you have changed. I strongly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you continue with this course of action.

Login to the Linksys WRT330N

Following the reset you will need to login to your Linksys WRT330N router. To accomplish this you will need to use the default login information. If you don't know what this is or need help logging into your router be sure to check out our Linksys WRT330N Login Guide.

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

Change Your Password

Now that you have logged into your router you should consider changing the password from the default. Default passwords are easy to guess and are not very secure. Try to make your new password unique. Need help coming up with a password? Visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide for some useful advice.

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

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT330N>

Finally it is time to start reconfiguring the router's settings back to how you want them. Don't forget to also configure the WiFi settings and in doing so securing your wireless network. For an easy to follow guide on this important process check out our Linksys WRT330N WiFi Instructions.

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 WRT330N Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WRT330N info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT330N. We also have the following guides for the same router: