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How to Reset the Linksys WRT400N

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Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 3 minutes

On this page I will be showing you how to correctly reset the Linksys WRT400N router back to the factory defaults.

There is a lot of confusion between a reset and a reboot. The term reset is often times used to refer to both terms. In this guide when I use the term reboot I am referring to a cycle in the power. This can be done by unplugging the power cord, waiting about 30 seconds, then plugging the power cord back in. No settings are changed during a reboot. When I use the term reset I am referring to a full factory restore of all the settings you have changed in the past. All your personal data is lost in a reset.

Warning: A reset is a big step. I recommend making a list of all the possible settings you have changed in the past. I went ahead and started the list for you:

  • The router's main username and password used to access the router setup pages.
  • The WiFi username and password used to protect your local network.
  • Is this a DSL router? If so you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. Call your local ISP for these details.
  • What other settings can you think of? Don't forget settings such as DNS, parenetal controls, port forwards, or IP addresses.

Other Linksys WRT400N Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT400N. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRT400N

Use a VPN Instead

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  • 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.

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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 a reset is to find the reset button on the back panel of the Linksys WRT400N router. I have circled it's location for you. Can you locate it on your router?

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WRT400N router.

First, while the router is on, take a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. If you don't hold the reset button for about 10 seconds you may end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

DO NOT: unplug or turn off the router during the reset process. If you do you could permanently damage the router.

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

Login to the Linksys WRT400N

Following the reset you will be required to login to your Linksys WRT400N router by using the default login information. This includes the default IP address, password. and username. If you don't know what these are, you can find them in our Login Guide for the Linksys WRT400N router.

Tip: Defaults not working? Try resetting the router again but this time try holding down the reset button for a little longer to make sure that it properly resets.

Change Your Password

Next you will want to 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 unique. If you need help getting started on making a password then visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

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

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT400N

As you begin re-configuring the router's settings make sure that you also configure the WiFi settings. Doing this will help keep your wireless network secure. For an easy to follow guide on this important process check out our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WRT400N router.

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Linksys WRT400N Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WRT400N info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT400N. We also have the following guides for the same router: