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How to Reset the Linksys WRT51AB

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

On this page I will be explaining how to properly reset the Linksys WRT51AB router back to factory defaults.

A reset like this one is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a router you are simply cycling the power to the router. When you reset a router you are taking all your settings and returning them all to factory defaults. This means you lose all your personal data.

Warning: All your settings are lost when you reset a router. I highly recommend taking a moment to make a list of all the settings you may of changed in the past. I have started this list for you:

  • The router's main username and password.
  • The WiFi username/SSID and Internet password.
  • Are you planning on resetting a DSL router? Don't forget to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password.
  • Any other settings such as port forwards or IP address changes are also erased and you need to re-enter these as well after the reset is complete.

Other Linksys WRT51AB Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT51AB. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRT51AB

Use a VPN

Have you considered using a VPN when you connect to the internet? A VPN is a great way to increase your security and anonymity while surfing.

We use and recommend NordVPN because not only is it the fastest VPN, it includes a new feature called Meshnet that makes securely sharing your home network super simple. 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.

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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.

In the image below you can see the back panel of the Linksys WRT51AB router. I have circled the reset button for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WRT51AB router.

First of all, make sure the router is plugged in and turned on. Then take a sharp object such as a straightened paperclip or pen and press down on the reset button button for about 10 seconds. This begins the reset process. If you don't hold the reset button down for the full 10 seconds you will simply reboot the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

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

Remember a reset erases all your personal data. Only reset this router after you have tried other troubleshooting measures.

Login to the Linksys WRT51AB

Once the router reset is complete you will need to login to your Linksys WRT51AB router. To do this you will need to use the default login information. If you don't know what this is, you can find all the information you need in our Login Guide for the Linksys WRT51AB router.

Tip: Unable to login with the defaults? The router might have not been properly reset. Try resetting it again but this time hold down the reset button for a little longer.

Change Your Password

Now that you have successfully logged into your router you should consider changing the the password to something secure. Default passwords are easy guess which means they should be changed as soon as possible. Try to make your new password unique. Visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide if you need any help making a secure password.

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

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT51AB

Next you will want to secure your wireless network by configuring the router's WiFi settings. Not sure how this is done? Follow our Linksys WRT51AB WiFi Instructions for an easy to understand walkthrough of this important step.

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

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Linksys WRT51AB Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WRT51AB info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT51AB. We also have the following guides for the same router: