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How to Reset the Linksys WRT54G

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Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 8 minutes

There is a lot of confusion about what someone means when the term reset is used. In this guide when I use the term reset I mean a full factory restore of all the settings. You will lose all your personal data. A lot of times when someone uses the term reset they are actually referring to a reboot. Rebooting a router is not the same thing as a reset. A reboot is where you simply cycle the power to the unit. No settings are changed in a reboot.

In this guide I will be explaining how to properly reset the Linksys WRT54Gv2 router back to the original factory defaults.

Warning: In a factory reset like this one all your personal data is lost! I strongly recommend that you try other methods of troubleshooting before you decide to reset, I also recommend making a list of all settings you have changed in the lifetime of this router. This list has been started for you:

  • The router's main username and password used in accessing the router web interface.
  • The WiFi SSID and the Internet password used to protect your network.
  • Is this router a DSL router? If so, don't forget to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. If you don't know these you have to call your local service provider.
  • What other settings have you changed in the past? Don't forget to include any port forwards, IP address changes or even DNS servers.

Other Linksys WRT54G Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54G v2. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRT54G

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 should see the reset button. I have circled it for you in red. The little reset button is typically recessed to avoid accidental resets.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WRT54G router.

While the router is plugged in and powered on take a straightened paperclip or pin and press down on the reset button for around 10 seconds. This starts the reset process which sometimes takes several minutes to complete.

If you do not hold down the reset button long enough there is a good chance you will only reboot the router instead of resetting it like you planned.

Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off the Linksys WRT54Gv2 router during the process. Doing so can cause permanent damage to the device.

Once again, please remember a reset like this one erases all your personal data. It is a very good idea to try other methods of troubleshooting before you decide a reset is what your router needs.

Login to the Linksys WRT54G

Now that the Linksys WRT54Gv2 router has finished resetting you will have to login to it by using the default login information. Not sure what this is? Here at setuprouter.com we have found all the information you need and have included it in our Login Guide for the Linksys WRT54Gv2 router.

Tip: Can't login with the defaults? It is possible that you didn't hold down the reset button for long enough during the router reset.

Change Your Password

Keep your router secure by changing the password from the default. The default password is easy to guess which means it should be replaced as soon as possible. Need help making a secure password? Visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide for some helpful advice.

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

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT54Gv2

Next you will want to configure the router's WiFi settings. By doing this you will be securing your wireless network. If you aren't sure how this is done then be sure to check out our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WRT54Gv2 router.

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 WRT54G Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WRT54G info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54G v2. We also have the following guides for the same router: