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How to Reset the Linksys WRT54G

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

There are several reasons you may need to reset the Linksys WRT54Gv3 router. The most common reason is misplacing or forgetting the router's main username and password. You need to know these values if you want to access the router in order to make changes.

Before I continue I need to be sure you understand what a reset is. Router manufacturers use the term reset to mean both a reset (like I will show you here) and a reboot. A reboot is simply a cycle in the power to the unit. Absolutely no settings are changed when you reboot a router. On the other hand when you reset a router you take all the settings and revert every one of them back to how they were from the factory. All your personal data is lost in a reset.

Warning: All personal information in the router setup pages is lost. You need to reconfigure the router after this factory reset is complete. Before resetting the Linksys WRT54Gv3 router I suggest making a list of all the settings you have changed. This list could include:

  • The router's main username and password.
  • The WiFi SSID/network name and Internet password.
  • Is this router a DSL router? If so you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. Call your local provider for more details.
  • Other settings you may need to reconfigure are any port forwards you have done or IP addresses you have changed in the past.

Other Linksys WRT54G Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54G v3. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRT54G

So you are ready to reset. The next step is to find the reset button on the outside of the router itself. Take a look at the image I have provided below. I circled the reset button for you in red.

Make sure the router is plugged in to an outlet. Make sure the router is powered on fully.

While the router is on, take a straightened paperclip or pen and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This long press begins the reset process which sometimes takes several minutes to complete.

If you simply press and release or don't hold the 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 can cause permanent damage to the router.

Remember this type of reset is erasing all your previously configured settings. I highly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you decide you need to reset the Linksys WRT54Gv3 router.

Login to the Linksys WRT54G

Once the Linksys WRT54Gv3 router has been reset you will need to login to it by using the default login information. This includes the default IP address, password, and username. If you aren't sure what these are you can check them out in our Login Guide for the Linksys WRT54Gv3 router.

Tip: Can't login with the defaults? Try resetting the router again but this time hold down the reset button for a little longer to ensure that it properly resets.

Change Your Password

Once you successfully login to your Linksys WRT54Gv3 router you should consider changing the password as soon as possible. Default passwords are easy to guess which makes them not very secure. If you need help getting started on making a password then visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: Avoid losing your password by writing it down on a slip of paper and attaching it to the underside of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT54Gv3

Next you will want to secure your wireless network by configuring the router's WiFi settings. Need help with this process? Follow our Linksys WRT54Gv3 WiFi Instructions for an easy to understand walkthrough of this important step.

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