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

How to Reset the Linksys WRT54G

Thumbnail image of Setup Router Staff
Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 7 minutes

On this page I will show you how to properly reset the Linksys WRT54Gv5 router back to factory defaults. This is not the same thing as a reboot. A reboot simply cycles the power to the device. A reset takes all your settings and reverts them back to factory defaults.

Warning: A reset erases all your personal data. Are you sure you want to reset the Linksys WRT54Gv5 router? I recommend making a list of all the settings you have changed in the past. These settings could include:

  • The router username and password.
  • The WiFi settings such as the network name and the Internet password.
  • Is this a DSL router? You need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password.Call your service provider for these details.
  • What other settings have you changed in the past? How about port forwards or IP addresses?

Other Linksys WRT54G Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54G v5. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRT54G

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 faster than ever deal!

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 circled in red. This little reset button is typically recessed to avoid accidental resets.

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

The first step in a factory reset is to make sure the router is plugged in and on. Then take a straightened paperclip or similar object press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds. This should begin the reset process.

If you don't hold the reset button down for the full 10 seconds you might end up simply rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router until the reset is finished. If you unplug or turn off the router you may permanently damage the router.

Login to the Linksys WRT54G

Following the reset you will need to login to your Linksys WRT54Gv5 router by using the default login information. This includes the default IP address, password, and username. This information can be found in our Login Guide for the Linksys WRT54Gv5 router.

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

Change Your Password

Now that you have successfully logged into your router you should consider changing the password from the default. Leaving the default password in place can put your router at risk. Try to make your new password unique. Visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide if you need any assistance in making a secure password.

Tip: If you are worried about losing your password try writing it down on a piece of paper and attaching it to the underside of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT54Gv5

Now it is time to secure your wireless network. To do this you will need to configure the router's WiFi settings. If you need help with this process be sure to follow our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WRT54Gv5 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 v5. We also have the following guides for the same router: