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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 different reasons why you may want to reset the Linksys WRT54Gv8 router. The most common of these is the loss of the router username and password.

If you are resetting the Linksys WRT54Gv8 router you must first understand what a reset is. There is a lot of confusion about the term. In this guide when I use the term reset I will be referring to a full factory restore of all the settings. When I use the term reboot I will be referring to a cycle in the power to the unit.

Warning: All your personal data is lost in a reset. Do you still want to reset the Linksys WRT54Gv8 router? Before you do I suggest making a list of all the settings you can remember changing in the past. A full reconfiguration will need to be done after the reset is complete. I have started the list for you:

  • The router's main username and password used to access the router setup pages.
  • The WiFi SSID and Internet password.
  • Is this a DSL router? If so you need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. Call your local provider for the details.
  • What other settings can you think of? How about DNS servers, port forwards or even IP addresses?

Other Linksys WRT54G Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54G v8. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRT54G

Use a VPN

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  • Check that your VPN will not affect your speed.
  • Verify that your VPN provider uses WireGuard as the underlying protocol.
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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.

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Below is an image of the back panel of the Linksys WRT54Gv8 router. I have circled the reset button for you in red.

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

While the router is on, take a straightened paperclip or other sharp object and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This should start the reset process. If you don't hold the reset button down for long enough you could simply reboot the device instead of resetting it like you planned.

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

Remember this reset is going to erase every single setting you have ever changed in the past. I strongly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you decide to reset the Linksys WRT54Gv8 router.

Login to the Linksys WRT54G

Once the Linksys WRT54Gv8 router has been reset you will be required to login to it by using the default login information. Here at setuprouter.com we have compiled this information and included it in our Linksys WRT54Gv8 Login Guide. Be sure to check it out if you need help logging into your router.

Tip: If you are unable to login with the defaults then it is possible that the reset button wasnt held down for long enough during the router reset.

Change Your Password

After you login to the Linksys WRT54Gv8 router you should consider changing the password from the default to something more secure. Try to make your new password be unique, contain 14-20 characters, and have it contain no personal information. If you need any more advice on making a password then visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

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

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT54Gv8

Finally it is time to secure your wireless network. To do this you will be required to configure the router's WiFi settings. Need help with this process? Be sure to follow our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WRT54Gv8 router.

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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 v8. We also have the following guides for the same router: