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How to Reset the Linksys WRT54G2

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Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 4 minutes

On this page I will be explaining how to properly reset the Linksys WRT54G2 router back to factory defaults. This is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a router you are cycling the power to the unit. When you reset a router you take all the settings and return them to factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting this router is a big step in fixing the problem. I recommend making a list of all the possible settings you may of changed in the past. I started the list for you:

  • The router's main username and password.
  • The WiFi SSID and Internet password.
  • Are you planning on resetting a DSL router? You need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. Call your ISP for the details.
  • What other settings have you changed in the past? How about port forwards or IP addresses?

Other Linksys WRT54G2 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54G2. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRT54G2

Use a VPN Instead

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  • 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.

Below is an image of the back panel. I have circled the reset button for you. Notice that the reset button is less of a button and more like a pinhole.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WRT54G2 router.

While the router is plugged in and turned on take a sharp object and press down on the reset 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 might end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Caution: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router during the reset. Doing so can result in permanent damage to the router.

Remember the reset is going to erase all the settings you have changed in the past. I strongly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you decide to reset.

Login to the Linksys WRT54G2

After the reset is complete you will need to login to your Linksys WRT54G2 router by using the default login information. If you aren't sure what this is, the default login information has been included in our Login Guide for the Linksys WRT54G2 router.

Tip: Unable to login with the defaults? You might have not held down the reset button for long enough during the router reset.

Change Your Password

Next you will want to secure your router by changing the password from the default. Default passwords are easy to guess and are not very secure. Try to make your new password unique. If you aren't sure how to make a secure password be sure to check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide to get started.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT54G2

Finally it is time to start re-configuring the router's settings back to how you like them. Don't forget to also secure your wireless network by configuring the WiFi settings. Follow our Linksys WRT54G2 WiFi Instructions if you need help with this important step.

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Linksys WRT54G2 Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WRT54G2 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54G2. We also have the following guides for the same router: