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How to Reset the Linksys WRT54GC

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Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 3 minutes

On this page I will be explaining how to reset the Linksys WRT54GC router. There is a lot of confusion between a reset and a reboot. In this guide when I use the term reset I am referring to a full factory restore of all the settings you have ever changed in the past. When I use the term reboot I am referring to a cycle in the power to the unit only. No settings are changed.

Warning: This guide covers how to reset a router. All your settings are erased! I recommend making a list of all the settings you think you may of changed in the past. I have started this list for you:

  • The main username and password used to access the router setup pages.
  • The WiFi settings such as the Internet password and the network name or SSID.
  • Are you resetting a DSL router? You may need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. Call your ISP for these details.
  • What other settings have you changed in the past? Have you forwarded any ports or changed any IP addresses?

Other Linksys WRT54GC Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54GC. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRT54GC

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 is the fastest VPN!

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.

Look at the image below. It shows you where on the router your reset button is located. In this case it is found on the bottom panel of the router.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WRT54GC router.

While the router is plugged in and powered on, take a straightened paperclip or a similar object and press down on the reset button for about 8 seconds. This begins the reset process which could take several minutes to complete. If you don't hold this button down for the full 8 seconds you might 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. This could result in permanent damage to the router.

Remember this reset is erasing all your personal data. I strongly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you continue.

Login to the Linksys WRT54GC

Once the Linksys WRT54GC router has finished resetting you will need to login to it by using the default login information. This includes the default IP address, username, and password. Here at setuprouter.com we have found this information for your and included it in our Linksys WRT54GC Login Guide.

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

Change Your Password

Next you will want to secure your router by changing the password from the default. The default password is easy to guess so leaving it 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 help making a password.

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

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT54GC

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 step? Be sure to check out our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WRT54GC router.

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Linksys WRT54GC Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WRT54GC info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54GC. We also have the following guides for the same router: