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

How to Reset the Linksys WRT54GL

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

Here I will be showing you how to reset the Linksys WRT54GL router back to factory defaults. 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. In this guide when I use the term reboot I am referring to a cycle in the power to the unit. No settings are changed in a reboot.

Warning: Resetting the Linksys WRT54GL router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. I recommend making a list of all the settings you have changed in the past. I have started this list for you:

  • The router's main username and password used to access the router interface settings.
  • The WiFi settings such as the SSID and Internet password are also erased.
  • Are you resetting a DSL router? Don't forget to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. If you don't know these values you need to call your local provider.
  • What other settings have you changed in the past? How about port forwards or IP addresses?

Other Linksys WRT54GL Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54GL. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRT54GL

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.

In the image below you can see the back panel of the Linksys WRT54GL router. I have circled the location of the reset button for you. This tiny button is typically recessed to avoid accidental resets.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WRT54GL router.

First of all, make sure the router is plugged in and turned on. Then take a straightened paperclip or ball point pen and press down on the tiny reset button for approximately 5 seconds. This will begin the reset process. Don't worry if it takes a few minutes to complete. If you don't hold the reset button down for the full 5 seconds you might reboot the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Warning: Do not unplug or turn off the router during the reset process. This could permanently damage your router.

Remember a reset like the one described here erases all the settings you have changed in the past. I highly recommend exhausting all other possible solutions before you decide to reset the Linksys WRT54GL router.

Login to the Linksys WRT54GL

Now that the Linksys WRT54GL router has been reset you will need to login to it. To do this you will need to use the default IP address, password, and username. If you don't know what these are you can find them in our Login Guide for the Linksys WRT54GL router.

Tip: Can't login with the defaults? Try resetting the router again. This time make sure that you hold down the reset button for just a little longer to make sure that it properly resets.

Change Your Password

After you successfully login to the Linksys WRT54GL router you should consider changing the password. The default password is easy to guess so it should be changed as soon as possible. Need help making a password? Get started by visiting our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: Worried about losing your password? Try writing it down on a piece of paper and attach it to the underside of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT54GL

Finally it is time to start 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. To get this important step done easily be sure to follow our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WRT54GL 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 WRT54GL Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WRT54GL info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54GL. We also have the following guides for the same router: