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

How to Reset the Linksys WRT54GP2

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

On this page I will show you how to properly reset the Linksys WRT54GP2 router back to factory defaults. This is not the same thing as a reboot.

When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the unit. When you reset a router you take all the settings and return them to factory defaults. This erases all your personal data.

Warning: Resetting the Linksys WRT54GP2 router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. I strongly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you continue with this reset. I also recommend making a list of all the possible settings you have changed in the past. Settings like:

  • The router's main username and password used to access the router's interface.
  • The WiFi settings such as the SSID and the Internet password.
  • Are you planning on resetting a DSL router? If so you 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? How about port forwards or IP addresses?

Other Linksys WRT54GP2 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54GP2. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRT54GP2

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.

Below is an image of the back panel of the Linksys WRT54GP2 router. Take a moment to look the back panel of your router at home. Is it in the same location as the one below?

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WRT54GP2 router.

While the router is on take a straightened paperclip 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 long enough you end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

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

Remember the reset is erasing every single setting you have ever changed. I recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you continue.

Login to the Linksys WRT54GP2

Once the reset is complete you will be required to login to your Linksys WRT54GP2 router by using the default login information. This includes the default IP address, password, and username. If you don't know what it is you can find all of this information in our Login Guide for the Linksys WRT54GP2 router.

Tip: Can't login with the defaults? It is possible that the reset button wasn't held down for long enough during the router reset.

Change Your Password

After you login to your router you should change the password from the default as soon as possible. By doing this you will be making your router more secure. Try to make your new password 14-20 characters long and have it contain no personal information. If you need help making a password then visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: To avoid losing your password try writing it down on some paper and attaching it to the underside of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT54GP2

Finally it is time to secure your wireless network. To do this you will need to configure the router's WiFi settings. Not sure how this is done? Follow our Linksys WRT54GP2 WiFi Instructions for an easy to understand walkthrough of this process.

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 WRT54GP2 Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WRT54GP2 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54GP2. We also have the following guides for the same router: