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How to Reset the Linksys WRT54GS

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Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 7 minutes

On this page I will be showing you how to properly reset the Linksys WRT54GS router back to factory defaults. It is important that you know this is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the device. When you reset the router you take all the settings and return them to how they were from the factory. A reset erases all your personal changes you have made to the device.

Warning: A reset erases all your personal settings. I recommend making a list of all the settings you have changed in the past. These settings could include:

  • The router's main username and password.
  • The WiFi username and password used to protect your network.
  • Are you resetting a DSL router? You might need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. If you don't know these values call your service provider.
  • What other settings have you changed? Don't forget settings such as port forwards or IP addresses.

Other Linksys WRT54GS Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54GS. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRT54GS

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 WRT54GS router. Notice that this reset button is recessed to avoid accidental resets.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WRT54GS router.

While the router is plugged in and powered on take a sharp object and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. 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.

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

Finally remember this reset erases 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 WRT54GS router.

Login to the Linksys WRT54GS

Following the reset you will need to login to your Linksys WRT54GS router by using the default login information. This information includes the default IP address, password, and username. If you don't know what these are or need help logging into your router be sure to check out our Login Guide for the Linksys WRT54GS router.

Tip: Defaults not working? The reset button might have not been held down for long enough during the router reset.

Change Your Password

Once you have successfully logged into your Linksys WRT54GS router you should consider changing the password as soon as possible. Defaults passwords are easy to guess which makes them bad passwords. Not sure whats needed in a secure password? Visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide to get started.

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

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT54GS

Now it is time to secure your wireless network. To do this you will need to configure the router's WiFi settings. Be sure to follow our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WRT54GS router to get this important step done easily.

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NordVPN faster than ever deal!

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Linksys WRT54GS Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WRT54GS info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54GS. We also have the following guides for the same router: