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

How to Reset the Linksys WRT54GS

Thumbnail image of Setup Router Staff
Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 8 minutes

Have you been trying to login to the Linksys WRT54GSv3 router and been unsuccessful? It might be time to consider a reset. In this guide you will learn how to properly reset the Linksys WRT54GSv3 router.

There is a big difference between a reset and a reboot. When you reboot a router you are only cycle the power to the unit. If you reset a router you take all the settings and return them to factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting the Linksys WRT54GSv3 router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. I strongly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you decide to reset the router. It is also a good idea to make a list of all the settings you have possibly changed in the past. These settings include:

  • The router username and password. This is used to access the router interface pages.
  • The WiFi name and password. These are used to access the network.
  • Are you resetting a DSL router? If so, you need to re-enter the ISP or Internet Service Provider username and password. Call your ISP for these details.
  • What other settings have you changed? Make sure to write these down as well.

Other Linksys WRT54GS Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54GS v3. 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 faster than ever deal!

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.

As you can see from the image below, I have circled the reset button for you in red. This tiny little button is going to be recessed to avoid accidental resets.

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

The first step is to make sure you keep the router plugged in and turned on. Then you need to take a sharp object such as a pin or straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for approximately 10 seconds to start the reset. Not pressing the reset button down for the full 10 seconds may cause a reboot instead of a reset like you intended.

Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off the Linksys WRT54GSv3 router during the reset process. Doing so can cause permanent damage to the device.

Remember this reset is erasing all your personal information. Are you sure you want to reset the Linksys WRT54GSv3 router? I recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you continue.

Login to the Linksys WRT54GS

Now that the Linksys WRT54GSv3 router has been reset you will need to login to it by using the default IP address, password, and username. Here at setuprouter.com we have found this information and included it in our Login Guide for the Linksys WRT54GSv3 router.

Tip: Unable to login with the defaults? The router might have been rebooted instead of reset. Try resetting it again but hold down the reset button for a little longer this time.

Change Your Password

Once you successfully login to your Linksys WRT54GSv3 router you should consider changing the password as soon as possible. The default password is not very secure 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: Want to avoid losing your password? Try writing it down on a piece of paper and attaching it to the bottom of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT54GSv3

Now it is time to secure your wireless network. To do this you will need to configure the router's WiFi settings. Need help with this step? Be sure to follow our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WRT54GSv3 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 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 v3. We also have the following guides for the same router: