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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 we explain how to properly reset the Linksys WRT54GSv4 Gargoyle router back to factory defaults.

A reset like this one 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 are taking all the settings you have changed in the past and returning them to factory defaults. This means every single setting you have ever changed in the past is erased.

Warning: Resetting this router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. I strongly recommend trying other troubleshooting methods first. Then make up a list of all the settings you may of changed in the past. These settings are include:

  • The router username and password.
  • The Internet name and password.
  • Are you 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? Don't forget about port forwards or IP address changes.

Other Linksys WRT54GS Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54GS v4 Gargoyle. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRT54GS

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  • Check that your VPN will not affect your speed.
  • Verify that your VPN provider uses WireGuard as the underlying protocol.
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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.

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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 in the image below to see the reset button. I have circled the reset button for you in red.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WRT54GS 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 which sometimes takes several minutes to complete.

If you don't hold the reset button down long enough you might end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you planned.

Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router 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 in the past. I strongly recommend trying other measures to fix your problem before you decide to reset the router.

Login to the Linksys WRT54GS

Now that the Linksys WRT54GSv4 Gargoyle router has been reset it is time to login to it. To accomplish this you will be required to use the default login information. If you don't know what it is you can find this information in our Login Guide for the Linksys WRT54GSv4 Gargoyle router.

Tip: If you are unable to login with the defaults then it is possible that the router was not properly reset. Try resetting it again but this time hold down the reset button for a little longer.

Change Your Password

After you login to your Linksys WRT54GSv4 Gargoyle route you should consider changing the password from the default as soon as possible. Default passwords are easy to guess which makes them terrible passwords. Need help making a password? Visit our Choosing a Strong Password for some useful advice.

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

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT54GSv4 Gargoyle

As you begin reconfiguring the router's settings make sure that you also configure the WiFi settings. By doing this you will be securing your wireless network. For an easy to follow guide on this process check out our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WRT54GSv4 Gargoyle router.

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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 v4 Gargoyle. We also have the following guides for the same router: