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How to Reset the Linksys WRT54GS

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

On this page you learn how to reset the Linksys WRT54GSv4 router back to factory defaults. This is done when you are having extreme problems with your router.

Before we start I need to clarify the what a reset is. A reset is not the same thing as a reboot. In this guide when I use the term reboot I am referring to a cycle in the power to the device. When I use the term reset I am referring to a full factory restore of all the settings. All your personal data is lost during a reset.

Warning: Resetting this device is done only after you have exhausted your other troubleshooting measures. It is also a good idea to make a list of all the settings you have changed in the lifetime of this router. These settings probably include:

  • The router's main username and password used to access the router setup pages.
  • The WiFi settings such as the SSID/network name and Internet password used to help protect your local network.
  • Are you resetting a DSL router? You probably need to re-enter the Internet Service Provider (ISP) username and password. Call your service provider for the details.
  • Have you forwarded any ports or changed any IP addresses? These need to written down as well.

Other Linksys WRT54GS Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54GS v4. 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.

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I have circled the reset button for you in the image below. The reset button is normally 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 turned on take a straightened paperclip and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. If you don't hold the reset button down for the full amount of time necessary it might only reboot the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Warning: Do not unplug or turn off the router during the reset process. If you do you could cause irreparable damage to the Linksys WRT54GSv4 router.

Remember this reset is erasing every single setting you have ever changed in the lifetime of this device. I strongly recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you decide to reset.

Login to the Linksys WRT54GS

After the Linksys WRT54GSv4 router has been reset you will be required to login to it by using the default login information. Don't know what this is? You can find all the information you need to login to your router in our Linksys WRT54GSv4 Login Guide.

Tip: Can't login with the defaults? It is possible that the router wasn't properly reset. Try resetting it again but be sure to hold down the router reset button for a little longer this time.

Change Your Password

Make sure that you secure your router by changing the password from the default to something secure. Try to make your new password 14-20 characters long, have it contain no personal information, and have it be unique. Visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide if you need any additional password making advice.

Tip: Keep from 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

Finally it is time to secure your wireless network. To accomplish this you will need to configure the router's WiFi settings. If you need any help with this important step be sure to check out our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WRT54GSv4 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. We also have the following guides for the same router: