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: 7 minutes

On this page I will show you how to properly reset the Linksys WRT54GSv6 router.

It is important that you know the difference between a reset and a reboot before we begin. When you reset a router all the settings are erased. When you reboot a router you are simply cycling the power to the unit. No settings are changed in a reboot.

Warning: A reset is a big step. I recommend you make a list of all the settings you have changed in the past.These settings could include:

  • The router's main username and password used to access the router web interface.
  • The wireless SSID and Internet password.
  • Is this a DSL router? If it is 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 WRT54GS Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54GS v6. 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.

In the image below you can see the reset button circled in red.

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

The first step to a proper reset is to make sure the router is plugged in and powered on.

The second step when you reset the Linksys WRT54GSv6 router is to use a sharp object such as a straightened paperclip or pin to press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This will begin 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 planned.

Warning: DO NOT unplug or turn off the router during the reset process. If you do it could permanently damage the router.

Remember this reset is a big step. All your personal data is lost. I strongly recommend trying other troubleshooting measures first before deciding to reset the Linksys WRT54GSv6 router.

Login to the Linksys WRT54GS

Now that the Linksys WRT54GSv6 router has been reset it is time to login to it. To do this you will need to use the default login informtion. This includes the default IP address, password, and username. You can find this information in our Login Guide for the Linksys WRT54GSv6 router.

Tip: Unable to login with the defaults? Try resetting the router again but this time hold down the reset button for a little longer to make sure that it properly resets.

Change Your Password

Next you will want to secure your router by changing the password from the default. The default password is easy to guess which makes it a terrible password. Try to make your new password unique. If you need any help making a password be sure to visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide.

Tip: Worried about losing your password? Write it on some paper for future reference and then attach it to the bottom of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT54GSv6

Finally it is time to start re-configuring the router's settings back to how you want them. Don't forget to also secure your wireless network by configuring the WiFi settings. Follow our Linksys WRT54GSv6 WiFi Instructions to get this important step done easily.

Don't forget to sign up for NordVPN's promo deal before it's gone.

NordVPN is the fastest VPN 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 v6. We also have the following guides for the same router: