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How to Reset the Linksys WRT54GX2

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Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 3 minutes

There are several different reasons you may need to reset the Linksys WRT54GX2 router. The most common reason is because you have forgotten your router's username and password.

There is a lot of confusion between a reset and a reboot. When you reboot a router you cycle the power to the unit. When you reset a router you take all the settings and return them to factory defaults.

Warning: Resetting this router is a big step. Do not take this for granted. I recommend making a list of settings you have changed in the history of the router. I have started this list for you:

  • The router's main username and password.
  • The WiFi SSID and the Internet password.
  • Is this a DSL router? If it is you need to re-enter the 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 address changes?

Other Linksys WRT54GX2 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54GX2. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Linksys WRT54GX2

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.

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

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Linksys WRT54GX2 router.

While the router is on take a straightened paperclip or similar object and press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds. This starts the reset process.

If you don't hold the reset button down for 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. If you do you could permanently damage the device.

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 WRT54GX2 router.

Login to the Linksys WRT54GX2

After the Linksys WRT54GX2 router has been reset you will need to login to it by using the default login information. This includes the default IP address, password, and username. This information can be found in our Login Guide for the Linksys WRT54GX2 router. Be sure to check it out if you need help logging into your router.

Tip: Unable to login with the defaults? It is possible that the reset button wasn't held down for long enough during the router reset.

Change Your Password

Now that you have successfully logged into your router it is time to change the password from the default to something more secure. Try to make your new password unique, contain no personal information, and have it contain 14-20 characters. If you need help making a password then visit our Choosing a Strong Password guide for some useful advice.

Tip: Worried about losing your password? Try writing it down on a note of some kind and then attach it to the underside of the router.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT54GX2

As you begin to reconfigure the router's settings make sure that you also configure the WiFi settings. This is an important step as it will secure your wireless network. If you need help be sure to follow our WiFi Instructions for the Linksys WRT54GX2 router.

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

NordVPN birthday 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 WRT54GX2 Help

Be sure to check out our other Linksys WRT54GX2 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Linksys WRT54GX2. We also have the following guides for the same router: