This is the reset guide for the Netgate 3100 router. This is not the same thing as rebooting a router. Unplugging a router from the wall reboots it. This is very different from a reset, which erases a router completely and returns it to factory default settings.
Warning: Since this erases everything you have done to the router, there are some things you need to consider first. When you reset your router, the following will happen.
- The router's login credentials are reset to factory defaults.
- All WiFi settings are reset, including network name and password.
- All ISP settings will reset to default, and you may have to contact your ISP.
- All port forwards, firewall settings, and parental controls that you have configured will be removed.
A router reset is the last step you should take in recovering your router's password. Make sure that you have tried to recover your router password using our Router Password Finder first.
Other Netgate 3100 Guides
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.
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.
This is the reset router guide for the Netgate 3100 2.5.1. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Recover Password in Netgate 3100
If you are resetting your router because you forgot your router password, then you should try running our Router Password Finder first.
Router Password Finder is designed from the ground up to help you recover your forgotten router username and password, which can save you a lot of time.
Router Password Finder - Lost or Forgotten Router Password Recovery Tool
A router reset should be the last thing you try if you are unable to login.
Reset the Netgate 3100
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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.
On most routers you can find a small button on the back or the bottom labeled reset. Most reset buttons look like this:
Your reset button may look different, but usually they are very small. Sometimes the reset button is under a pinhole on the back of the router, and you need a paper clip to push it.
Watch the front panel lights while you hold the reset button down for at least 10 seconds. The blinking pattern of the lights on the front of the router should change when the reset is complete. You cannot hold the button too long, and it will not hurt the router to hold the reset button down for longer than 10 seconds.
Remember, this will erase everything you have previously done to this Netgate 3100 router.
Only do this once you have exhausted all other troubleshooting options, such as running our Router Password Finder software, which can recover a lost router password for you.
Login to the Netgate 3100
Once the reset is complete, you need to login to your router using the default IP address, username, and password. You can follow the 3100 Login Guide to find everything that you need to log in.
Change Your Password
After logging in, you should really change your router's password for added security. It is a huge security risk to leave your router's password set to the factory default. Our Choosing a Strong Password guide talks about choosing a strong password for your router.
Tip: Write your new password down on a note and tape it to the bottom of your router for future reference.
Other Netgate 3100 Guides
Here are some of our other Netgate 3100 guides that you might be interested in.
This is the reset router guide for the Netgate 3100 2.5.1. We also have the following guides for the same router: