In this article, you will learn how to reset your SmallWall 1-8-3 back to factory settings. A router reset is a much bigger deal than a router reboot. Rebooting a router is simply turning it off and back on again. This is very different from a reset, which erases a router completely and returns it to factory default settings.
Warning: Make sure that you fully understand the following before resetting your router. When you reset your router, the following will happen.
- The router's login and password are reset to factory defaults.
- Your WiFi name and password are reset.
- Your ISP settings are reset, which means you will have to contact your ISP to get them back.
- Any firewall settings, parental controls, or port forwards that you have configured will be removed.
A router reset should be considered the last resort when you cannot log in to your router any other way. Before you reset your router, you may want to try recovering your router password with our Router Password Finder.
Other SmallWall 1-8-3 Guides
This is the reset router guide for the SmallWall 1-8-3. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Recover Password in SmallWall 1-8-3
Before you resort to doing a full router reset, you may want to 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 - Recover Lost or Forgotten Router Passwords
If you are unable to recover your lost router password, then you may have to proceed with a full router reset.
Reset the SmallWall 1-8-3
Most routers have a small button on either the back or the bottom. This is what a typical reset button looks like:
Even though yours may look slightly different, you need to look for a tiny button. Sometimes the button is under a pinhole, and you need a paper clip to push it.
Keep an eye on the lights on the front of your router while holding the reset button down for about 10 seconds. Notice how the lights on the front of the router are blinking. When the lights do something different, the router is reset. It is harmless to hold the reset button too long.
Just don't forget that this will totally reset your SmallWall 1-8-3 router.
This last step should only be taken if you have tried everything else, such as using our Router Password Finder software, which can recover lost or forgotten router passwords.
Login to the SmallWall 1-8-3
Now you need to log in using the factory default username and password. You can follow the 1-8-3 Login Guide to find everything that you need to log in.
Change Your Password
After logging in to your router for the first time, you need to change your router's password. Since factory passwords are well known, it's a huge security risk to leave your router set to the default. You can follow our Choosing a Strong Password guide to help you pick a solid password for your router.
Tip: Write your new password down on a post-it note and stick it to the bottom of your router.
Other SmallWall 1-8-3 Guides
Here are some of our other SmallWall 1-8-3 guides that you might be interested in.
This is the reset router guide for the SmallWall 1-8-3. We also have the following guides for the same router: