This article covers how to reset the TP-Link Archer C1200 v3 router back to factory default settings. A router reset is a much bigger deal than a router reboot. A reboot happens every time a router loses power. A Router Reset completely erases the router and returns it to factory settings.
Warning: This is not a step to be taken lightly. The following settings will be changed in your router:
- The router's username and password are reset to factory defaults.
- All WiFi login information and network names are reset.
- Your ISP username and password will be reset, and you may have to contact your ISP.
- Any parental controls, firewall settings, or port forwards will be removed.
Resetting your router should be considered the last step. You should be sure that you have tried to at least recover your router password using our Router Password Finder before resorting to a router reset.
Other TP-Link Archer C1200 v3 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 TP-Link Archer C1200 v3. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Recover Password in TP-Link Archer C1200 v3
Before you resort to doing a full router reset, you may want to try running our Router Password Finder first.
Our Router Password Finder can recover your lost or forgotten router password without doing a full router reset, which can save you lots of time.
Router Password Finder - Automatically Recover Lost or Forgotten Router Passwords
A router reset should be the last thing you try if you are unable to login.
Reset the TP-Link Archer C1200 v3
Don't forget to sign up for NordVPN's promo deal before it's gone.
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.
Usually there is a reset button located on the back or bottom of a router. What you are looking for is something that looks like this:
Your reset button may look different, but usually they are very small. If you find a pinhole on the back of the router then that may be the reset button. You will need a paper clip to push it.
Hold the reset button down for 10 seconds and watch the lights. After a few seconds the lights should blink differently. When this happens, 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 totally reset your TP-Link Archer C1200 v3 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 TP-Link Archer C1200 v3
Now that you have finished resetting the router, you need to login to the router interface using the default username and password. You can find all of the information that you need in our Archer C1200 v3 Login Guide.
Change Your Password
After logging in, you should really change your router's password for added security. 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: Put your new password on a post-in note and stick it to the bottom of your router.
Other TP-Link Archer C1200 v3 Guides
We have collected a lot of information about the TP-Link Archer C1200 v3 router. You can find some of our additional content here.
This is the reset router guide for the TP-Link Archer C1200 v3. We also have the following guides for the same router: