In this article, you will learn how to reset your TP-Link Archer C20i back to factory settings. A router reset is a much bigger deal than a router reboot. Every time your router loses power it reboots. However, when you reset a router you, return it back to its factory default settings.
Warning: Proceed with caution; resetting your router can be a major headache. A router reset will affect the following settings:
- The router's login credentials are reset.
- Your WiFi login, password, and network name are reset.
- If your router has any ISP settings they will be removed, and you will have to contact your ISP.
- Any port forwards, firewall settings, or parental controls 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 TP-Link Archer C20i 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 C20i. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Recover Password in TP-Link Archer C20i
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 TP-Link Archer C20i
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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.
Usually there is a reset button located on the back or bottom of a router. Look at your router and try to find something that looks like this:
Your reset button may look different, but usually they are very small. Sometimes the button is under a pinhole, and you need a paper clip to push it.
Watch the lights on the front of your router and hold the reset button down for about 10 seconds. After a few seconds the lights should blink differently. When this happens, the reset is complete. Keep holding the button as long as you want, it will not hurt anything to hold it down too long.
Don't forget, this step will totally reset your TP-Link Archer C20i router back to factory settings.
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 TP-Link Archer C20i
Now you need to log in using the factory default username and password. Our Archer C20i Login Guide has all of the information that you need.
Change Your Password
After logging in to your router for the first time, you need to change your router's password. Leaving a router password set to default is a very serious security risk. If you need help coming up with a strong password, check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide.
Tip: Put your new password on a post-in note and stick it to the bottom of your router.
Other TP-Link Archer C20i Guides
If you want additional help with your TP-Link Archer C20i be sure to check out some of our other guides.
This is the reset router guide for the TP-Link Archer C20i. We also have the following guides for the same router: