This guide shows you how to reset your ZTE MC801A router. This is not the same thing as rebooting a router. Unplugging a router from the wall reboots it. A Router Reset completely erases the router and returns it to factory settings.
Warning: Since this erases everything you have done to the router, there are some things you need to consider first. The following settings in your router will be changed:
- The router's login credentials are reset to factory defaults.
- All WiFi settings are reset, including network name and password.
- Your ISP settings are reset, which means you will have to contact your ISP to get them back.
- Any firewall settings, parental controls, and port forwards that you have configured 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 ZTE MC801A Guides
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This is the reset router guide for the ZTE MC801A. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Recover Password in ZTE MC801A
If you are resetting your router because you forgot your router password, then you should 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 - Lost or Forgotten Router Password Recovery Tool
Only after you have tried to recover your missing router username and password should you perform a full router reset.
Reset the ZTE MC801A
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There is usually a small reset button located on either the back or the bottom of a router. Look for something that looks like this:
Even though yours may look slightly different, you need to look for a tiny button. Sometimes the reset button is under a pinhole on the back of the router, and you need a paper clip to push it.
Hold the reset button down for 10 seconds and watch the lights. The blinking pattern of the lights on the front of the router should change when the reset is complete. Do not worry about holding the button down too long; this is harmless.
Don't forget, this step will totally reset your ZTE MC801A router back to factory settings.
Only take this last step of fully resetting your router after 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 ZTE MC801A
Now that you have finished resetting the router, you need to login to the router interface using the default username and password. Our MC801A Login Guide has all of the information that you need.
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. If you need help coming up with a strong password, check out our Choosing a Strong Password guide.
Tip: A great place to write your new password down is on a piece of paper taped to the bottom of your router.
Other ZTE MC801A Guides
Here are some of our other ZTE MC801A guides that you might be interested in.
This is the reset router guide for the ZTE MC801A. We also have the following guides for the same router: