This guide shows you how to reset your ZTE MF286 router to factory default settings. A router reset is very different 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. The following settings will be changed in your router:
- The router's login credentials are reset.
- 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.
- All port forwards, firewall settings, and 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 ZTE MF286 Guides
This is the reset router guide for the ZTE MF286. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Recover Password in ZTE MF286
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 - 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 ZTE MF286
On most routers you can find a small button on the back or the bottom labeled reset. A typical reset button looks like this:
Yours may look slightly different, but they are usually tiny. You might find a pinhole on the back of the router that requires a paper clip to push the button hidden under it.
Watch the front panel lights while you hold the reset button down for at least 10 seconds. Notice how the lights on the front of the router are blinking. When the lights do something different, the router is reset. Do not worry about holding the button down too long; this is harmless.
Keep in mind that this will completely reset your ZTE MF286 router.
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 MF286
After you are finished resetting your router, you need to login in using the original factory username and password. Just follow our MF286 Login Guide to find all of the information that you need.
Change Your Password
Do not forget to change your router's default password when you log back into it. 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: Put your new password on a post-in note and stick it to the bottom of your router.
Other ZTE MF286 Guides
This isn't our only ZTE MF286 guide. We also have the following guides for this router.
This is the reset router guide for the ZTE MF286. We also have the following guides for the same router: