This article covers how to reset the ZTE Z288L router back to factory default settings. Resetting a router is different than rebooting a router. A reboot happens every time a router loses power. Resetting a router erases all settings from it and returns it to factory defaults.
Warning: This is not a step to be taken lightly. The following settings in your router will be changed:
- The router's login and password are reset to factory defaults.
- Your WiFi login, password, and network name 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.
Since a router reset is such a drastic step, it should only be done as a last resort when you cannot recover your router's password using any other methods. Before you reset your router, you may want to try recovering your router password with our Router Password Finder.
Other ZTE Z288L 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 ZTE Z288L. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Recover Password in ZTE Z288L
Instead of resetting your router back to factory settings, 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 ZTE Z288L
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.
On most routers you can find a small button on the back or the bottom labeled reset. Look for something that looks like this:
Yours may look slightly different, but they are usually tiny. You may need a paper clip to push the reset button.
Watch the front panel lights while you hold the reset button down for at least 10 seconds. The blinking pattern of the lights on the front of the router should change when the reset is complete. Keep holding the button as long as you want, it will not hurt anything to hold it down too long.
Just don't forget that this will totally reset your ZTE Z288L 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 ZTE Z288L
Now you need to log in using the factory default username and password. Our Z288L Login Guide has all of the information that you need.
Change Your Password
Be sure to change your router's default password after you get logged back in. Leaving a router password set to default is a very serious security risk. Our Choosing a Strong Password guide talks about choosing a strong password for your router.
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 Z288L Guides
If you want additional help with your ZTE Z288L be sure to check out some of our other guides.
This is the reset router guide for the ZTE Z288L. We also have the following guides for the same router: