This article covers how to reset the ZyXEL C1100Z router back to factory default settings. A router reset is very different 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: Since this erases everything you have done to the router, there are some things you need to consider first. The following settings will be changed in your router:
- The router's username and password are reset.
- All WiFi information such as network name, password, and authentication method are erased.
- All ISP settings will reset to default, and you may have to contact your ISP.
- Any firewall settings, parental controls, or port forwards 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. 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 ZyXEL C1100Z Guides
This is the reset router guide for the ZyXEL C1100Z. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Recover Password in ZyXEL C1100Z
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 - Recover Lost or Forgotten Router Passwords
Only after you have tried to recover your missing router username and password should you perform a full router reset.
Reset the ZyXEL C1100Z
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 might find a pinhole on the back of the router that requires a paper clip to push the button hidden under it.
Hold the reset button down for about 10 seconds while watching the lights on the front of your router. You should notice that the blinking pattern of the lights on the front of the router changes after a few seconds. 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 erase everything you have previously done to this ZyXEL C1100Z 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 ZyXEL C1100Z
Now that you have finished resetting your router, you need to log in using the default username and password from the factory. Our C1100Z 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. It is a huge security risk to leave your router's password set to the factory default. Our Choosing a Strong Password guide can help you pick a strong password for your router.
Tip: Write your new password down on a note and tape it to the bottom of your router for future reference.
Other ZyXEL C1100Z Guides
This isn't our only ZyXEL C1100Z guide. We also have the following guides for this router.
This is the reset router guide for the ZyXEL C1100Z. We also have the following guides for the same router: