This guide shows you how to reset your ZyXEL C3000Z router to factory default settings. A router reset is a much bigger deal than a router reboot. Every time your router loses power it reboots. 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 will be changed in your router:
- The router's username and password are reset.
- All WiFi settings are reset, including network name and password.
- Any ISP settings saved in your router will be removed. 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 is the last step you should take in recovering your router's password. Before you reset your router, you may want to try recovering your router password with our Router Password Finder.
Other ZyXEL C3000Z Guides
This is the reset router guide for the ZyXEL C3000Z CZD005-4.16.011.0 CenturyLink. We also have the following guides for the same router:
Recover Password in ZyXEL C3000Z
If the only reason that you are resetting your router is because you forgot your router password, then you may want to try running our Router Password Finder instead of resetting your router.
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
Just keep in mind that a router reset should be done as the last resort when you are unable to login to your router.
Reset the ZyXEL C3000Z
There is usually a small reset button located on either the back or the bottom of a router. What you are looking for is something that looks like this:
Your reset button may look different, but usually they are very small. If you find a pinhole on the back of the router then that may be the reset button. You will need a paper clip to push it.
Hold the reset button down for 10 seconds and watch the lights. You should notice that the blinking pattern of the lights on the front of the router changes after a few seconds. Do not be concerned about holding the reset button down too long. It will not hurt anything.
Keep in mind that this will completely reset your ZyXEL C3000Z 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 ZyXEL C3000Z
Once the reset is complete, you need to login to your router using the default IP address, username, and password. Our C3000Z Login Guide has all of the information that you need.
Change Your Password
You need to change your router's default password after you log in for the first time. 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: Put your new password on a post-in note and stick it to the bottom of your router.
Other ZyXEL C3000Z Guides
This isn't our only ZyXEL C3000Z guide. We also have the following guides for this router.
This is the reset router guide for the ZyXEL C3000Z CZD005-4.16.011.0 CenturyLink. We also have the following guides for the same router: