The most popular posts on Technically Easy involve wireless routers. The two that seem to generate the most attention are the posts explaining how to reset a particular wireless router. There may be times when you may need to reset your wireless router, but keep in mind that doing so will erase any security settings you have saved.
I recently wrote a post outlining the steps needed to secure a Linksys WRT54GL Wireless-G router. Now I will detail how you go about resetting the router if you do need to revert back to the factory defaults. I will explain the two methods you can use to reset the wireless router.
Note:
Resetting the router to the factory defaults will delete any changes you have made to the router, including any security settings. This should be used as a last resort.
Reset Button
The first method involves simply pressing a button located on the back of the router. The button should be labeled Reset and can’t be pushed in by a finger. The image below (courtesy of Linksys), shows where the button is located.
To reset your router, use the following steps:
- Press the reset button for 30 seconds. This can be done by using an object with a small tip, such as an unfolded paper clip.
- Open up your Web browser and enter 192.168.1.1 in the address bar.
- For the login, leave the ID blank and enter admin as the password.
At this point, all settings that you had previously saved have now been deleted. You will now need to re-secure your WRT54GL Wireless-G router.
The router has now been reset. Follow the steps in Securing Linksys WRT54GL Wireless-G Router to secure your router.
Through the Web Administration Pages
The second method involves logging into the Web administration pages of the router. If you can’t remember your password, then use the first method explained above. To reset the router back to the factory defaults, use the following steps:
- Open your Web browser and enter the IP address of your wireless router. The default IP address is 192.168.1.1.
- Enter your user ID And password when prompted. If the password hasn’t been changed, then the default password is admin.
- At the top of the Web page, click Administration and then Factory Defaults.
- Beside Restore Factory Defaults, click Yes.
- Now click the Save Settings button at the bottom of the Web page.
Your WRT54GL Wireless-G router should now be reset to the factory defaults. Ensure you follow the steps outlined in Securing Linksys WRT54GL Wireless-G Router to secure your router.
Thanks a lot of for the tutorial! My friend has had this same router for a month now, not knowing how to reset it! As i have been busy, I told him this link and he said it worked like a charm. V. Useful
Hi,
I have the same router (lent from my brother, so I thinked router was configured for other IP) so I wanted to restart it by manual thereinbefore but nothing happend. It means I can’t open 192.168.1.1. to continue working on it!
What I have to do now?
Thx a lot for help.
Same Here! =(
same here..
please help me
Cloned computer MAC adress will be lost after reset?
If neither method works (try both if you haven’t), then the firmware isn’t the manufacturer’s version (or DD-WRT for that matter). If 192.168.1.1 still doesn’t work, it’s likely broken. Talk to the original owner ask if they flash new/different firmware and find out what is is/was. I don’t like the GL anymore – I burned up two of them already – they don’t seem to handle itermittent power fluctuations – the newer WRT54G are great though!
Cloned MACs will likely go too. If it’s not the manf. default, it gets wiped.
PLEASE REPLY TO THIS ONE FOR MY POSTS (I forgot to turn on the email reminder on the other two)
literally sick and tired with redmond after all these several years – I estimate I’ll have to grown to be another apple fan – ffs Not confident who the main borg is Jobs or Ballermer?
try username root with admin password
Hey John,
I tried everything to reset my wrt54g. I’ve followed all the steps to reset. The router reset itself because it’s showing the wireless name ddwrt in my list of wireless options and is not protected.
When I access the router via 192.168.1.1 it will not take the default passwords.
Any ideas?
Stephen