How to Reset the Password on a LinkSys Router

By Editorial Team

Reset your LinkSys router to secure your network.
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Reset the password on your LinkSys router if you suspect that it may have been breached by an unauthorized user. A compromised password could expose your network to a variety of security risks, including the possibility of malware being installed by a hacker without your knowledge. Resetting the password on a LinkSys router and securing your network requires only a few minutes and it's a wise investment of your time.

Step 1

Press and hold the reset button on the LinkSys router for 30 seconds. The location of the reset button varies depending on your model, but it is usually located in a small pin hole on the side or back of the unit. Insert a straightened paper clip into the hole until you feel resistance. A hard reset occurs and the router is restored to its factory defaults.

Step 2

Log in and reconfigure the router following the hard reset. Connect a PC to an Ethernet port on the router. Open a Web browser and navigate to http://192.168.1.1/. A popup box opens, prompting you to log in. On older LinkSys routers, leave the username field blank and type "admin" for the password. On newer routers, the default username and password are both set to "admin".

Step 3

Go to the Management tab after you've logged in and set a new administrator password. For maximum security, choose a password comprised of random letters and numbers. This type of password is secure because it's impossible to guess.

Step 4

Enable WEP or WAP security so that nosy neighbors cannot tap into your wireless network.

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