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How to Reset My Router to Factory Settings

Press and hold the router’s Reset button with a paperclip for about 10 seconds until the lights flash. This erases all settings, including your Wi-Fi name and password, so you’ll need to set it up again using the details on the router’s label.

Updated
Time
20 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Applies to
Web, Android, iPhone

By Published Oct 6, 2026

Quick answer

  1. 1 Make sure you have your internet provider’s login details (for PPPoE or fibre connections).
  2. 2 With the router on, press and hold the Reset button for 10–15 seconds with a paperclip.
  3. 3 Release when the lights flash, and wait 2–3 minutes for it to restart.
  4. 4 Connect using the default Wi-Fi name and password on the router’s label.
  5. 5 Open the router’s app or admin page and set a new Wi-Fi name, password and admin password.
On this page
  1. Before you start
  2. Reset with the button
  3. Reset from the admin page or app
  4. Set the router up again
  5. Troubleshooting
  6. Frequently asked questions

Before you start

  • A paperclip or pin
  • The default login printed on the router’s label
  • Your internet provider’s connection details, if needed

Method 1 Reset with the button

  1. Step 1: Find the Reset button

    It’s a small hole or recessed button on the back, labelled Reset or RST. Don’t confuse it with WPS or power.

  2. Step 2: Hold it down

    With the router switched on, press and hold it with a paperclip for 10–15 seconds, until the lights flash or all turn off.

  3. Step 3: Wait

    Release the button and wait 2–3 minutes while the router restarts with factory settings.

Method 2 Reset from the admin page or app

  1. Step 1: Log in

    Open the router’s app (TP-Link Tether/Deco, Netgear Nighthawk/Orbi, Google Home, eero, Huawei AI Life) or its admin page in a browser, usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.

  2. Step 2: Find factory reset

    Look under System, System Tools, Maintenance or Backup & Restore for Factory Default/Factory Reset.

  3. Step 3: Confirm

    Click it and confirm. The router restarts.

Method 3 Set the router up again

  1. Step 1: Connect

    Join the default Wi-Fi network printed on the router’s label (SSID and key), or connect by Ethernet.

  2. Step 2: Open the setup

    Use the router’s app, or browse to its address (on the label, e.g. tplinkwifi.net, 192.168.1.1). Log in with the default admin password from the label.

  3. Step 3: Configure internet

    Follow the wizard. Choose your connection type (Dynamic IP is common; PPPoE needs the login from your provider).

  4. Step 4: Secure it

    Set a new Wi-Fi name and strong password, choose WPA3 or WPA2/WPA3, change the admin password and update the firmware.

Troubleshooting

The lights don’t flash when I hold Reset

Hold it longer (up to 30 seconds) while the router is on. Make sure you’re pressing the button, not the hole edge.

No internet after setting it up

Check the connection type and login, restart the modem (if separate), and call your provider; they may need to re-register the router’s MAC address.

Frequently asked questions

Is resetting the same as restarting?

No. Restarting (power off/on) keeps settings. Resetting erases them.

Will a reset make my internet faster?

Only if bad settings were the problem. A restart usually gives the same benefit without losing settings.

Summary

Hold the Reset button for 10–15 seconds with the router on, wait for it to restart, then set it up again with the details on its label. Set a new Wi-Fi password, admin password and WPA3/WPA2 security straight away.

Sources

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Written by

James Chambo

Founder

James is the Founder and Senior Editor of OnlineHow with more than 20 years of experience in internet publishing.