Most individuals don't worry about their router until the Wi-Fi stops working or they forget the admin password for the hundredth time. That's when I think, "Should I just reset the thing?"
Sometimes that's right. Before you reset Linksys router, let's discuss its purpose, when to use it, and how to reinstate items.

Effects of Resetting a Linksys Router?

A Linksys router reset is not the same as a reboot. It doesn't simply switch your router off and back on again. This is more like starting over from scratch by wiping everything clean.

When you reset your Linksys router, this is what is erased off from the device:

• The name of your Wi-Fi network or SSID

• That Wi-Fi password you finally remembered? Back to default, or simply gone.

• Login credentials will be restored to default.

• All the additional settings made, such guest networks, parental controls, port forwarding, and firewall changes

• The firmware version usually remains the same, but all the settings go away.

In short, your router forgets all the personalized settings you made.

When to Reset the device?

Resetting does help with fixing various glitches occurring in the device. But here are a few good reasons when to do it:

1. You’ve forgotten the password for the admin account

Without a password, you will not be able to enter. And here, resetting the router's control panel is the only method to regain access to it if you are unable to locate the password that is required to access it.

2. The Wi-Fi is not working or responding

Unreceived signals. Move slowly. Communication between devices is absent. If restarting, disconnecting, and talking to your Internet service provider have failed, a Linkys router reset may fix the difficulties.

3. You're moving or starting over

You can be gifting the router to someone else or simply starting over with your full network. Cleaning up the previous settings helps keeping the settings sorted.

4. Warning signs of security

Devices that don't belong on your network? Settings that seem strange and you don't recall changing? Someone may be using your device without permission. Time to start again.

How do you really reset Linksys Router?

Resetting a Linksys router is simple and easy process, but if you do it incorrectly, you'll be in the middle of a reconfiguration mess. This is how to do it correctly:

Step 1: Look for the Reset Button

It is usually hidden on the back or bottom, very small in size. Marked "Reset." You'll need something little to push it.

Step 2: Get paperclips

Press and hold the button for around 10–15 seconds. Check the LEDs status. Most Linksys routers blink or flash as the reset begins to happen.

Step 3: Wait for the reboot

When the lights start to change, release the button. Please wait. Let the device do its job for a few minutes.

Step 4: Reassemble

• Successful resets restore the router to factory mode. You must connect by ethernet cable or default Wi-Fi.

• Type 192.168.1.1 or myrouter.local in your browser.

• Log in using default credentials (often blank username and admin password).

• Change everything, such the Wi-Fi name, password, encryption, and maybe even certain settings for your ISP if your internet requires a unique configuration.

Things You Should Know Before Resetting

Don't go into a reset Linksys router password without knowing what to expect. You need to get ready for this:

• All settings will be erased

• Until you change things back, you'll lose your internet for a short while.

• Get the settings for your ISP ready ahead of time if they utilize a static IP or PPPoE.

• Resetting doesn't cure broken hardware. If the router is broken, resetting it won't help.

Isn't a reboot the same thing?

No and people tend to confuse restart with reboot. Here is the difference:

• Restart: You turn it off and then back on. Fixes simple problems and retains your settings.

• Reset: All the settings get deleted during the reset. It's a complete wipe off of all the settings made previously.

Hence, it is always advised, before resetting, try restarting. It's simpler, quicker, and you won't have to look at a blank setup screen.

Why a Reset fails to Work?

Did a reset, but the Wi-Fi is still down? Don't freak out. Even after a factory reset, certain bugs won't go away, here is what can be done:

• The router might have a broken hardware due to heat, wear, or a power surge.

• Your internet service provider can be offline or not set up correctly.

• The firmware can be broken and need to be reinstalled manually.

• You could have missed some important stages while you were reconfiguring the device.

FAQs

Q: Will restarting my pc disrupt my internet?
Indeed. You can't access the internet until you make these changes. Prepare your ISP information.

I forgot the admin password. How should I proceed?
Reset the router by pressing buttons. After restarting, log in with the default settings (no username, password: admin) and change the password.

Q: Do I need to reset often?
Nope. Only reset when you really need to, as when you have a significant problem, forget your credentials, or need to completely change your configuration. It's more trouble than it's worth to do it too frequently.
 

Conclusion: Reset is Not just for basic issues
Resetting a Linksys router is necessary when things are so screwed up that they can't be fixed.
Reset shouldn’t be done to fix the minute problems. Thus, before pressing that button, reboot your computer, check your cords, and verify your ISP connection. If all else fails, reset it, start again, and take control of your network with a fresh login, secure password, and clean settings.