A factory reset returns a Belkin router to its original settings. People usually do this after forgetting the router password, after a setup that went wrong, or before selling or giving away the router. Because it erases your configuration, try a simple restart first if you only have a connection problem.
Steps can differ between Belkin models, so check your model’s support page if something below does not match what you see.
What a factory reset erases
A reset generally removes:
- Your custom Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password
- Any router or dashboard password you set
- Custom settings such as port forwarding, parental controls and DNS changes
It does not cancel your internet service, but you may need to re-enter internet login details from your provider.
Method 1: Reset with the button
- Keep the router plugged in and powered on.
- Find the small Reset button on the back or bottom. It is often recessed.
- Press and hold it with a paperclip or similar tool. Guides commonly suggest holding for at least about 10 seconds, though some models call for more or less. Hold until the indicator light blinks or the router restarts.
- Release the button and wait a few minutes while the router restarts.
Do not unplug the router during this time. If nothing happens, repeat the process and hold the button a bit longer.
Method 2: Reset from the dashboard
If you can still open the router dashboard, you may be able to restore defaults without a paperclip.
- Connect to the router by Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Open the Belkin dashboard in a browser. Many models list the address and setup details in the manual. Some older Belkin routers use 192.168.2.1.
- Look in the advanced or utilities settings for an option such as restore factory defaults.
- Confirm and wait for the router to restart.
Belkin’s dashboard may be unlocked by default, so you might not be asked for a password unless you set one.
After the reset: set the router up again
- Look at the label on the router for its default Wi-Fi name and password, if provided, and connect.
- Open the setup page or the Belkin app, as your model requires.
- Enter any internet details your provider requires.
- Create a new Wi-Fi name and strong password, and set a router admin password.
- Reconnect your devices.
If the router is set up but there is no internet, see no internet after resetting your router.
My Belkin router is flashing red
A red light often indicates a problem with the internet connection, but the meaning depends on your model. Check the manual first. A good first step is to restart the modem and then the router. For other colors, see router flashing red and what the lights on your router mean. A factory reset is not usually the first fix for a red light.
What if I forgot the router password?
If you cannot log in to the dashboard and have no way to recover the password, a factory reset is a common last resort. You can also check where to find your router password and login first. Afterwards, set a new password and keep it somewhere safe.
FAQ
How long should I hold the Belkin reset button? Common guidance is at least about 10 seconds, though it varies by model, so check your model’s instructions.
Do I need to reset after a power outage? Usually not. Restarting is generally enough.
How do I set up a Belkin router? Connect it to your modem, power it on, then follow the setup page or app for your model.