The article is intended to describe the procedure to reset the administrator password on a Linksys router. The tips compiled here are simple and correct to date. However, it is recommended that users follow the instructions precisely to avoid problems. This will also save them time and money that they would otherwise spend looking for support for Linksys routers.

All Linksys routers (usually all routers) come with the password protection utility. Helps prevent unauthorized users from accessing your router’s interface and making changes to settings. Although it is easier to reset the password on a Linksys device, you may run into problems. Don’t worry! The below mentioned guide will help you to perform the password reset task on your own and without the help of Linksys technical support.

Instructions:

Reset password using existing password-

• Just connect your computer and router using an Ethernet cable. Connect one end to the computer and the other to the router (in any of the 4 ports located on the back)
• Disconnect the modem if it is connected between the above two devices. Turn on the router and the computer and wait until they have completely rebooted.
• Start your Internet browser (Firefox or Internet Explorer etc.) and type ‘http://192.168.2.1’ (without quotes and as is) in your address bar. Press the Enter key on your keyboard to continue.
• When prompted, enter your existing username and password in the appropriate boxes and click the OK button. If you never changed your credentials, these should be the default ones that came with the router’s documentation.
• When you log in to the router’s configuration screen, click to highlight the Administration tab, and then click Management (the subtab). Enter the new password of your choice in the Router Password box and retype it in the corresponding box to confirm. When you’re done, click the Save Settings button. Exit the router interface and make your connection as before by unplugging the Ethernet cable. This will be your new password from now on to log in to the router interface.

Reset password when existing admin password is lost or forgotten

• Since it is completely impossible to extract the lost password through the router, we will reset it by performing a hard reset on the Linksys router. This will restore the device to its factory (default) settings.
• Disconnect the computer and modem from the router. Now take a thin, sharp object (such as a paper clip) and insert it into the Reset button (it will be a small hole) on the back of the Linksys router.
• Press the button and hold it for about 30 seconds. Thereafter, release the button and wait for the router to fully reboot.
• When you see all the lights are on on the router, reconnect your computer using the Ethernet cable (see how to connect the Ethernet cable above). Do not connect the modem. Open your web browser and log in to the router interface using ‘http://192.168.2.1’ (refer to the procedure mentioned in the first scenario)
• When prompted for username and password, enter the defaults (which originally came with your router). Click the OK button and reset the password as desired. (see the procedure mentioned in the 1st scenario)

Additional Tips:

Create a strong password using letters and numbers and write it down. Keep the piece of paper with the password written down in a safe, dry place for future use.

The option or tab (Administration) to change password may vary on different Linksys models. Consult your router’s documentation for more information.