How to Factory Reset Asus Router – Easy Steps

ASUS makes some of the best Wi-Fi routers you can find in the market. Most of these devices offer an install-and-forget experience as well. However, you may need to factory reset your ASUS router in some circumstances. It could be a forgotten password or unusually slow speeds. Regardless of the router model, you need to know the right steps to reset the device. In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know.

Why Router Needs a Factory Reset

Let me first tell you a few reasons your ASUS router needs a factory reset. Keep in mind that a factory reset must be the last resort, not an impulsive decision. That is, you should try other solutions before you factory reset your Wi-Fi router.

• Forgotten Passwords: If you forget the Wi-Fi network password, you can solve everything through a factory reset. Since you don’t know the password, you cannot reset the password via the dashboard, either. When you reset the ASUS router, the default username and password will be restored.
• Terrible Network Speeds: Are you facing pathetic Internet speed despite having a multi-gig plan? Do you continue to face the issue with wired connections as well? Junk files or temporary issues on the router could be a culprit. A factory reset can help you solve this issue.
• Connection Issues: Factory resetting a Wi-Fi router is a great way to solve issues like IP conflicts. The issue may happen due to a problematic setting on the router. So, by restoring factory settings, you’d have a clean slate.
• Security: You need to think of frequent factory resets as a method to improve security. Sure, a reset can be inconvenient. On the bright side, it removes problematic elements and extensions from the router and installs a fresh version of the firmware, protecting your privacy, among others.
• Performance: You will also notice positive changes in the overall performance of your ASUS routers after a factory reset. Like your computer and smartphone, Wi-Fi routers are also built with a limited amount of resources. So, clearing junk/temporary files is a great way to keep the router smooth.

I should also mention that you can solve numerous connectivity issues through a Restart, which is also known as Power Cycle. Unlike a factory reset, power cycling your router does not cause data loss. At the same time, the device will clear temporary memory and fix some issues.

Things To Do Before Factory Reset Asus Router

Before I tell you these, a disclaimer is necessary. Depending on your situation, you cannot or may not want to do many of the following things. I will give you some examples.

1. Let’s say that I am locked out of the network because I don’t know the Wi-Fi password or admin password. In this case, you need to factory reset the ASUS router as soon as you can.
2. However, things are different if you want to reset the router for security or performance concerns. In that case, you may want to save your current configuration so you can restore them quickly.

So, make sure you select only the steps that will actually make your life easier. For instance, restoring the existing configuration files is counterintuitive if you want to get a clean start for the router. The things you need to do are:

• Locate Router Label/Box: When you reset your ASUS router, the default Wi-Fi/login credentials will be restored. You need these settings to connect to the Wi-Fi network and change the username and password thereafter. You need access to the router info label, box, or the user manual.
• Check ISP Settings: Depending on where you live, your ISP may have configured the ASUS router to meet their needs. You will need these settings when you reset/upgrade the router. In particular, you should keep the PPPoE and login credentials.
• Back Up Configuration Files: If you want to streamline the configuration process, saving the existing data for configuration is a time-saver. This configuration file will help you speed things up after the factory reset. You can do this via Settings > Administration > Save/Restore.

You should also have access to an Ethernet cable, just in case. Some routers may not turn on Wi-Fi after the reboot. In these instances, you may have to access the network via Ethernet and turn on Wi-Fi.

How To Reset Asus Router

Now that you know what to expect from a factory reset, I will take you through the right steps. You can pick one of the four methods based on the ASUS router model and firmware. Some steps are universal, though.

#1 Using the Web Admin Panel

This method, also called Soft Reset, is the easiest way to reset your ASUS Wi-Fi router. We access the Wi-Fi admin panel to trigger a factory reset. The limitation? You can use this method only if you have access to the network and the admin panel. I’d recommend this option if you are doing the factory reset as a part of your digital security/privacy regime.

The steps are:

1. Ensure you have connected your smartphone or computer to the Wi-Fi network. An Ethernet cable is a better connection method on any day, though.
2. Open a web browser and access the default IP address for the router. In most cases, the address will be 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. It’s best to check the router packaging/label to confirm this.
3. Once you see the login page, enter the admin username and password to log in. You can find all this information on the label or user manual.
4. After logging in to the dashboard, navigate to System Settings > Administration > Reset. Here, you’ll find a Restore button right next to something called Factory default.

• Choose the option and confirm your action when asked. You may have to enter the admin password once again.

During the reset process, your ASUS router will flash its LED light(s) multiple times. Ensure that the router is getting sufficient power for the entire duration.

#2 Through The Mobile App

You can also use the ASUS Router App or ASUS ExpertWiFi app to reset your ASUS router to factory settings. These apps are designed to offer you easy access to the router settings. Therefore, you can use them to reset the device as well.

As you can guess, your smartphone must be connected to the ASUS Wi-Fi network. You may also have to confirm admin privileges by providing the username and password. If you have both, you can proceed with these steps:

1. Open the ASUS Router app and navigate to Settings
2. Go to Settings > System Settings and choose System Reset to Factory Default

You may have to enter the username and password to confirm your choice. During the reset process, your smartphone will disconnect from the network. You will need to set up the Router/ExpertWiFi app after the reset.

#3 With the Reset Button

Using the Reset button is the most straightforward and effective way to factory reset ASUS routers—or any other router, for that matter. This button is designed to restore all settings to factory defaults, and you can use it even when you do not have access to the Wi-Fi network or the router admin panel. The steps are:

1. Locate the Reset button on the control panel of the ASUS router. Sometimes, the button may appear on the side panel as well.

• Press and hold this button for at least 10-15 seconds. At this point, the Power LED of your ASUS router will start blinking. At this point, you can release the Reset button.
• During the reset process, other LED lights on your Wi-Fi router may also blink multiple times. You do not have to worry.

Now, you need patience, as the reset process may take up to 5-10 minutes. Your ASUS router may also need extra time if the process involves a firmware update. In most cases, you should be done within a few minutes.

After the router has rebooted, you can proceed with the configuration.

#4 With The WPS Button

I have also come across some ASUS routers that let you reset the device with the WPS button. That is, you can rely on the WPS button if you cannot use the Reset button. In these situations, you can follow the steps given below:

1. Turn off the ASUS router using the Power button or by unplugging the power adaptor.
2. Press and hold the WPS button of the router when the device is turned off

• Now, while holding the WPS button, turn the Wi-Fi router on
• After holding the WPS button for a few seconds, the device will start the reset process.

The rest of the process is the same as using the Reset button. After the device has been reset, you can use the default password/credentials to log in.

Reconfigure ASUS Router After Reset

Now that you have successfully reset your ASUS router, you should reconfigure it. As you know, I cannot tell you the exact steps for each router as they depend on many factors, including internet connection type and the ISP. Here are some core pointers, though.

• If you need manual setup, make sure you enter the correct login credentials for your ISP account. It is a good idea to contact the ISP customer care number at this point.
• Your ASUS router will now be using the default SSID and password. It is not safe, and you must change it as soon as possible. Ensure that you use a strong, unique, and unguessable password.
• If your ASUS router offers multiple configuration modes, choose the one that offers the maximum leverage of resources. Some options include Router, Bridge, AP, and Extender.
• Once you have made these basic changes, you must update the router firmware as well. It will add a security layer to the device.

You may also want to restore the previous settings. However, I would recommend reviewing your security settings and other preferences while you are reconfiguring the system. It might be a good idea to set up the core things from scratch instead of importing previous settings.

How to Restore Previous Configurations

You should have backed up the router settings before if you wanted to do this. So, make sure that you have the configuration file at your disposal. Now, follow these steps:

1. Access the router dashboard by visiting the router’s default IP address.
2. Go to Settings > Administration > Restore/Save/Upload Setting.
3. On this page, locate the Upload button against an entry called Restore setting.
4. Choose the configuration file you had saved earlier.

The router will now restart and apply the previous configuration. Depending on the model, settings such as the network name, IP assigning protocol, MAC filtering, etc., will be restored.

Conclusion

I have shared everything I wanted to know when I had to reset my ASUS router. I always appreciate that the manufacturer lets us use multiple methods to reset the device. The WPS button method is pretty great on a compatible device. Make sure you pay attention to these points while going through the reset process.