How To Reset a Cisco Router

When you reset a device to factory configuration or settings, you erase all the configurations and passwords that have been modified or saved on the device. Resetting our Cisco router is a quick and effective way of resolving device malfunctions by restoring all the default factory settings on our router. We can also reset Cisco routers when we can’t remember our device’s login details.

We will explain how to reset your Cisco router to factory default configurations using the reset button on your router. We will also explain how to reset the device to factory settings using router commands for routers without reset buttons. 

How To Reset a Cisco Router With the Reset Button

Not all routers have the reset button. This is the most straightforward method of resetting your router to factory default configurations for routers with reset buttons. 

The reset button on your router serves the specific purpose of restoring your router to the state where you bought it. This may come in handy if you forgot your router password and you’re trying to access it, or you want to start over with new settings and get rid of the existing ones.

Before you reset your Cisco router, take note of the following.

• The reset button will reset your login credentials to the default settings on the router label.
• Resetting your router will delete all personalized settings, including your Wi-Fi name and password.

Follow the steps below to restore your Cisco router to factory settings using the reset button.

1. Power off your Cisco router.
2. Connect your power cord to the Cisco router and plug the cord into the power source.
3. Locate the reset button on your router. It is usually located at the back of most routers.
4. Press and hold the reset button. At the same time, turn on your router.
5. Release the reset button after 10 seconds.
6. Wait for the router to finish booting. On average, this takes about five to ten minutes. The router has finished booting when its lights are either solid or blinking repeatedly.
7. Turn off your Cisco router. This process has reset your router to factory default configurations.
8. Turn on the router and confirm whether the process has been successful.

How To Reset a Cisco Router Using Router Commands

For routers without reset buttons, using the router commands on your router’s command line interface will reset your router to default factory configurations. Follow the steps below to restore your Cisco router to factory settings using router commands.

1. Power off your Cisco router.
2. Connect your power cord to the Cisco router and plug the cord into the power source.
3. Use the console cable to connect your laptop to the console port of the Cisco router.
4. Turn on the Cisco router and wait for it to finish booting. On average, this takes about five to ten minutes. The router has finished booting when its lights are either solid or blinking repeatedly.
5. Launch the terminal emulator program on your laptop and use this program to access the command line interface of your Cisco router.
6. Enter the following commands to erase your Cisco router’s saved settings and configurations and restore the device to factory configurations.
7. Type enable on the router> prompt. This takes you to the enable mode, and a Router# prompt appears on the command line interface.
8. To erase the nvram file system, type write erase on the router# prompt.
9. You will see a message saying, “erasing the nvram file system will remove all configuration files! Continue?” Press the Enter key to confirm.
10. Type reload on the router# prompt.
11. Press the Enter key when it asks if you should proceed with reloading.
12. Type no and press the Enter key for the following questions.
    • Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog? [yes | no]
    • Do you want to save the configuration of the AP? [yes | no]
13. The Cisco router starts reloading. Wait for the router to finish reloading, and a command line interface message tells you the process has been completed.
14. Close the terminal emulator window on your laptop.
15. Turn off your Cisco router. This process has reset your router to factory default configurations.
16. Turn on the router and confirm whether the process has been successful.

Conclusion

We have provided detailed steps on to reset your Cisco router. It is up to you to decide whether you want to go through the process and risk losing all your saved configurations.