‘How do I reset my old router?’

January 23, 2025

After I shared my router picks (and so many of you realized you have a TP-Link …), my inbox is flooded with this one: “What do I do with my old router after I upgrade?” Good question. A factory reset wipes your username, password, Wi-Fi network name or SSID, and any security settings.

Step 1: Look for a small button on the back or bottom of your router. It’s usually recessed (so you’ll need a paper clip to press it in) and may be labeled “Reset.”

Step 2: Do a 30-30-30 reset. It’s a bit of a pain but works for every router model I’ve come across. Here’s how:

• 👉 With your router plugged in, hold down the reset button for 30 seconds.
• While still pressing reset, unplug your router from the power source and count for another 30 seconds.
• Finally, still holding reset, reconnect the router to the power cord and count another final 30 seconds. Done!