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A factory reset erases an ASUS router’s Wi-Fi name, Wi-Fi password, internet settings, administrator credentials, and other custom configuration. If you only need to restart the router, choose a reboot instead. If you can still sign in, use the ASUS Router app or web interface; if you are locked out, use the recessed Reset button.
Choose the right type of reset
| Action | Keeps settings? | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Reboot | Yes | Temporary connection problems or an unresponsive router |
| Restore | No | A normal factory reset or starting setup again |
| Initialize | No | A deeper reset that also removes stored databases and history data |
A reboot only restarts the router and preserves its configuration. ASUS says the router may take several minutes to become available again after restarting. See ASUS’s reboot instructions.
In ASUSWRT, Restore is the normal factory reset. Initialize, when available, is equivalent to a hard factory reset and clears additional stored information such as certain AiProtection, Traffic Analyzer, and Web History data. ASUS explains the distinction in its Restore versus Initialize guide.
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Save or record anything you will need to rebuild the network:
#1 Best Overall
- New-Gen WiFi Standard – WiFi 6(802.11ax) standard supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology for better efficiency and throughput.Antenna : External antenna x 4. Processor : Dual-core (4 VPE). Power Supply : AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz), DC Output : 12 V with max. 1.5A current.
- Ultra-fast WiFi Speed – RT-AX1800S supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections
- Increase Capacity and Efficiency – Supporting not only MU-MIMO but also OFDMA technique to efficiently allocate channels, communicate with multiple devices simultaneously
- 5 Gigabit ports – One Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports, 10X faster than 100–Base T Ethernet.
- Commercial-grade Security Anywhere – Protect your home network with AiProtection Classic, powered by Trend Micro. And when away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives you a one-click secure VPN.
- Your ISP username and password, especially for PPPoE connections.
- Static-IP, VLAN, DNS, or other special WAN settings supplied by your ISP.
- The current Wi-Fi name and password.
- Port-forwarding rules, DHCP reservations, VPN settings, parental controls, and AiProtection configuration.
- Your ASUS administrator username and password, if you still have access.
- For AiMesh, the main router, satellite names, locations, and intended network layout.
- A configuration backup, if your model and firmware support one.
Do not assume a configuration backup can be transferred safely between different ASUS models or firmware generations. Use it only where ASUS confirms compatibility.
Reset using the ASUS Router app
This method works only when your phone can connect to and manage the router.
- Connect your phone to the ASUS router.
- Open the ASUS Router app.
- Tap Settings.
- Open System Settings.
- Tap System reset to factory default.
- Confirm the warning and wait for the router to restart completely.
Menu names and app availability vary by product and firmware. ExpertWiFi products may use the ExpertWiFi app instead. The app cannot help if the router is unreachable or you cannot authenticate.
Rank #2
- Ultrafast WiFi 7 – WiFi 7 (802.11be) dual-band extendable router boosts speed up to 6500 Mbps, with 4096-QAM increasing a single frequency band’s transmission speed by 1.2 times
- Five 2.5GbE Ports – 2.5GbE ports prioritize traffic, optimizing wired internet connectivity for maximum performance
- Hassle-free AiMesh Extendable Network – AiMesh extendable routers enable whole home seamless roaming with rich, advanced features
- Multi-link Operation – Link to multiple bands at the same time to ensure stable internet connections and efficient data transfers
- Commercial-Grade Network Security – AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro, plus a one-tap security scan and Safe Browsing
Reset from the ASUS web interface
Use an Ethernet cable if possible; it avoids losing access when Wi-Fi disappears during the reset.
- Connect a computer to the router.
- Open a browser and visit
http://www.asusrouter.com. If that does not open, try the router’s LAN address, commonlyhttp://192.168.50.1on newer ASUS setups. - Sign in with the administrator credentials.
- Open Administration.
- Select Restore/Save/Upload Setting, or the similarly named page shown by your firmware.
- Choose Restore for a standard factory reset, or Initialize for the deeper reset if that option is available.
- Confirm the warning.
- Leave the router powered on until it finishes restarting and its LEDs stabilize.
ASUS documents the web-management addresses and access process in its router settings page guide. Exact labels differ between RT, ROG, TUF, ZenWiFi, ExpertWiFi, and other models.
Reset with the physical button
Use this method when you forgot the administrator password or cannot access the app and web interface.
Rank #3
- Beyond-fast WiFi 7 (802.11be) with new 320MHz channels in the 6 GHz band and 4096-QAM significantly increases network capacity and throughput, with speeds of up to 30 Gbps
- Multi-link Operation links to multiple bands at the same time to ensure stable internet connections and efficient data transfers
- Cutting-edge external dual-feeding antennas boost coverage by providing high efficiency and significantly enhanced signal strength
- Maximized wired connectivity and flexibility with dual 10G ports and quad 2.5G ports
- Triple-Level Game Acceleration - The GT-BE98 Pro boosts your PC gaming traffic every step of the way, from your PC gaming port all the way to the game server.
- Leave the router powered on.
- Find the recessed button labeled Reset, usually on the rear or underside.
- Use a straightened paper clip or another suitable non-sharp tool.
- Press and hold Reset for approximately 5–10 seconds, or until the power LED begins flashing.
- Release the button and wait for the router to restart.
- Reconnect using Ethernet or the default Wi-Fi network printed on the product label.
- Complete the initial setup.
Do not unplug the router while it is resetting. The exact button behavior and LED pattern vary by model, so the model-specific manual takes precedence. Check the label carefully: pressing WPS instead of Reset will not perform the same operation. ASUS’s factory-reset instructions use the approximately 5–10-second range.
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What happens after a successful reset?
The custom Wi-Fi network disappears, connected devices disconnect, and the router returns to its initial setup state. The reset removes the saved internet and WAN configuration, so internet access may not return automatically.
- Connect to the default SSID printed on the router label. ASUS gives
ASUS_XXas an example, but the exact name varies. - Alternatively, connect a computer to a LAN port with Ethernet.
- Open
http://www.asusrouter.comor the applicable LAN IP address. - Run Quick Internet Setup.
- Create a new router administrator account and password.
- Enter PPPoE, static-IP, VLAN, or other ISP-specific information if required.
- Choose a new Wi-Fi name and password.
- Reconnect phones, computers, printers, cameras, smart-home devices, and other clients.
Resetting the ASUS router does not reset an ISP modem or gateway. If the ASUS unit is connected behind an ISP gateway, reconnect the WAN cable and check whether the gateway needs bridge mode or another configuration to avoid double NAT.
Rank #4
- Blazing-fast WiFi 7 tech boosts throughput up to 7200Mbps with Multi-Link Operation and 4096-QAM.
- Bolster your wired network capacity up to 34G with one cutting-edge 10G SFP+ port and one standard 10G WAN/LAN port.
- Establish always-on internet through AI WAN detection, versatile WAN configuration options, and a convenient USB port ready for 4G LTE and 5G Mobile tethering.
- Unleash demanding WiFi 7 and 10G network applications with a powerhouse quad-core 2.6GHz 64-bit CPU.
- Easily establish up to five SSIDs with Guest Network Pro for easy IoT device setup and management, instant VPN connections, and convenient parental controls.
If the standard reset does not work
- Confirm that the router is powered on and that you are pressing Reset, not WPS.
- Hold the button until the model’s specified LED behavior appears.
- If you can still sign in, try Administration > Restore/Save/Upload Setting instead.
- Look up your exact model in ASUS’s hard factory reset model list. ASUS provides different methods for different products.
- Use Rescue Mode or Firmware Restoration only when the model’s ASUS instructions call for it. Firmware recovery is separate from an ordinary factory reset and should not be the first step.
- Consult the model manual or ASUS support if the router never boots or remains inaccessible.
A reset clears configuration; it does not necessarily repair damaged firmware. Do not interrupt power during a reset or firmware-recovery process.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the router has no power
A reset cannot repair a dead power supply or failed hardware. Check the following first:
- Try another electrical outlet.
- Firmly reconnect the power adapter.
- Check the physical power switch, if the model has one.
- Look for any illuminated LED.
- Try wired access only if the router is visibly powered.
If no LED ever lights, follow ASUS’s no-power and no-boot troubleshooting rather than repeatedly pressing Reset.
Best Value
- New-Gen WiFi Standard - Supporting 802.11ax WiFi standard for better efficiency and throughput.
- Ultra-fast WiFi Speed - RT-AX3000S supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections. With a total networking speed of about 3000Mbps — 574 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 2402 Mbps on the 5GHz band.
- Increase Capacity and Efficiency - Supporting not only MU-MIMO but also OFDMA technique to efficiently allocate channels, communicating with multiple devices simultaneously
- Easy Extendable Network - Enjoy seamless roaming with rich, advanced features by adding any AiMesh-compatible router.
Resetting an AiMesh system
AiMesh needs extra care. Resetting the main AiMesh router can remove the network configuration and require the mesh to be set up again. Resetting a satellite node may affect only that node, which can then need to be reset and re-added.
Before starting, record which device is the primary router, each node’s name and location, and the intended topology. If the mesh is still functional, use the ASUS app or web interface where available. If one node is unresponsive, use that node’s model-specific reset procedure. ASUS’s AiMesh resources provide model and setup-specific guidance.
Resetting before selling or returning the router
Use Restore, or Initialize when a deeper wipe is appropriate, then verify that the old Wi-Fi name no longer appears and that the initial setup screen is shown. Remove the device from any ASUS app or account association if your product uses one. A factory reset clears the router’s local configuration, but do not assume it removes every account-linked record automatically.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhen replacing the router is reasonable
Try a reset first if the hardware still works. Replacement is more appropriate when the router repeatedly becomes inaccessible, cannot complete a model-specific reset, has a failing power supply or hardware fault, or no longer meets your speed and coverage needs. A new router will not fix an ISP outage, bad cabling, a defective modem, or missing ISP credentials.
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