How to Reset Asus Router (2026)

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Factory Reset With the Reset Button

1. Find the reset button on the back or bottom of the router. On most Asus models, it’s a small pinhole button labeled “Reset” or “Restore.”
2. With the router powered on, press and hold the reset button using a paperclip or SIM ejector tool for 10 seconds.
3. The power LED starts flashing. Release the button.
4. Wait 2 to 3 minutes for the router to fully reboot. The LEDs stabilize when it’s ready.

This erases all custom settings: WiFi name, password, port forwarding rules, parental controls, VPN configurations, and any firmware customizations. The router returns to its default factory state with the default WiFi name (usually “ASUS” or the model number) and no admin password set.

Factory Reset From the Admin Panel

1. Open a browser and go to router.asus.com or 192.168.1.1.
2. Log in with your admin username and password.
3. Go to Administration (in the sidebar), then the “Restore/Save/Upload Setting” tab.
4. Click “Restore” next to “Factory default.”
5. Confirm when prompted. The router restarts.

This method does the same thing as the hardware button but lets you save your current settings first. Before clicking Restore, click “Save Setting” to download a backup file. You can upload this file later to restore your configuration after the reset.

Factory Reset From the Asus Router App

1. Open the Asus Router app on your phone.
2. Tap Settings, then System.
3. Tap “Factory Default Reset.”
4. Confirm the reset.

The app method works over WiFi. Your phone disconnects during the reset since the WiFi network resets. Reconnect to the default “ASUS” network afterward to set things up again.

Soft Reboot (Keep Settings)

If your router is acting up but you don’t want to lose your settings, try a reboot first.

From the admin panel: Log in to router.asus.com, go to Administration, then click “Reboot.” The router restarts with all settings intact.

From the app: Open the Asus Router app, tap Settings, then “Reboot.”

Manually: Unplug the power cable, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in. Wait 2 to 3 minutes for full startup.

A reboot fixes most temporary issues like slow speeds, dropped connections, and devices failing to connect. Try this before a factory reset.

When to Reset vs. Reboot

Set Up After Factory Reset

1. Connect your computer or phone to the router’s default WiFi network. Look for a network named “ASUS” or the model number (e.g., “ASUS_RT-AX88U”). There’s no password on the default network.
2. Open a browser and go to router.asus.com. The setup wizard starts automatically.
3. Create an admin username and password. Write these down – you need them to access router settings later.
4. Set your WiFi network name (SSID) and password. Use WPA3 if your devices support it, otherwise WPA2.
5. Select your internet connection type. Most home connections use “Automatic IP” (DHCP). If your ISP requires PPPoE, you need your ISP username and password.
6. Complete the wizard. The router saves settings and restarts.

If you saved a backup file before resetting, upload it now: go to Administration, then “Restore/Save/Upload Setting,” and click “Upload Setting.” This restores your WiFi name, password, and all custom configurations.

Rescue Mode (Firmware Recovery)

If your Asus router is bricked (power light flashing slowly, no WiFi, won’t load admin page), use rescue mode to reflash the firmware.

1. Turn off the router.
2. Press and hold the reset button while turning the router back on.
3. Keep holding the reset button for 10 seconds until the power LED starts flashing slowly.
4. Connect your computer to the router via Ethernet cable.
5. Set your computer’s IP address to 192.168.1.2 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0.
6. Download the Asus Firmware Restoration utility from the Asus support site for your model.
7. Run the utility, select the latest firmware file, and click “Upload.”
8. Wait for the upload and installation to complete (5 to 10 minutes). Don’t unplug the router.

Rescue mode is a last resort. It only applies to situations where the router won’t boot normally or the firmware is corrupted. A regular factory reset through the button or admin panel handles everything else.

Troubleshooting

Can’t access router.asus.com after reset. Try 192.168.1.1 directly. Make sure you’re connected to the router’s WiFi or via Ethernet – not your phone’s mobile data. Clear your browser cache or try a different browser. If nothing works, try an incognito/private window.

Reset button doesn’t seem to work. Make sure you’re pressing the correct button (some models have WPS and Reset buttons close together). Hold for a full 10 seconds – count slowly. If the router still doesn’t reset, try holding the button for 30 seconds. Make sure the router is fully powered on, not mid-boot.

Internet not working after reset. The router lost your ISP settings during the reset. Run through the setup wizard at router.asus.com and enter your connection type. If your ISP uses PPPoE (common with DSL), you need your ISP-provided username and password. Contact your ISP if you don’t have these. If your ISP uses DHCP (most cable internet), try rebooting your modem first, then the router.

Old WiFi network still showing on devices. After resetting, the old WiFi network name no longer exists. Your devices may show it as “saved” but unable to connect. On each device, forget the old network and connect to the new one with the new password.

Does resetting affect the firmware version?

No. A factory reset erases your configuration settings but keeps the current firmware version. If you updated the firmware before resetting, the router stays on the updated firmware. Only the rescue mode firmware restoration changes the firmware version.

How often should I reset my router?

You shouldn’t need to factory reset regularly. A reboot every few weeks (or when you notice performance issues) is usually enough. Factory reset is for specific problems like forgotten passwords, persistent bugs, or preparing the router for a new owner. There’s no benefit to routine factory resets.

Will resetting fix slow WiFi?

Sometimes. If slow WiFi is caused by misconfigured settings (wrong channel, outdated QoS rules, conflicting port forwarding), a factory reset clears those issues. If it’s caused by interference from neighboring networks, too many devices, or your ISP providing slow speeds, a reset won’t help. Try a reboot first and run a speed test connected directly to the modem to rule out ISP issues.

See also: How to Connect Router to Modem, How to Reset Netgear Router, How to Improve Internet Connection

Sources

Asus – Factory Reset Router | Asus – Firmware Restoration