Resetting Cisco Router to Default

A Cisco router has been in much demand among the hundreds of people. The Cisco router offers benefits of connecting different networks together. It even offers a switch that can connect multiple devices to create a network. The router works on different layers (Physical, Data Link, and Network) and several advanced switches. Any changes made intentionally or by mistake can hamper the working of your Cisco router. If you are facing the Cisco router not working issue, you would want to reset your Cisco router to the default settings and wish to find the answer to how to reset Cisco router.

You can reset the Cisco router using two methods.

• Resetting the Cisco router via Reset Button.
• Resetting the Cisco router via Router commands.

We will begin by discussing the first method and proceeding accordingly.

• Resetting the Cisco router via Reset Button
• For setting your Cisco router to its default configuration with the help of the reset button, follow the steps given below-
• Turn off the router. Now connect the power cord to the router.
• You need to plug the power cord into the power source.
• Search for the reset button on your router.
• Once you find the reset button, hold it for about 10 seconds while your Cisco router powers on.
• Release the Cisco router reset button after 10 seconds.
• Wait for some time. The router will finish booting in 5 to 10 minutes.
• Keep checking the lights on the router. If the lights are solid or begin blinking in repeated patterns, it means the router has finished booting.
• Turn off your router.
• Next time you power on your router, it will be booted and restored to its factory configuration.
• It solves your query for “how to reset Cisco router with the help of reset button.” Next, we shall discuss the second method of addressing the issue of Cisco router not working.
• Resetting the Cisco router via Router commands.

For setting your Cisco router to its default configuration with the help of router commands, follow thoroughly the steps given below-

• Turn off the router. Now connect the power cord to the router.
• You need to plug the power cord into the power source.
• With the help of the console cable, connect your laptop to your router’s console port.
• Switch on the router.
• You need to wait for 5 to 10 minutes to finish the booting of the router.
• Keep checking the lights on the router. If the lights are solid or begin blinking in repeated patterns, it means the router has finished booting.
• Turn on your laptop’s terminal emulator program to access your router’s Command Line Interface (CLI).
• To erase the existing configuration of your router, type the commands given below in boldface.

Type router, then enable
router# and write erase
A pop-up will show asking erasing the NorAm file system will remove all configuration files! Continue?
Press the Enter key to confirm
router# reload
Proceed with reload?
Press the Enter key to confirm

Alternatively, you can try the option of would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog? Type No and Press Enter key to confirm.

Or another option is to answer do you want to save the configuration of the AP? Type No and Press Enter key to confirm.

• Wait for some time until the reload or erase ends.
• A CLI prompt or completion message will appear on the screen.
• Turn off your laptop’s terminal emulator window.
• Turn off the router.
• Next time you power on your router, it will be booted and restored to its factory configuration.