How to Reset the Dlink DIR-850L

On this page I will be showing you how to reset the Dlink DIR-850L router back to how it was straight out of the factory. Before I do that however I need to differentiate between two very commonly confused words. The first is a reboot. When I use the word reboot I am referring to a cycle in the power to the device. The other term is a reset. This word is referring to a complete factory restore of all settings.
Warning: This reset erases all settings you have ever changed in the lifetime of this device. Things you may not have thought about:

1. The router's main username and password are erased and restored to the original factory ones.
2. The Internet name and password are also erased and brought back to the original factory settings.
3. If you have a DSL connection you might lose Internet connection. To regain the use of the Internet you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. For these details call your local ISP.
4. Write down any other changes you have made. These include any port forwards you have done or IP address

Reset the Dlink DIR-850L

Now that I have sufficiently warned you of the potential dangers in resetting a router. Go ahead and find the reset button. For the Dlink DIR-850L router you can find it on the bottom panel of the unit. See the image below.

Take the tip of an unfolded paperclip and press down on the button for about 10 seconds. If you don't hold the button down for the entire amount of time you end up only rebooting the router instead of resetting it like you wanted.
Remember resetting this device is going to erase every single setting you have ever changed on the unit. To avoid this you need to think of other ways to fix this problem.

Login to the Dlink DIR-850L

Once you've successfully reset the Dlink DIR-850L router you'll need to log into it. This is done by using the factory default username and password. Not sure where to find these? We have them listed for you in our Login Guide.
Tip: If the defaults don't seem to be working for you it could be because the reset button wasn't held down for long enough.

Change Your Password

Now that you've logged into your router you should set a new password for it. Remember that this password will only protect your router settings, not your wireless network. All the same, setting a strong password is always a good idea.
Tip: Avoid losing your new password by writing it on a note and attaching it to the underside of your router.