You can reset the TP-Link router back to factory settings in several ways. The reset process removes all custom settings and restores the router factory defaults so that you can reconfigure the TP-Link router.
Here we show you two ways to reset a TP-Link router to its factory settings. Resetting a TP-Link router removes all third-party customizations and configurations made to the router. However, before starting any router reset process, back up any configurations you want to restore after the reset is complete.
1. Reset Your TP-Link Router Using the Web Interface
You can use the Backup and Restore option on the web-based router management utility to factory reset your TP-Link router. In addition, you can also use it to back up the current router settings to a file and restore them after the reset is complete.
Making a router configuration backup might not be the first thing you do with a new router, but it’s a good practice.
Go to TP-Link Wi-Fi, an internal TP-Link router management page. If you’re using your router as an extender, make sure the router is connected to your computer via an Ethernet cable. If you don’t have a TP-Link router, this link will not work for you.
Next, type in your router password. You can find the router password printed on the label on the bottom of the router. If you changed the password during the initial setup, use that password instead.
2. Factory reset your TP-Link router using the reset button
Your TP-Link router has a small physical reset button, usually located on the back of the device. This is useful if you’ve forgotten your router’s web interface password and can’t log in. You can long press the reset button to reset your router to factory defaults.
The only downside is that you can’t back up your current router configuration, and you’ll have to set it up from scratch.
There are 2 easy ways to factory reset a TP-Link router
A factory reset is useful if you determine that the router is acting up and causing connectivity issues. This may also be necessary if you are giving away your old router and want to ensure that all data is completely removed, including passwords and wireless network details.
A good router can make a huge difference in the speed of your internet connection. But if you don’t have the money to fork out on the top-of-the-range model, what other avenues are open to you?
If you want to know how to optimize router settings for speed or set up the best router configuration for fast internet, keep reading.
1. Automate Reboot Schedule
Most newer routers don’t require rebooting regularly. But as most people know, if you’ve ever run into a dead internet connection, rebooting your router is often all it takes to get you back up and running.
However, if you find yourself rebooting the router regularly, the DD-WRT and Tomato firmware options have timed reboot options. Set it to reboot once a day while you’re sleeping, and you’ll never notice downtime when the router shuts down and starts back up.
2. Make Your Router Faster With a New Antenna
A simple way to make a router faster is to buy a new antenna.
The antenna on most consumer-grade routers is terrible. An amplified aftermarket antenna is a great fix and a simple way to improve signal quality (and thus speed) without the need for a new device. Powered and amplified aftermarket options start around $15 and go up into the low hundreds.
Plug-in range extenders are a bit more expensive, but they act as a powered antenna and wireless repeater all in one. They can greatly improve homes with dead zones or signal degradation, but your mileage may vary.
However, check local wireless broadcasting laws before picking up a powerful antenna. In some jurisdictions, it is illegal (or may be illegal) to amplify your Wi-Fi signal above a certain limit.
3. Disable Older Wireless Protocols
How do you optimize router settings for speed? One of the first things you might consider is turning off older wireless protocols.
New routers on the 802.11ax protocol provide capabilities far beyond what many ISPs offer. While the router may be fast, many of your devices are probably using an older protocol—such as 802.11b—which slows down the entire network once that device is connected. Ideally, you should remove any devices that use the B or G protocols.
The fastest protocols, in order from fastest to slowest, are ax > ac > n > g > b. See your router documentation to learn how to do this.