How to factory reset an ASUS RT-AC86U Wireless router
A Wireless router forms an important part of a wireless network. It’s central and not only connects your devices to the internet, but it also connects the devices connected to the network.
The ASUS RT-AC86U is one of the best and most reliable Wi-Fi routers on the market. However, like most electronic devices, it can run into issues. In this case, you need to reset it back to factory settings to clear the issues. This removes all changes made on the router and it goes back to how it was when new. On this ASUS router, there are various ways to do this.
You can factory reset an ASUS RT-AC86U wireless router by pressing & holding the reset button for a few seconds, or by pressing & holding down the WPS button, or by unplugging the router’s power cord from the power source and plugging it back in, or by pressing & holding down the Set button, or through the web-based configuration utility.
How to reset the router
- Using the reset button
The reset button is the easiest way to reset any router. All Wi-Fi routers come with a reset button usually hidden behind the router or on the side. This removes all wireless and internet settings including IP address, Wi-Fi password, DNS, etc. While using the reset button, there are various ways to reset your Wi-Fi router.
Before you start, make sure your Wi-Fi router is plugged into a power source and switched on. Now, locate the reset button on your router. Its usually located at the back or bottom of the router and you will need a pin or paperclip. Insert the pin into the pin hole then press and hold down the reset button for at least 15 seconds. Your router will restart and it will take a few seconds to complete the process.
- Using the WPS button
The WPS button is used to connect wireless devices to a Wi-Fi network without typing in the password. It can also be used to factory reset your ASUS RT-AC86U router. Turn off your router and then locate the WPS button on it. Now, press and hold down the WPS button to turn on your router. Keep holding it until the power light stops flashing after which the router automatically restarts.
- Using the Pair button
This method requires you to turn off your ASUS RT-AC86U router directly from the power source without turning the router off first. Make sure that the router is on and unplug its power cord from the power source. Next, locate the Pair button on the router. Press and hold down the button while plugging back in the router’s power cord. Once the LED light on the router starts flashing, release the pair button. Once the LED light turns blue, then the reset is complete. Your ASUS RT-AC86U router will then reboot automatically.
- Using the Set button
Another method to factory reset an ASUS RT-AC86U router, is by using the Set button. Firstly, turn off the router and then locate the Set button on it. Press and hold down the button and then turn on the router. Wait for about 30 seconds for the LED light to start flashing a red color and release the Set button. Your router will then automatically reboot.
- Web-Based Configuration utility
There’s another method that requires logging in to your router’s control panel and factory resetting it from there. All routers come with an admin panel which you can use to check your router’s details and control it. To use this method, you need to know how to use a PC and a browser. The method doesn’t require any software download.
Go to a browser on your device and enter router.asus.com on the address bar and hit enter to visit the site. Enter the username and password and on the next screen, select the ‘Maintenance’ option and then the Backup Settings option. Under the ‘Rivet Factory default settings’ select the Erase option and then click on Yes to proceed. Your ASUS router will reboot and the reset will be complete.
On some ASUS RT-AC86U routers, click on Administration and select the Restore/Upload/Save Setting tab. Next, click on Restore in Factory default and then click on OK to save the changes. The router will be rebooted and the factory reset will take effect.
A Summary table
| Issue | Method | How to Fix |
| How to factory reset an ASUS RT-AC86U Wireless router | Reset button | Locate the reset button on your router and then use a pin to press and hold it down for at least 15 minutes the wait for the router to finish rebooting.
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| WPS button | Switch off your router and then locate the WPS button. TO turn on the router, press and hold down the WPS button until the power light stops flashing. | |
| Pair button | Ensure that the router is turned on and unplug it from the power outlet. On the router, locate the Pair button and hold it down while plugging the router back into the power source. Release the button once the LED light starts flashing. | |
| Web-Based Configuration utility | Go to your web browser and type router.asus.com in the address bar. Sign in to the router’s admin panel and navigate to Maintenance. Select the Backup Settings option and under ‘Rivet Factory default settings, select the Erase option and then click on Yes. |
FAQs
How can I find my router’s login credentials?
You can find your router’s login credentials on the back of your router.
What’s the ASUS RT-AC86U router’s default password?
ASUS RT-AC86U router’s default password is blank. This means that the router’s admin panel doesn’t have a password.
