Linksys WRT54G2 Default Password

WRT54G2 default password & other default login info

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Tim Fisher
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Tim Fisher
Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability
  • Emporia State University
Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the SVP and General Manager of Lifewire.
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Updated on June 25, 2022
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Nadia Baloch
Fact checked by Nadia Baloch
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As with most Linksys routers and all versions of the WRT54G2, the default password is admin. This password is case sensitive. The Linksys WRT54G2 router's default IP address is 192.168.1.1, the IP address used for most Linksys router models. You don't need to enter a username when logging into the WRT54G2.

The three versions of this router use the same default login information from above.

When the WRT54G2 Default Password Doesn't Work

Changing a default password to something unique is crucial; this prevents unauthorized users from logging in. However, passwords are easily lost or forgotten. This might be the reason you can't get into your router.

Consider using a password manager so you can use unique, secure passwords without having to remember them. You can set up such apps to automatically fill in login info without your having to type it.

You can reset the Linksys WRT54G2 router to its default settings to clear any customizations, leaving the router with the default password mentioned above. Here's how:

  1. Power on the WRT54G2 router.

  2. Turn the router around so you have access to the back, where the cables are connected.

    Back of Linksys WRT54G2

  3. With something small and sharp like a paperclip or pin, press and hold the Reset button for at least ten seconds.

  4. Unplug the power cable for a few seconds.

  5. Plug in the power cable, then wait another 60 seconds to be sure that the WRT54G2 is fully rebooted and ready to be used.

  6. Make sure the network cable and power cable are firmly in place, then position the router following best practices for router placement.

  7. Log in to the router at http://192.168.1.1 using the password admin.

  8. The Linksys WRT54G2 router has been reset to its factory default settings.

After the Reset

Now that the router has been reset, it's important to change the default password to something more secure.

Consider using a password manager so you can use unique, secure passwords without having to remember them. You can set up such apps to automatically fill in login info without your having to type it.

Because the reset has removed any custom settings you'd been using, you must reconfigure them. These might include wireless network settings such as the SSID and the Wi-Fi password.

Page 21 of the WRT54G2 user manual (see link below) shows how to back up these configurations so that you don't have to re-enter the information if you reset the router again. It's done through the Administration > Config Management menu.

What to Do When You Can't Access the WRT54G2 Router

If the default 192.168.1.1 IP address has been changed, you won't be able to log in with that address. Instead, you'll have to find your default gateway IP address, which you'll use to log in to the router using the tips above. A reset is not necessary.

Linksys WRT54G2 Firmware and Manual Links

You'll find tutorials, firmware updates, and more information about this router on the Linksys WRT54G2 Support page.

Likewise, the Linksys WRT54G2 Downloads page offers the WRT54G2 manual, which applies to all three versions of the WRT54G2.

Linksys stopped manufacturing the WRT54G2 in August 2013. Linksys offers parts and services for Linksys products for seven years after they're discontinued.

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