How to Reset a MikroTik Router: Step-by-Step Guide

MikroTik routers are powerful tools for managing networks, but there may come a time when you need to reset the router to its factory settings. This can help resolve network issues, and configuration errors, or prepare the router for a new setup. In this guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of resetting your MikroTik router, ensuring that you start fresh while retaining essential knowledge for future use.

Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting a MikroTik Router

Step 1: Backup Your Router Configuration (Optional)
Before resetting the MikroTik router, it’s a good idea to back up your current configuration in case you want to restore it later. Here’s how to back up:

• Open the WinBox or log in through the web interface.
• Navigate to Files on the left menu.
• Click on Backup, name the file, and click Backup again.
• The configuration file will be saved, allowing you to restore settings after the reset if necessary.

Step 2: Connect to Your MikroTik Router
Ensure that your computer is connected to the MikroTik router either via Ethernet cable or through Wi-Fi. You can access the router interface using the WinBox utility or through the web interface via the router’s IP address (typically 192.168.88.1). Knowing how to reset a MikroTik router can help you in case any issues arise during your connection.

Step 3: Log in to the Router

• WinBox Login: Open the WinBox application and connect to the router by entering its IP address or selecting it from the list of available devices. Log in using your username and password (default is admin with no password).
• Web Interface Login: Open a web browser, type the router’s IP address in the address bar, and log in using your username and password.

Step 4: Navigate to System Settings
Once logged in, go to System in the left-hand menu and then click on Reset Configuration. This option will allow you to reset the router back to factory settings.

Step 5: Choose Reset Options
In the Reset Configuration window, you will see several options:

• No Default Configuration: This will erase all configurations, leaving the router in a blank state.
• Keep User Configuration: This will reset everything except for user settings like login credentials.
• Skip Backup Before Reset: If you haven’t already backed up your configuration, you can skip this step by checking the box.

To fully reset the MikroTik router, leave all boxes unchecked, and click Reset Configuration.

Step 6: Confirm the Reset
A pop-up will appear asking for confirmation. Click Yes to confirm the reset. The router will reboot automatically and return to its factory settings.

Step 7: Reconnect to the Router
Once the reset is complete, you’ll need to reconnect to the router using its default IP address (192.168.88.1) and default credentials (username: admin, no password). Knowing how to reset the router at this stage will help you set up the configurations again from scratch.

Resetting your MikroTik router is a straightforward process that can resolve many network issues or provide a clean slate for new configurations. Whether you’re troubleshooting problems or setting up the router for the first time, this guide on how to reset a MikroTik router ensures you can perform the reset with confidence. Explore more helpful tutorials on our website, and don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates!