Factory reset on Mikrotik router

Resetting to the factory settings of RouterOS (operating system used in all MikroTik routers) is relatively simple but presents many potential issues. Let's go through it:

1. Disconnect all cables from the router - both LAN and power cables

2. Reset Button

   There is a res/wps button on the router's body used to reset the router to factory settings and switch operation modes. The button's function varies based on the duration of the press, and the current action's initialization is indicated by the usr labeled LED. Holding down the res/wps button while connecting the router to power can initialize 3 states:

   • Configuration Reset to Factory settings

     Initialization is indicated by the blinking of the usr LED after approximately 5 seconds of holding down the res/wps button upon power connection.

   • Switching to CAPS Mode

     Initialization is indicated by the illumination of the usr LED after approximately 10 seconds of holding down the res/wps button upon power connection.

   • Switching to Netinstall Boot Mode

     Initialization is indicated by the LED usr turning off after approximately 15 seconds of holding down the res/wps button upon power connection.

   In our case, we want to reset to factory settings - so we press the res/wps button with a finger, then connect the power cable, while consistently holding down the res/wps button for about 5 seconds, or until the usr LED starts blinking. Then we release the res/wps button and can reconnect the LAN cables to the router.

3. Connecting to the Router

   1. Connect to the router from your computer using an LAN cable (connect to port 3 of the router)
   2. In a web browser, open the address http://192.168.88.1/. If the address is unreachable, you need to connect using the program WinBox.
   3. The default login credentials for MikroTik RouterOS are:
      • Login: admin
      • Password: (empty field)
   4. After logging in, you will see information about the successful reset of Router OS to factory settings.

4. Setting Up WiFi

   • We set up WiFi connection in the Quick Set window, Wireless section. Here we choose a secure combination of security, specifically checking security method WPA2, encryption method aes com, and set a password for WiFi.
   • The names of the 5G and 2G WiFi networks can be set in the WebFig#Wireless window by clicking on the chosen network (wlan1 for 2G, wlan2 for 5G...), then expanding the Wireless section and changing the SSID parameter. Confirm the name change with the apply button.
5. Now you can connect to the router from any device - both for internet usage and for any further RouterOS configuration.