How to Manually Reset Cradlepoint E300 (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

If your network connection is unstable, the router is not responding, or you’ve forgotten the admin credentials, learning how to manually reset Cradlepoint E300 can save you time and frustration. A manual (factory) reset restores the router to its default settings and is often the best solution for serious configuration or connectivity problems.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn when, why, and how to manually reset a Cradlepoint E300, what happens after the reset, how to reconfigure the router, and how to fix common issues that may appear afterward. Whether you’re a beginner or a network administrator, this article will walk you through everything step by step.

Table of Contents

What Is the Cradlepoint E300 Router?

The Cradlepoint E300 is a professional-grade network router developed by Cradlepoint, designed mainly for business and enterprise environments. It is widely used for:

LTE and wired WAN connectivity
Network failover and redundancy
Remote site networking
Secure and reliable internet access

Because the E300 is often used in mission-critical setups, knowing how to properly reset it is essential when troubleshooting or redeploying the device.

Why You May Need to Manually Reset Cradlepoint E300

There are several situations where a manual reset becomes necessary. Below are the most common reasons:

Forgotten admin username or password
Router web interface not opening
Internet connection issues that persist after reboot
Incorrect or broken configuration changes
Firmware update failure or corruption
Router freezing or becoming unresponsive
Preparing the router for resale or new deployment
Network instability caused by misconfigured rules

A manual reset is usually the last troubleshooting step after a normal reboot fails.

Important Things to Know Before Manually Resetting Cradlepoint E300

Before you proceed, keep these critical points in mind:

A manual reset erases all custom settings
Admin username and password return to default
WAN, LAN, APN, and firewall rules are deleted
VPN and security configurations are removed
You may need to reconfigure LTE/SIM settings
The process takes a few minutes, not seconds

⚠️ Tip: If you still have access to the admin panel, always back up your configuration before resetting.

Soft Reset vs Manual (Hard) Reset

Understanding the difference helps you choose the right option.

Soft Reset (Reboot)

Simply restarts the router
Does not delete settings
Fixes temporary glitches
Recommended first step

Manual (Factory) Reset

Restores factory default settings
Deletes all configurations
Fixes serious software or configuration issues
Used when login access is lost, or the router is unstable

If a reboot doesn’t work, a manual reset is the correct solution.

How to Manually Reset Cradlepoint E300 (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps carefully to manually reset Cradlepoint E300:

Step 1: Power On the Router

Make sure the Cradlepoint E300 is plugged in and powered on. The LED lights should be active.

Step 2: Locate the Reset Button

On the back or underside of the router, you’ll find a small reset pinhole button near the Ethernet ports.

Step 3: Use a Paperclip or Pin

Straighten a paperclip or use a SIM-eject pin to press the reset button.

Step 4: Press and Hold

Press and hold the reset button for 10–15 seconds.
Do not release it too early.

Step 5: Watch the LED Indicators

The LED lights will blink or turn off briefly, indicating that the reset process has started.

Step 6: Release and Wait

Release the button and wait 2–5 minutes while the router reboots and restores factory settings.

✅ Once the LEDs stabilize, the manual reset is complete.

What Happens After a Manual Reset?

After manually resetting Cradlepoint E300:

All configurations are wiped
Router returns to factory defaults
The default IP address is restored
Default login credentials are activated
Custom firewall and routing rules are removed

This is normal behavior and means the reset was successful.

Default Settings After Manual Reset

Here are the common default values you’ll use to log back in:

Default IP Address: 192.168.0.1 (or similar)
Login URL: http://192.168.0.1
Default Username: admin
Default Password: (printed on router label or documentation)
DHCP: Enabled
Wi-Fi: Disabled or default SSID (model dependent)

Always check the label on your specific unit for exact credentials.

How to Reconfigure Cradlepoint E300 After Manual Reset

Once reset, follow these steps to restore functionality:

1. Connect via Ethernet

Plug your computer into the router using an Ethernet cable.

2. Access the Admin Panel

Open a browser and enter the default IP address.

3. Log In

Use the default admin credentials.

4. Change Admin Password

For security, set a strong new password immediately.

5. Configure Internet (WAN/LTE)

Insert SIM card (if using LTE)
Enter APN details provided by your carrier
Configure WAN priority and failover

6. Set LAN and DHCP

Adjust IP range and network rules if needed.

7. Configure Wi-Fi (If Applicable)

Enable wireless settings and secure them with WPA2/WPA3.

8. Save and Apply Settings

Reboot the router once the configuration is complete.

Common Problems After Manually Resetting Cradlepoint E300

Router Not Booting

Ensure a stable power supply
Wait at least 5 minutes
Try reset again

Cannot Access Admin Panel

Check Ethernet connection
Disable VPN on your computer
Try a different browser

No Internet Connection

Re-enter APN settings
Confirm SIM is active
Check WAN priority settings

SIM Not Detected

Reinsert SIM card
Restart router
Confirm SIM compatibility

Abnormal LED Behavior

Continuous blinking may indicate firmware loading
Perform reset again if LEDs never stabilize

Understanding LED Lights After Reset

LED indicators help diagnose router status:

Power LED (Solid): Router is on
Blinking Power LED: Booting or updating
Network LED: Active internet connection
Signal LEDs: LTE signal strength

Refer to the official documentation for exact LED meanings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to manually reset Cradlepoint E300?

Usually 2–5 minutes, including reboot time.

Does manual reset delete firmware?

No. Firmware remains installed; only settings are erased.

Can I reset Cradlepoint E300 without the reset button?

Only if you have admin access. Otherwise, the reset button is required.

Will a manual reset fix firmware update issues?

Yes, in many cases it resolves post-update configuration problems.

Is it safe to manually reset the Cradlepoint E300?

Yes, as long as power is not interrupted during the process.

How often should I reset my router?

Only when necessary. Frequent factory resets are not recommended.

Safety Tips & Best Practices

Avoid unnecessary factory resets
Keep firmware updated
Save configuration backups
Use surge protection
Store admin credentials securely

Following these practices ensures long-term stability and security.

Conclusion

Knowing how to manually reset Cradlepoint E300 is an essential skill for anyone managing this router. A manual reset is a powerful troubleshooting method that can resolve login issues, network failures, and configuration errors when all else fails.

By carefully following the steps outlined in this guide and properly reconfiguring the router afterward, you can restore stable connectivity and keep your network running smoothly. Always reset responsibly, back up your settings when possible, and apply best practices for long-term performance.