Performing Factory Reset

Prerequisites for Performing Factory Reset

Ensure that all software images, configurations, and personal data are backed up before performing the factory reset operation.
Ensure that the device is not in stacking mode, as factory reset is supported only in standalone mode. For Modular-chassis in high availability mode, factory reset is applied per supervisor.
Ensure that there is uninterrupted power supply while the process is in progress.
Ensure that a backup of the current image is taken before beginning the factory reset process.
Ensure that neither In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) nor In-Service Software Downgrade (ISSD) is in progress before starting the factory reset process.

Limitations for Performing Factory Reset

Software patches, if installed on the device, will not be restored after the factory reset operation.
If the factory-reset command is issued through a vty session, the session is not restored after completion of the factory reset process.

Information About Factory Reset

Factory Reset removes all customer-specific data stored on the device since its shipping. Data erased includes configurations, log files, boot variables, core files, and credentials like FIPS-related keys.

The following table provides details about the data that is erased and retained during the Factory Reset process:

Data Erased	Data Retained
All Cisco IOS images, including the current boot image	Data from Remote field-replaceable units (FRUs).
Crash information and logs	Value of the configuration register.
User data, and startup and running configuration	Contents of USB.
Credentials like FIPS-related keys	Credentials like Secure Unique Device Identifier (SUDI) certificates, Public key infrastructure (PKI) keys.
On board Failure Logging (OBFL) logs	Licenses
ROMMON variables added by the user.

The Factory Reset process is used in the following two scenarios:

Return Material Authorization (RMA) for a device: If a device needs to be returned to Cisco for RMA, remove all customer-specific data before obtaining an RMA certificate for the device.
Recovering a compromised device: If key material or credentials stored on a device are compromised, reset the device to factory configuration and then reconfigure it.

The device reloads to perform factory reset, which results in the switch entering ROMMON mode. After a factory reset, the device clears all its environment variables, including MAC_ADDRESS and SERIAL_NUMBER, which are required to locate and load the software. Perform a reset in ROMMON mode to automatically set the environment variables.

After the system reset in ROMMON mode is complete, the Cisco IOS image can be added either through a USB or TFTP.

How to Perform Factory Reset

To perform factory reset, follow this procedure:

Step 1
enable
Example:
Device> enable

Purpose: Enables privileged EXEC mode. Enter your password if prompted.
Step 2
factory-reset {all | config | boot-vars}
Example:
Device# factory-reset all
Purpose: Use the command with all options enabled. No system configuration is required to use the factory reset command.

Use the option all to erase all content from the NVRAM, all Cisco IOS images including the current boot image, boot variables, startup and running configuration data, and user data.

Use the option config to reset the startup configurations.

Use the option boot-vars to reset user-added boot variables.

After the factory reset process is successfully completed, the device reboots and stops at ROMMON mode.

Additional References for Factory Reset

Related Topic	Document Title
For complete syntax and usage information for the commands used in this chapter.	Command Reference (Catalyst 9300 Series Switches)
	Command Reference (Catalyst 9400 Series Switches)

Feature History and Information for Factory Reset

Release	Feature Information
Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a	This feature was introduced.

	Performing Factory Reset on Cisco Devices A guide on how to perform a factory reset on Cisco devices, including prerequisites, limitations, and the step-by-step procedure. Details data erased and retained during the process.
	Performing Factory Reset on Cisco Devices A guide on how to perform a factory reset on Cisco devices, including prerequisites, limitations, and the procedure.
	Cisco FlexConnect Bonjour Deployment Guide for Cisco DNA Service A comprehensive guide detailing the deployment of Cisco DNA Service for Bonjour with Cisco FlexConnect wireless networks, enabling seamless service discovery and distribution across wired and wireless environments.
	Release Notes for Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Switches, Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.x This document provides release notes for Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Switches running Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.x, detailing software and hardware features, enhancements, and important notes.
	Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.x Interface and Hardware Components Configuration Guide for Catalyst 9400 Switches Comprehensive guide to configuring interfaces and hardware components for Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Switches running Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.x, covering topics like VLANs, routing, PoE, and network management.
	Cisco Catalyst 8500 Series Factory Reset Guide This guide details the factory reset process for Cisco Catalyst 8500 and 8500L Series Edge Platforms, including procedures, data retention, and important considerations for secure data erasure.
	Performing a Factory Reset on Cisco Catalyst 8000V A comprehensive guide detailing the process of performing a factory reset on the Cisco Catalyst 8000V network device, including prerequisites, steps, and post-reset Smart Licensing configuration.
	Cisco Catalyst 9300 Switches Software Configuration Guide: Cisco IOS XE Dublin 17.12.x Learn how to configure Cisco Catalyst 9300 Switches with Cisco IOS XE Dublin 17.12.x. This guide covers initial setup, Web UI configuration, network settings, and best practices for enterprise network deployment.