Cisco 9200 Password Recovery Guide (IOS XE) – Step-by-Step Without Config Loss

Regain Access Without Configuration Loss (IOS XE)

Getting locked out of a Cisco Catalyst 9200 switch is stressful — especially when the device is already in production or when you’ve inherited equipment with no credentials.

The good news is that Cisco 9200 password recovery is fully supported and can be performed without erasing your existing configuration, as long as the correct IOS XE procedure is followed.

This guide is written as a practical, field-tested action plan. It focuses on what actually works, common mistakes to avoid, and what you should verify after recovery.

Applies to: Cisco Catalyst 9200 / 9200L series running IOS XE

• Part 1: Quick Answers Before You Begin
• Part 2: Cisco 9200 vs Older Catalyst Models
• Part 3: Before You Start
• Part 4: Step-by-Step Password Recovery
• Part 5: Critical Post-Recovery Checks
• Part 6: StackWise Deployments
• Part 7: FAQs

Part 1: Quick Answers Before You Begin

Can I recover the password without losing configuration?
Yes. This procedure temporarily bypasses the saved startup configuration, then restores it intact. VLANs, interfaces, routing, and features remain unchanged.

Does this require downtime?
Yes. You must interrupt the boot process, which requires a reload or power cycle. Plan a maintenance window if the switch is in production.

Will this affect SmartNet, licensing, or support status?
No. Password recovery does not invalidate support or licenses. However, after recovery you should verify configuration integrity and system status.

Part 2: Cisco 9200 vs Older Catalyst Models

The Catalyst 9200 uses the Cisco Catalyst 9000–series IOS XE recovery mechanism, which is different from older switches.

Comparison of password recovery mechanisms across Catalyst families:

Following a 2960-style guide on a 9200 is a common mistake and can introduce unnecessary risk.

Part 3: Before You Start

• Console access is mandatory
• Physical access to the switch is required
• Incorrect ROMMON handling can cause configuration loss
• The ignore-startup-config variable must be cleared after recovery

Most real-world failures occur after the password reset, not during the reset itself.

Part 4: Step-by-Step Password Recovery (Standalone C9200)

Phase 1: Enter ROMMON (Boot Loader) Mode

1. Connect a console cable (USB or RJ-45).
2. Open a terminal emulator (9600 baud, 8N1).
3. Power cycle the switch.

Interrupt the boot process to reach the switch: prompt:

• Press Ctrl-C when prompted.
• If Ctrl-C fails, press the MODE button repeatedly.

Phase 2: Bypass the Startup Configuration

Example CLI command to view ROMMON variables.

switch: set

Example CLI command to initialize flash.

switch: flash_init

Example CLI command to ignore startup configuration.

switch: SWITCH_IGNORE_STARTUP_CFG=1

Example CLI command to boot the switch.

switch: boot

Phase 3: Restore Configuration and Reset Password

Example CLI command to restore configuration.

Switch# copy startup-config running-config

Example CLI commands to reset credentials.

Switch# configure terminal
Switch(config)# username admin privilege 15 secret NEWPASSWORD
Switch(config)# enable secret NEWENABLEPASSWORD

Part 5: Critical Post-Recovery Checks

Example CLI command to clear the ignore variable.

Switch# no system ignore startupconfig switch all

Example CLI command to save configuration.

Switch# copy running-config startup-config

Example CLI command to verify ROMMON variable status.

Switch# show romvar | include SWITCH_IGNORE_STARTUP_CFG

Expected value: SWITCH_IGNORE_STARTUP_CFG=0

Part 6: Password Recovery in StackWise Deployments

Standard StackWise

• Power off all members
• Leave only the active switch powered on
• Complete recovery, then power on remaining members

StackWise Virtual (SVL)

• Power off the standby switch
• Recover the active switch
• Save configuration, then power on the standby switch

Part 7: FAQs – Cisco 9200 Password Recovery

Q1: How do I reset a forgotten Cisco 9200 password?

By interrupting the boot process, setting SWITCH_IGNORE_STARTUP_CFG=1 in ROMMON, booting without the config, restoring the startup configuration, setting a new password, and clearing the variable.

Q2: Will this erase VLANs or interface configurations?

No. As long as the startup configuration is restored correctly, all settings remain intact.

Q3: Do I need SmartNet to perform password recovery?

No. An active support contract is not required.

Q4: What if the switch is end-of-life?

The procedure still works, but lifecycle and replacement planning should be reviewed.

Part 8: Final Notes

Password recovery on a Cisco Catalyst 9200 is a safe and supported maintenance task when done correctly.

After recovery, it is good practice to confirm device identity, software version, and lifecycle status. For hardware sourcing, comparison, or inventory planning, you can reference Router-switch and IT-Price.

For vendor documentation, see the Cisco official site.