Huawei Switch Factory Reset Guide (S-Series & CloudEngine): Safe Methods, Password Recovery, and Deployment Best Practices

Factory resetting a Huawei switch is one of those tasks every network engineer eventually faces—whether you're locked out due to a forgotten password, re-deploying refurbished units, troubleshooting unstable configurations, or preparing devices for a new branch rollout.

Huawei switches run on VRP (Versatile Routing Platform), and their reset process differs significantly from Cisco IOS or HPE Comware. A mistyped command or a wrong selection during reboot may result in overwritten files, stack instability, or extended downtime.

This guide provides a complete, field-tested walkthrough of all Huawei reset methods, including CLI reset, BootROM password recovery, and physical button options (for specific models). It applies to Huawei S-Series (such as S5700, S6700) and CloudEngine switches used in enterprise networks.

Important warning: A factory reset will erase all configuration data — VLANs, ACLs, interfaces, IP addresses, users, passwords, AAA settings, stack configs, and more. Proceed carefully.

Table of Contents

• Part 1: Factory Reset via CLI (Recommended When You Have Access)
• Part 2: Password Recovery and Forced Reset (BootROM Method)
• Part 3: Physical Reset Button Methods (Limited Models Only)
• Part 4: Operational Impact: What Happens After a Reset?
• Part 5: Troubleshooting Reset Failures
• Part 6: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Part 1: Factory Reset via CLI (Recommended When You Have Access)

If you still have console, Telnet, or SSH access, using the CLI is the safest and cleanest method.

Step 1: (Optional) Display and Save Current Config

Before wiping, always display and copy the running configuration for rollback or audit purposes.

Command:

display current-configuration

Copy the output to a text file or configuration repository.

Step 2: Reset Configuration to Factory Defaults

Huawei supports two main reset commands, depending on platform and software version.

• Option A — Standard factory reset: reset factory-configuration
• Option B — Clear stored configuration: reset saved-configuration

In both cases, the switch will ask for confirmation. Enter Y.

On some versions you may need: reset saved-configuration all

This clears any additional related configuration files.

Step 3: Reboot the Device

To apply the reset:

reboot

Critical note: When asked “Save the current configuration? [Y/N]” always enter N. If you answer Y, you will overwrite the startup config and undo the reset.

Once rebooted, the switch loads with factory defaults and no user-defined configuration.

Part 2: Password Recovery and Forced Reset (BootROM Method)

If you cannot log in due to a forgotten or lost password, you must access the BootROM menu.

Step A: Enter BootROM Menu

1. Connect to the switch using a console cable (9600 baud).
2. Power-cycle the switch.
3. When the screen displays “Press Ctrl+B to enter Boot Menu,” repeatedly press Ctrl+B.
4. If prompted, enter the BootROM password (common defaults include [email protected] or huawei, depending on model and version).

Step B: Clear Console Password

Inside the BootROM menu, select: Clear password for console user (This is typically menu option 7 on many S-Series models.)

Confirm with Y, then return to the main boot menu. Reboot using the menu’s default boot option.

Step C: Perform Factory Reset After Login

1. Once the switch boots: if prompted to set a new password, you may choose No.
2. Run:

   reset saved-configuration

3. Confirm deletion with Yes.
4. Run:

   reboot

5. When prompted to save configuration, choose No.

After reboot, the device returns to factory state.

Part 3: Physical Reset Button Methods (Limited Models Only)

Enterprise Huawei switches rarely include a dedicated hardware reset button like consumer routers. However, on certain models:

• PNP Button: Some models include a PNP button used for Zero-Touch deployment. Pressing and holding it for more than 6 seconds may restore factory defaults.
• Mode/Reset Buttons: On some older S-Series units, long-pressing a MODE or RESET button may trigger a soft or hard reset, but this behavior varies widely by hardware revision and VRP version.

Recommendation: Use BootROM instead of relying on physical buttons. It is predictable, documented, and consistent across Huawei switches.

Part 4: Operational Impact: What Happens After a Reset?

VLANs, IP Addresses, and Interfaces

All custom configurations are removed. The device boots as a clean Layer 2 switch with no VLAN interfaces or IP addresses configured.

Stacking (iStack / CSS) Considerations

Resetting a stack member erases its stack settings. If this is not intended, disconnect stacking cables before performing a reset. Resetting the stack master may cause a temporary stack split.

PoE Interruption

During reboot, all connected PoE devices (phones, APs, cameras) will lose power. Plan resets during a maintenance window.

Default Login After Reset

After factory reset, Huawei switches typically revert to: Username: admin or blank; Password: [email protected], [email protected], or blank. The system may require setting a new console password upon first login.

Part 5: Troubleshooting Reset Failures

Common reasons the reset process fails:

• Damaged or corrupted flash memory
• Grey-market or improperly refurbished units
• BootROM password unknown
• Failed software image or missing system files

If the switch is stuck in a boot loop or cannot load the startup configuration, replacement may be necessary.

For organizations facing tight deployment deadlines or sourcing challenges, Router-switch.com keeps inventory of both legacy and current Huawei S-Series and CloudEngine models—tested, verified, and ready for immediate shipment.

Part 6: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to force factory reset on Huawei?

If you have CLI access, use: reset factory-configuration or reset saved-configuration then reboot and choose not to save. If locked out, enter BootROM (Ctrl+B), clear the console password, boot normally, and perform reset commands.

How do I force a factory reset on a switch?

For Huawei switches: Preferred: CLI reset using reset factory-configuration. If locked out: BootROM → clear password → reset saved-configuration. Physical reset buttons only work on certain models and are not reliable for full factory wipe.

What is the default password for Huawei switch?

Common defaults include: admin; [email protected]; [email protected]. Some models boot with no password and require you to create one at first login.

How to reset password of Huawei Switch?

Use the BootROM menu: Reboot the switch, press Ctrl+B, enter BootROM password if required, select “Clear password for console user,” and reboot. After reboot, log in without a password and configure a new one.