Picture of the Honeywell wireless thermostat, displaying its -Lost Wi-Fi Signal- message.

Honeywell Thermostat Factory Reset

This post gives the Honeywell Thermostat Factory Reset routine. We show this on the RTH9580WF Home thermostat, and this method does the following.

    • First, it erases out all custom settings.
    • Then, it resets the network the thermostat connects to to none.
    • Finally, it restores the thermostat back to factory default state.

So, follow the steps below, to factory reset most any Honeywell thermostat.

We suggest following these directions when fixing network connect problems, because factory resetting the thermostat cuts the chance that faulty settings are causing the t-stat to act funny.

But note that afterwards, the unit forgets any programmed settings. So you must re enter your WiFi network name and password again. Also, your custom schedules, if any, will disappear as well. As mentioned, factory resetting returns the thermostat to the built-in heating and cooling routines. So again, you might want to adjust them again for to your specific needs.

Picture of the -Home- screen prior to starting the Honeywell thermostat factory reset routine.
The -Home- screen prior to starting the Honeywell thermostat factory reset routine.

Honeywell Thermostat Factory Reset: Before You Begin

Get your Thermostat Manual

Before restoring to factory default settings, gather your t-stat manual that shipped with it. Or, find that document online at Honeywell’s web site.

Honeywell Thermostat Factory Reset: Write Down the Current Thermostat Program Schedule

Write down the current daily program schedule currently stored in the t-stat. Do this if you’ve changed it from the default schedule. If you haven’t changed this since the last time you factory reset the thermostat, then skip this step.

Record Any Other Settings You Changed from Default

Then, run down through the menus in the t-stat, jotting down any settings that you changed prior that let the thermostat work with your furnace. These include filter-change reminders, wireless network connection info, system type, t-stat name, location, et al.

Honeywell Thermostat Factory Reset: Step by Step

1. First, Tap the  Menu  button on the Touchscreen 

Find this button in the picture above, at the top right corner of the screen.

Then, scroll down by pressing the down arrow key, until you see the Preferences button, as shown next.

Picture of the -Menu- screen. Showing the -Preferences - button.
The -Menu- screen. Showing the -Preferences – button.

2. Then, Tap the Preferences Button

When the Preferences screen appears, scroll with the down-arrow key.  Look for the  Restore Factory Defaults button.  We circled this in red in the next picture.

Picture of the -Menu->Preferences- page. Showing the -Restore Factory Defaults- button.
The -Menu->Preferences- page. Showing the -Restore Factory Defaults- button.

3. Then, Tap the Restore Factory Defaults Button

The thermostat then prompts you to confirm that you surely want to restore the thermostat, as shown next.

4. Honeywell Thermostat Factory Reset: Then Confirm that you Want to Factory Reset

WARNING: Tapping the green Yes button next, erases all user specific settings. So do not factory reset until you feel that you can set it up again after. Get help from a climate control specialist if you’re unsure.

Picture of the -Restore Factory Defaults- confirmation screen prior to factory reset of the Honeywell programmable thermostat.
The -Restore Factory Defaults- confirmation screen prior to factory reset of the Honeywell programmable thermostat.

If you wish to proceed, then tap the green Yes button.  Otherwise, tap the red No button.

When you press Yes, the display then shows the Restoring Factory Default Settings screen for a bit, as shown next.

Picture of the -Restoring Factory Default Settings- screen.
Displaying the -Restoring Factory Default Settings- screen.
After some seconds, the screen goes dark. The Honeywell Programmable Thermostat then reboots.  Next, the boot screen, showing the logo shows next, as shown below.
Picture of the Boot screen after the factory reset of this Honeywell thermostat completes.
The Boot screen after the factory reset of this Honeywell thermostat completes.

Then, after boot-up, the thermostat prepares to get new data from you.  While it does this, it shows the Please Wait screen as follows.

Picture of the -Please Wait- screen after booting.
Displaying the Please Wait screen after booting.

5. Enter New Startup Data at the Prompts

Then, the thermostat prompts you to enter some initial settings. Finally, this allows it to start up with working default values.

Picture of the -Connect WiFi Network- prompt.
The -Connect WiFi Network- prompt.

After factory reset, follow the prompts. They ask for info about your WiFi network and HVAC system.

6. Done with Honeywell Thermostat Factory Reset !

At last, you have now Factory Reset the thermostat.  So you may now enter new network parameters, or get the t-stat ready for gifting or selling.

Other Honeywell Thermostat Posts

    1. Honeywell Thermostat Wiring Instructions

References

    1. Official Honeywell Programmable Thermostat Support Page
    2. Where to Buy a Honeywell Thermostat