Honeywell Thermostat Reset WiFi Instructions

This post gives Honeywell thermostat reset WiFi instructions. We show this on the RTH9580WF smart t-stat, and this WiFi reset method does the following.

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

So, follow the steps below, to reset the WiFi on most any Honeywell wireless thermostat.

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

But note that after resettting, the t-stat 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, resetting returns the Honeywell 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 t-stat displaying the Home screen. — Displaying the Home screen.

Before you Start with Honeywell Thermostat Reset WiFi Instructions

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.

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 reset the thermostat, then skip this step.

Record Any Other Settings you’ve Changed from Default

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

Honeywell Thermostat Reset WiFi Instructions, 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 a Honeywell WiFi thermostat displaying the Menu Screen with Preferences button circled. — Displaying the Menu Screen with Preferences button circled.

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, Restore Factory Defaults button circled. — Thermostat touchscreen, showing Menu, Preferences, Restore Factory Defaults button circled.

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. Then Confirm that you Want to Reset

WARNING: Tapping the green Yes button next, erases all user specific settings. So do not 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 RTH9580WF, displaying the Restore Factory Defaults confirmation screen. — Displaying the Restore Factory Defaults confirmation screen.

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 during reset. — Displaying the Restoring Factory Default Settings screen during reset.

After some seconds, the screen goes dark. The Honeywell thermostat then reboots. Next, the boot screen, showing the logo shows next, as shown below.

Picture of the Boot screen after the reset completes. — Displaying the Boot screen after the reset completes.

Then, after boot-up, the t-stat 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 WiFi Honeywell thermostat prompts you to enter some initial settings. Finally, this allows it to start up with working default values, as shown next.

Picture of the t-stat displaying the -Connect WiFi Network- prompt after reset. — Displaying the -Connect WiFi Network- prompt after reset.

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

6. Done with Honeywell Thermostat Reset WiFi Instructions !

At last, you have now reset the WiFi connection information in your Honeywell thermostat. So you may now enter new network parameters, or get the t-stat ready for gifting or selling.

References for Honeywell Thermostat Reset WiFi Instructions

Revision History

2020-12-20: First published.