Picture of the Honeywell RTH9580WF Smart Thermostat, with the Menu, Preferences, Restore Factory Defaults button circled.

How to Reset Honeywell Touchscreen Thermostats

This demo shows How to Reset Honeywell Touchscreen Thermostats back to factory default settings. We show how to do this on the model RTH9580WF thermostat.  Resetting a touchscreen thermostat like this one erases lock screen passwords and screen color changes. Plus, it clears the WiFi network info it uses to get onto the internet.  Further, resetting restores this t-stat to factory default status.

Reset by following the routine next. We suggest this action when fixing t-stat issues as well. These problems include incorrect temperature readings, HVAC system stuck on or off, and other difficulties.  Why?  Because resetting helps assure that faulty settings are not causing the issue.  In fact, the problem often disappears after a reset.

Keep in mind though, that after reset, a touchscreen t-stat usually forgets any user changed settings. So you must re enter your WiFi and furnace type settings again once reset completes. Also, most touch screen thermostats lose any custom program schedules you put in.  That is, resetting restores the default daily heating and cooling schedules. So again, you may need to set them again to your specific requirements.

Picture of the Honeywell RTH9580WF touchscreen thermostat, showing its -Home- screen, with the -Menu-button highlighted.
Honeywell RTH9580WF touchscreen thermostat, showing its -Home- screen, with the -Menu-button highlighted.

How to Reset Honeywell Touchscreen Thermostats: Before You Begin

Before you Begin

Before resetting, get the RTH9580WF booklet. Most thermostat packages include this pamphlet.  But if you’ve misplaced yours, locate one online at Honeywell’s web site.

Write down the program in your touchscreen t-stat if you’ve changed it from the default program, and you wish to add it back in after the reset.

Then, run through the menus. Record any parameters that you’ve modified for your heating / cooling systems. These include filter-change reminders, fan mode, WiFi network credentials, heating and cooling system types, thermostat name, location, Etc.

How to Reset Honeywell Touchscreen Thermostats: Step by Step

1. Bring Up the Main Menu

Tap the Menu button on the touch screen, as shown above at the top right corner of the Home screen. Then, scroll down by pressing the down arrow key.  Then, stop at the Preferences button, as shown next.

Picture of the Menu Screen with Preferences button circled.
The Menu Screen with Preferences button circled.

2. Tap the Preferences Button

Tapping the Preferences button brings up that screen.  When you see it, scroll with the down-arrow key. Then stop at the  Restore Factory Defaults  button as circled in red in the next picture.

Picture of the Honeywell RTH9580WF touchscreen thermostat, with the Menu, Preferences, Restore Factory Defaults button circled.
The RTH9580WF touch screen thermostat, Menu, Preferences, Restore Factory Defaults button circled.

3. Then, Tap the  Restore Factory Defaults  Button to Continue with How to Reset Honeywell Touchscreen Thermostats

Touch the Restore Factory Defaults button.

Many Honeywell touchscreen thermostats them prompt you to say that you indeed want to reset it, as shown next.

4. Next, Tap the Green  Yes   Button

WARNING: Touching this button erases all user settings and info in the Honeywell touchscreen t-stat. So DO NOT reset until you know or have written down this data.  Don’t proceed until you’re certain that you can set it up with your furnace / HVAC system details. Get help from an HVAC technician if unsure.

Picture of the Honeywell RTH9580WF touchscreen thermostat, showing the Restore Factory Defaults confirmation screen.
The touchscreen RTH9580WF Honeywell thermostat, showing the Restore Factory Defaults confirmation screen.

Now if you clearly wish to erase all settings, tap the green  Yes  button.  Or, press the red No button.

Then, pressing the Yes button, starts the a touchscreen thermostat resetting.  The display shows the  Restoring Factory Default Settings  screen for some seconds, as shown next.

Picture of the Honeywell touchscreen RTH9580WF thermostat, showing the Restoring Factory Default Settings screen during reset.
Our RTH9580WF touchscreen Honeywell thermostat, showing the Restoring Factory Default Settings screen during reset.

5. Next, These Touchscreen Thermostats Reset Their Settings to Factory Default Values

After  a few to ten seconds, the screen goes dark, as the t-stat reboots.  Then, the boot screen, showing the Honeywell logo shows next, as seen below.
Picture of the Boot screen after reset.
The Boot screen after reset.

6. Next, the T-Stat Reboots as it Continues with How to Reset Honeywell Touchscreen Thermostats

After boot-up, the t-stat gets ready for you to enter new settings data.  While it works, it shows the  Please Wait  screen as follows.

Picture of the -Please Wait- screen after reset.
The -Please Wait- screen after reset.

7. Then the Thermostat Enters Setup Mode

Finally, the t-stat asks for some starting data.  Why?  Because it needs this to work after reset, as shown next.

Screenshot of the -Connect WiFi Network- prompt after reset.
The -Connect WiFi Network- prompt after reset.

Follow the prompts to enter that data about your WiFi network and furnace system.

8. Reset Complete !

You have now reset your touchscreen thermostat back to its factory default settings.  Now is the time to reprogram any settings that you wish to customize for your home.

Other Posts About How to Reset Honeywell Touchscreen Thermostats

    1. Honeywell RTH7600D Touchscreen Thermostat Review

References for How to Reset Honeywell Touchscreen Thermostats

    1. Honeywell Touchscreen Thermostats Official Product Page
    2. Where to Buy Honeywell Touchscreen Thermostats