How to Reset Honeywell Home Thermostat

Honeywell RTH8580WF WiFi Thermostat, Installed and Operating

This post show how to reset Honeywell Home thermostat, typical models. We show this on the RTH9580WF smart t-stat, and this reset method does the following.

- First, it clears out all custom settings.
- Then, it resets the WiFi network the thermostat connects to, to none.
- Lastly, it restores the thermostat to factory default state.

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

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

But note that after resetting, 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, WiFi 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.

Displaying the t-stat’s Home screen prior to Honeywell Home thermostat reset.

How to Reset Honeywell Home Thermostat: 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.

Record the Current Thermostat Program Schedule

Jot down the current daily program schedule 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.

How to Reset Honeywell Home Thermostat: 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.

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.

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

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

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.

The -Restore Factory Defaults- confirmation screen just prior to resetting.

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.

The -Restoring Factory Default Settings- screen you see during reset.

After some seconds, the screen goes dark. The Honeywell thermostat then reboots.

The Boot screen after thermostat reset completes.

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

The -Please Wait- screen after booting.

5. Enter New Startup Data at the Prompts

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

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 How to Reset Honeywell Home Thermostat !

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.