How to Reset WiFi on Honeywell Thermostat

This post gives reset WiFi instructions for a typical Honeywell thermostat. For most t-stats, the best way to reset the WiFi settings on them is to just do a factory default reset, and so, that’s what we’ll do here. We demonstrate this on the RTH9580WF wireless Honeywell thermostat. This method does the following.

First of all, it clears out all custom settings.
Then, it resets the WiFi network.
Finally, it restores the WiFi thermostat back to factory default state.

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

We suggest these directions when fixing problems. Resetting the WiFi in this way also cuts the chance that faulty settings are causing the t-stat to act funny.

But after doing this, 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. Resetting returns the Honeywell WiFi 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 RTH9580WF displaying the -Home- screen. — Displaying the -Home- screen.

Before you Start with How to Reset WiFi on Honeywell Thermostat

Get your Manual

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

Write Down the Current Thermostat Program Schedule

Jot the current daily program schedule currently stored in the t-stat. Do this if you’ve changed it from the default schedule.

Record any other Settings you’ve Changed from Default

Then, run down through the menus in the t-stat. Jot 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 WiFi on Honeywell 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, as shown next.

Picture of 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 -Preferences- menu, with the -Restore Factory Defaults- button circled. — Thermostat touchscreen, showing the -Preferences- menu, with the -Restore Factory Defaults- button circled.

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

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 -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 reboots next. Then, the boot screen, showing the logo shows next, as shown below.

Picture of the Boot screen after WiFi reset completes. — Displaying the -Boot- screen after WiFi 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 to Continue with How to Reset WiFi on Honeywell Thermostat

Then, the Honeywell WiFi 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 -Connect WiFi Network- prompt after WiFi reset. — Displaying the -Connect WiFi Network- prompt after WiFi reset.

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

6. Done with How to Reset WiFi on Honeywell Thermostat !

At last, you have now restored your Honeywell WiFi thermostat to factory default settings.

References for How to Reset WiFi on Honeywell Thermostat

Additional Info on Wifi Thermostats from Honeywell

Revision History

2020-10-09: First published.