How to Reset the Password on a Cisco Catalyst 9300 Switch (Beginner Friendly Guide)

Have you been locked out of your Cisco 9300 switch? Don’t panic—you can reset your password without erasing your existing configuration. This guide walks you through the exact process.

🖥️ What You Need:

• Console cable

• Terminal emulator (PuTTY, etc.)

• Physical access

• Time for a reboot

🔄 Recovery in 5 Easy Steps:

Step 1: Access ROMMON Mode

• Power off the switch

• Hold the MODE button

• Turn power back on

• Release the MODE button when the SYST LED blinks amber

• Look for the switch: prompt

Step 2: Skip Config Check
At the prompt, enter:

SWITCH_IGNORE_STARTUP_CFG=1  
boot

Step 3: Restore Configuration
After booting, enter:

enable  
copy startup-config running-config

Step 4: Set a New Password

configure terminal  
enable secret MyNewPassword123  
no system ignore startupconfig switch all

Step 5: Save and Reload

write memory  
reload

🧩 Common Issues:

❗ Can’t enter ROMMON? → Retry the MODE button timing
❗ Stack mode? → Only the master switch will accept recovery
❗ SSH not working? → Regenerate keys:

crypto key generate rsa modulus 2048

✅ Best Practices:

• Backup configs regularly

• Use centralized login (AAA)

• Keep your credentials secure!

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