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How can I put the SonicWall into safe mode?
03/26/2020 
3,271 People found this article helpful
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Description
This article describes how to put a SonicWall into safe mode through the GUI or through the command line interface (CLI). This article will also detail how to upgrade the firmware or the ROM version while in safe mode as these are the two most common configurations performed using safe mode.
Cause
Putting the SonicWall into safe mode is most commonly required in the following instances.
- Upgrading the firmware without access to the GUI/CLI.
- Upgrading the ROM version.
- Viewing the bootlogs or other diagnostic information.
- Attempting to gain access to an unresponsive device.
Resolution
Putting the SonicWall into Safe Mode
- Using a paperclip or similarly sized object, press and hold down the RST button located in the small hole on th front of the device for at least 60 Seconds. Once the test light on the device becomes solid or begins to blink then the SonicWall is in safe mode.
NOTE: Some SonicWall Models, such as certain TZs, have the RST button located on the back of the device. Consult the administration or hardware guide for your specific SonicWall Model if you're unsure. - Connect a computer directly to the following Interface, depending on what model SonicWall you have, via an ethernet cable.
Generation 5: X0 Interface.
Generation 6: Management Interface. - Manually assign a static IP / subnet mask on the connected computers NIC depending on what model SonicWall you have.
Generation 5: 192.168.168.20 | 255.255.255.0.
Generation 6: 192.168.1.20 | 255.255.255.0. - Open a Web browser and navigate to the following URL, depending on what model SonicWall you have.
Generation 5: 192.168.168.168.
Generation 6: 192.168.1.254. - You should now be on the safe mode GUI and have the following options.
Upload New Firmware and Boot to New Firmware.
Boot to Existing Firmware.
Run Diagnostics.
View Bootlog.
View System Information.
Putting the SonicWall into Safe Mode via the CLI
- If you're unfamiliar with how to access the SonicWall management using CLI please reference How to login to the appliance using the Command Line Interface (CLI).
- Once logged into the CLI, input the following commands.
Safemode
yes - The SonicWall will reboot and enter safe mode.
- Reference the steps above to login to the safe mode GUI, beginning with "Connect a computer directly to the following Interface..."
Upgrading the Firmware or ROM Version from Safe Mode
- Download the desired firmware version from MySonicWall.com or have the desired ROM Version on hand. ROM Packs are only available via SonicWall technical support. NOTE: Upgrading the ROM version only applies to Generation 6 NSA SonicWalls - 2600, 3600, 4600, 5600, and 6600. Unless you have been requested to upgrade the ROM version by SonicWall technical support do not attempt to do so.
- Select Upload New Firmware and follow the prompt in the pop-up window to upload the firmware or ROM version to the SonicWall.
- You should now see the New Firmware or Uploaded ROM Pack on the safe mode GUI. You can boot to the new firmware or ROM by clicking the boot icon on the far right. NOTE: Booting to a new firmware or ROM version will reboot the SonicWall and exit safe mode. Make sure you're completely finished with the SonicWall's safe mode before selecting boot.
- After the reboot, login to the SonicWall management GUI as you normally would. Navigate to Monitor | Current Status | System Status.
- On the Status screen you should see the new firmware version listed under Firmware Version or the new ROM version listed under Safemode Version.
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