How can I put the SonicWall into safe mode?

04/05/2022 3,412 People found this article helpful 151,001 Views

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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

1. 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. On an NSsp 13700 or NSa Series appliance, press the button, but you do not need to hold it down.

2. 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 (SonicWall NSA or SuperMassive): Management Interface.
   Generation 6 (SOHOW, TZ series): X0 Interface
   Generation 7 (NSsp 13700 or NSa): Management Interface.
   Generation 7 (TZ series): X0 Interface
   
   
3. 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 (SonicWall NSA or SuperMassive): 192.168.1.20 | 255.255.255.0.
   Generation 6 (SOHOW, TZ series): 192.168.168.20 | 255.255.255.0.
   Generation 7 (NSsp 13700 or NSa): 192.168.1.20 | 255.255.255.0.
   Generation 7 (TZ series): 192.168.168.20 | 255.255.255.0.
   
   
4. Open a Web browser and navigate to the following URL, depending on what model SonicWall you have.
   
   Generation 5: 192.168.168.168.  (https://192.168.168.168.)
   Generation 6 (SonicWall NSA or SuperMassive): 192.168.1.254.  (http://192.168.1.254.)
   Generation 6 (SOHOW, TZ series): 192.168.168.168. (https://192.168.168.168.))
   Generation 7 (NSsp 13700 or NSa): 192.168.1.254. (http://192.168.1.254.))
   Generation 7 (TZ series): 192.168.168.168 (https://192.168.168.168.))
   
   
5. You should now be on the safe mode GUI and have the following options.
   
   NOTE: For new safe mode options on Gen7, please refer: Safemode options on SonicWall Gen 7 devices
   
   

Gen 7 (Using SafeMode to Upgrade Firmware):

1. Once we enter the url in the web browser (Step-4) to get to the safe mode page on SonicWall Gen 7 devices, we need to authenticate using Maintenance Key.
2. In the Maintenance Key prompt, type in or paste the key you got from MySonicWall and then click Authenticate. If your appliance is running SonicOS 7.0.1 and is not yet registered, use its Auth Code as the key. (To find the Maintenance key, please refer to: Safemode options on SonicWall Gen 7 devices)
   
   
   
   
3. Safe mode page is displayed
   
   
   
   
4. Click Upload Image, and then browse to the location where you saved the SonicOS firmware image, select the file, and click Upload.
5. Click the Boot button in the row for Available Image Version and select one of the following:
   
    Boot Available Image with Current Configuration: Use this option to restart the appliance with your current configuration settings.
   
    Boot Available Image with Factory Default Configuration: Use this option to restart the appliance with factory default configuration settings. The configuration settings revert to default values, but logs and local backups remain in place. 
   
   Boot Available Image with Backup Configuration: Use this option to restart the appliance with saved backup configuration settings. You can choose which backup to use. 
   
   
   
   
6. . In the confirmation dialog, click Boot to proceed.
7. Wait while the firmware is installed, then booted. 
8. Login to the SonicWall management GUI as you normally would.

Putting the SonicWall into Safe Mode via the CLI

NOTE: There is an E-CLI command safemode that restarts the firewall in SafeMode for Generation 7 (NSsp 13700 or NSa).

1.  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).
2. Once logged into the CLI, input the following commands.
   
   Safemode
   yes
3. The SonicWall will reboot and enter safe mode.
   
   
   
4. 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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Categories

• Firewalls > NSa Series > Firewall Management
• Firewalls > TZ Series > Firewall Management UI