How to Reset Password in SONiC?

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Introduction

If you lose or forget a SONiC password on switch, including the admin password, you can reset it using the console and GRUB menu. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to reset the password and regain access.

Prerequisites

• Access to the switch's serial or USB console port with settings: 115200 baud, 8 data bits, no parity
• Ability to reboot or power on the switch

Step-By-Step Instructions

STEP 1: Connect to the Serial or USB Console and boot the switch

• Use a terminal program with 115200 baud rate, 8 data bits, and no parity.

STEP 2: Wait for the GRUB Menu to Appear

• The GRUB boot menu will display available SONiC OS versions.

STEP 3: Enter GRUB Editor

• Select the SONiC version and press "e" to edit the boot commands.

• Navigate to the line beginning with linux /image- using only left or right arrow keys (or Ctrl + B/F if arrow keys don't work).

STEP 4: Edit Boot Command Line

• Within the highlighted linux /image- line, add init=/bin/bash between the rw and console=tty0 parameters.

• This modification boots the system directly to a root shell.

STEP 5: Boot with Modified Settings

• Press F10 or Ctrl+X to boot using the edited command line.
• The system will start with a root shell prompt.

STEP 6: Reset the Password

• At the prompt, reset the password for your username (e.g., admin) using:

passwd admin

• Enter and retype the new UNIX password when prompted.

• The password will update successfully.

STEP 7: Reboot the Switch

• Reboot the switch by executing:

reboot -f

Once the switch reboots normally, log in with your username and the new password.

Useful links:

STORDIS support portal FAQ

How can I set up a console connection to Edgecore Open Networking switch?

Where to download the SONiC Virtual Switch (VS) community pre-built image?

For more free resources, visit: https://stordis.com/free-resources/