To help tailor this to your current scenario, please let me know: What of S7-1500 CPU are you working with? Do you currently have a spare SIMATIC Memory Card on hand?
Disclaimer: This paper is for educational and procedural guidance only. Unauthorized attempts to bypass PLC security may violate laws and equipment warranties.
Companies like and Softing offer password reset services using proprietary FPGA hardware that exploits a timing side-channel in the CIRRENT chip. Expect to pay $800–$2,500 per CPU.
To avoid being locked out in the future, adopt these proactive strategies: siemens s71500 password reset top
Siemens S7-1500 uses a SIMATIC Memory Card (SD card format). You can use this to bypass the password if you have physical access.
Note: This method will erase all data, including the program, diagnostics buffer, and password. Special Considerations for S7-1500F (Failsafe) CPUs
If the CPU has a display and it is not locked by a password, this is the fastest method. On the display, navigate to Factory setting Confirm with To also clear the program, go to Card handling Delete user program To help tailor this to your current scenario,
. You can choose to keep or delete the IP address during this process. Via the CPU Display: If your S7-1500 model has a physical display, navigate to Settings > Reset > Factory Settings
This method is used when you cannot access the CPU via the network due to password protection. Power off the CPU and remove the SIMATIC Memory Card. Use a PC to delete the files from the SMC. Do not format the card in Windows Delete the folder SIMATIC.S7S and the file S7_JOB.S7S Keep the hidden files crdinfo.bin or the card will become unusable. Insert the now-empty card into the CPU and power it on. Wait for the LED to blink yellow, then power cycle the CPU again. Siemens SiePortal 3. Reset via Mode Selector Keys
, resetting the standard CPU password will not necessarily clear the safety program unless a full factory reset is performed. If you'd like, let me know: Do you have a backup of the original program Does the CPU have a working display on the front? Do you have a spare Siemens Memory Card available? Unauthorized attempts to bypass PLC security may violate
Here is a practical walkthrough for the procedure using a popular commercial tool:
All program blocks, hardware configurations, and data logs currently on the PLC will be permanently deleted Memory Cards: Only use official Siemens SIMATIC Memory Cards
If the CPU has a front display and it hasn't been disabled or password-protected itself, you can reset it directly. Navigate to using the display buttons. Factory Settings and confirm the prompt.