Access recovery
Losing the DSM administrator password is usually an access problem, not a reason to rebuild storage. If another administrator account still works, change the affected account from DSM. If no administrator login is available, Synology documents Reset Mode 1 to reset administrator credentials and network settings without intentionally erasing stored data.
Quick answer
Do not jump from forgotten password to Mode 2
Mode 2 is for clearing DSM configuration and reinstalling the operating system. A forgotten credential normally needs the much smaller Mode 1 change.
Current Amazon listings
Replacement and migration DiskStation options
Product cards are supporting purchase references only; they do not determine whether your failed drives are recoverable or whether a specific migration pairing is supported.
Technical decision
Recover access first, then restore network and security settings
Mode 1 can return network settings to DHCP and alter authentication state, so record what must be rebuilt after login is restored.
Interactive recovery tool
Reset Safety Checker
This tool routes the symptoms you select to a safer next step. It does not issue destructive commands. Before initializing a disk, deleting a pool, reinstalling DSM or moving the only copy of important data, verify the exact live Synology procedure for your model and DSM build.
Recovery safety checklist
Four rules before you change a failing Synology system
Preserve readable data first
If unique files can still be opened, copy or back them up before changing storage metadata, reinstalling DSM or running stressful diagnostics.
Record drives and bays
Capture drive serial numbers, bay positions, health states and DSM messages before swapping disks or moving them to another chassis.
Match the action to the failure layer
A degraded pool, crashed volume, failed system partition, bad drive and failed bay have different supported recovery paths.
Keep a rollback path
During migration or recovery, do not erase the source system until the destination data, permissions, applications and backups have been verified.
Try another administrator account first
If a second administrator can sign in, reset the affected user through normal DSM account management. That avoids changing the NAS network configuration or invoking the hardware reset process.
For lost-administrator access, try another administrator account first should preserve the running storage system while restoring control through the least disruptive route. First check whether another administrator can change the account from DSM; only then move to the physical Mode 1 procedure. Expect network settings to return toward defaults and plan how the NAS will be rediscovered afterward. This checkpoint should never turn a credential problem into a storage rebuild, and it should leave MFA, backup credentials and encryption recovery information stronger than before the lockout.
Mode 1 is the documented fallback
When no administrator account is usable, press and hold Reset for the Mode 1 sequence described by Synology. The goal is to restore administrative access and default network configuration, not reinstall DSM.
For lost-administrator access, mode 1 is the documented fallback should preserve the running storage system while restoring control through the least disruptive route. First check whether another administrator can change the account from DSM; only then move to the physical Mode 1 procedure. Expect network settings to return toward defaults and plan how the NAS will be rediscovered afterward. This checkpoint should never turn a credential problem into a storage rebuild, and it should leave MFA, backup credentials and encryption recovery information stronger than before the lockout.
Find the NAS again after network reset
Mode 1 can return interfaces to DHCP. Use Web Assistant or Synology Assistant to discover the new address, especially if the NAS previously used a static IP, bond or custom DNS settings.
For lost-administrator access, find the nas again after network reset should preserve the running storage system while restoring control through the least disruptive route. First check whether another administrator can change the account from DSM; only then move to the physical Mode 1 procedure. Expect network settings to return toward defaults and plan how the NAS will be rediscovered afterward. This checkpoint should never turn a credential problem into a storage rebuild, and it should leave MFA, backup credentials and encryption recovery information stronger than before the lockout.
Stored data should remain in place
Synology says Reset Mode 1 does not intentionally affect stored user data. The main work after reset is restoring access, network configuration and security settings, but a backup remains wise before any system change.
For lost-administrator access, stored data should remain in place should preserve the running storage system while restoring control through the least disruptive route. First check whether another administrator can change the account from DSM; only then move to the physical Mode 1 procedure. Expect network settings to return toward defaults and plan how the NAS will be rediscovered afterward. This checkpoint should never turn a credential problem into a storage rebuild, and it should leave MFA, backup credentials and encryption recovery information stronger than before the lockout.
Encryption can complicate post-reset access
If encrypted volumes or shared folders are configured, make sure you have their recovery keys. DSM 7.3+ can optionally lock encrypted storage entities during reset by clearing key-vault state.
For lost-administrator access, encryption can complicate post-reset access should preserve the running storage system while restoring control through the least disruptive route. First check whether another administrator can change the account from DSM; only then move to the physical Mode 1 procedure. Expect network settings to return toward defaults and plan how the NAS will be rediscovered afterward. This checkpoint should never turn a credential problem into a storage rebuild, and it should leave MFA, backup credentials and encryption recovery information stronger than before the lockout.
Do not use a generic admin password
After recovery, create or reset a named administrator account with a strong unique password and avoid re-enabling the default admin account as an everyday login.
For lost-administrator access, do not use a generic admin password should preserve the running storage system while restoring control through the least disruptive route. First check whether another administrator can change the account from DSM; only then move to the physical Mode 1 procedure. Expect network settings to return toward defaults and plan how the NAS will be rediscovered afterward. This checkpoint should never turn a credential problem into a storage rebuild, and it should leave MFA, backup credentials and encryption recovery information stronger than before the lockout.
Reconfigure MFA and account protection
Reset access can affect how you authenticate. Reestablish multifactor authentication, account-protection thresholds, notification delivery and recovery methods before considering the system fully secured.
For lost-administrator access, reconfigure mfa and account protection should preserve the running storage system while restoring control through the least disruptive route. First check whether another administrator can change the account from DSM; only then move to the physical Mode 1 procedure. Expect network settings to return toward defaults and plan how the NAS will be rediscovered afterward. This checkpoint should never turn a credential problem into a storage rebuild, and it should leave MFA, backup credentials and encryption recovery information stronger than before the lockout.
Restore static networking deliberately
If services, backups or port forwards depend on a fixed IP, return the NAS to the intended address after access is restored. Verify that another device has not received the old address in the meantime.
For lost-administrator access, restore static networking deliberately should preserve the running storage system while restoring control through the least disruptive route. First check whether another administrator can change the account from DSM; only then move to the physical Mode 1 procedure. Expect network settings to return toward defaults and plan how the NAS will be rediscovered afterward. This checkpoint should never turn a credential problem into a storage rebuild, and it should leave MFA, backup credentials and encryption recovery information stronger than before the lockout.
Check backup jobs that store credentials
Hyper Backup, rsync, cloud synchronization and remote mounts may fail if credentials or network settings changed. Run a manual test rather than waiting for the next scheduled job to discover the breakage.
For lost-administrator access, check backup jobs that store credentials should preserve the running storage system while restoring control through the least disruptive route. First check whether another administrator can change the account from DSM; only then move to the physical Mode 1 procedure. Expect network settings to return toward defaults and plan how the NAS will be rediscovered afterward. This checkpoint should never turn a credential problem into a storage rebuild, and it should leave MFA, backup credentials and encryption recovery information stronger than before the lockout.
Mode 2 is for a different problem
Do not perform the second reset sequence merely because Mode 1 feels incomplete. Mode 2 clears system configuration and reinstalls DSM, creating much more reconfiguration work.
For lost-administrator access, mode 2 is for a different problem should preserve the running storage system while restoring control through the least disruptive route. First check whether another administrator can change the account from DSM; only then move to the physical Mode 1 procedure. Expect network settings to return toward defaults and plan how the NAS will be rediscovered afterward. This checkpoint should never turn a credential problem into a storage rebuild, and it should leave MFA, backup credentials and encryption recovery information stronger than before the lockout.
Physical reset is not secure data erasure
If the password loss occurs while preparing the NAS for sale, regaining access is only the first step. Securely erase or retain the drives according to your data-disposal policy.
For lost-administrator access, physical reset is not secure data erasure should preserve the running storage system while restoring control through the least disruptive route. First check whether another administrator can change the account from DSM; only then move to the physical Mode 1 procedure. Expect network settings to return toward defaults and plan how the NAS will be rediscovered afterward. This checkpoint should never turn a credential problem into a storage rebuild, and it should leave MFA, backup credentials and encryption recovery information stronger than before the lockout.
Document a recovery path for next time
Store password-manager access, MFA recovery information, encryption keys and network details outside the NAS. The best password recovery workflow is one you do not have to improvise during an outage.
For lost-administrator access, document a recovery path for next time should preserve the running storage system while restoring control through the least disruptive route. First check whether another administrator can change the account from DSM; only then move to the physical Mode 1 procedure. Expect network settings to return toward defaults and plan how the NAS will be rediscovered afterward. This checkpoint should never turn a credential problem into a storage rebuild, and it should leave MFA, backup credentials and encryption recovery information stronger than before the lockout.
Questions people ask
Forgot Synology Admin Password questions
How do I reset a forgotten Synology admin password?
Use another administrator account if available. Otherwise follow Synology Reset Mode 1 to reset administrator credentials and network settings.
A forgotten admin password is normally solved with another administrator or Mode 1, not by reinstalling DSM or rebuilding storage.
Will Mode 1 erase my files?
Synology states that the reset does not intentionally affect stored data, though a current backup is still recommended.
A forgotten admin password is normally solved with another administrator or Mode 1, not by reinstalling DSM or rebuilding storage.
Why did my Synology IP address change after reset?
Mode 1 resets network settings to defaults, commonly DHCP, so the router may assign a new address.
A forgotten admin password is normally solved with another administrator or Mode 1, not by reinstalling DSM or rebuilding storage.
Do I need Mode 2 for a forgotten password?
Normally no. Mode 2 clears DSM configuration and is intended for reinstalling DSM, not routine credential recovery.
A forgotten admin password is normally solved with another administrator or Mode 1, not by reinstalling DSM or rebuilding storage.
What if I have encrypted folders?
Preserve the encryption keys and understand whether your reset settings will lock encrypted storage entities afterward.
A forgotten admin password is normally solved with another administrator or Mode 1, not by reinstalling DSM or rebuilding storage.
Can another admin reset my account?
Yes. If another administrator can log in, use DSM account controls and avoid hardware reset.
A forgotten admin password is normally solved with another administrator or Mode 1, not by reinstalling DSM or rebuilding storage.
Should I re-enable the default admin account?
Prefer a named administrator account and keep the default admin account disabled for better security.
A forgotten admin password is normally solved with another administrator or Mode 1, not by reinstalling DSM or rebuilding storage.
What else should I check after access returns?
MFA, notifications, backup jobs, static networking, remote access and package credentials should all be tested.
A forgotten admin password is normally solved with another administrator or Mode 1, not by reinstalling DSM or rebuilding storage.
Can password reset fix a storage failure?
No. A failed drive, crashed volume or degraded pool needs storage diagnosis and repair, not an account reset.
A forgotten admin password is normally solved with another administrator or Mode 1, not by reinstalling DSM or rebuilding storage.
How can I avoid this problem later?
Use a password manager, preserve MFA recovery options and keep encryption and network recovery details outside the NAS.
A forgotten admin password is normally solved with another administrator or Mode 1, not by reinstalling DSM or rebuilding storage.
Official references and methodology
Verify the live DSM state before any destructive recovery step
This password-recovery guide minimizes system change. It checks for another administrative account and normal credential recovery first, then uses the documented Mode 1 reset only when needed to regain administrator access. Network settings, account-security follow-up and encrypted-volume key handling are covered separately so a login problem does not turn into an avoidable storage-access problem.
- Synology: Reset Mode 1 and Mode 2
- Synology: System partition degraded or crashed
- Synology: Migration methods between Synology NAS systems
As an Amazon Associate, Cloudzat may earn from qualifying purchases. Failure states, DSM behavior, migration compatibility and recovery options can change by model and DSM build. Preserve readable data and verify Synology's current Knowledge Center instructions before initializing drives, deleting pools, reinstalling DSM or changing the only copy of important data.