Reset safety
Synology’s reset button supports two very different workflows. Mode 1 resets administrator login credentials and network settings, making it appropriate for forgotten passwords or a NAS moved to a new network. Mode 2 clears system configuration and reinstalls DSM. Neither is the same as securely erasing all stored data, but both deserve a backup and encryption-key check because configuration changes can affect access to protected storage and packages.
Quick answer
Use the smallest reset that solves the problem
A forgotten password or lost IP address normally points to Mode 1. A damaged DSM installation may require Mode 2. Selling the NAS requires a separate data-erasure decision.
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
Reset is not a universal troubleshooting step
Do not press the reset button because a drive failed or a volume crashed unless the documented recovery path specifically calls for it. The failure layer determines whether reset helps.
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.
Mode 1 targets access and networking
Use Mode 1 when the administrator password is forgotten, the network environment changed or the NAS needs to return to DHCP so it can be found again. It does not intentionally reinstall DSM.
For reset selection, mode 1 targets access and networking should reduce the amount of configuration being changed, not increase it. Match the symptom to the smallest documented action: access or network problems point toward Mode 1, while a genuine DSM reinstall requirement can justify Mode 2 after backup. Record encryption keys, static networking and service settings before touching the reset button. This checkpoint also separates reset from sanitization, because neither recovery mode should be mistaken for a secure wipe when the NAS is being sold or retired.
Mode 2 targets DSM configuration
Mode 2 is a second reset sequence performed shortly after Mode 1. It clears system configurations and places the NAS into a Configuration lost state so DSM can be reinstalled.
For reset selection, mode 2 targets dsm configuration should reduce the amount of configuration being changed, not increase it. Match the symptom to the smallest documented action: access or network problems point toward Mode 1, while a genuine DSM reinstall requirement can justify Mode 2 after backup. Record encryption keys, static networking and service settings before touching the reset button. This checkpoint also separates reset from sanitization, because neither recovery mode should be mistaken for a secure wipe when the NAS is being sold or retired.
Stored data and system settings are different things
Synology says the reset procedure is designed not to affect stored data, but system configuration can be cleared. A backup remains essential because access, packages, permissions and encryption behavior can change.
For reset selection, stored data and system settings are different things should reduce the amount of configuration being changed, not increase it. Match the symptom to the smallest documented action: access or network problems point toward Mode 1, while a genuine DSM reinstall requirement can justify Mode 2 after backup. Record encryption keys, static networking and service settings before touching the reset button. This checkpoint also separates reset from sanitization, because neither recovery mode should be mistaken for a secure wipe when the NAS is being sold or retired.
Encrypted storage needs extra preparation
DSM 7.3 and later provide an option to lock encrypted storage entities during reset by clearing the key vault. Preserve recovery keys and understand whether folders or volumes will need manual unlocking afterward.
For reset selection, encrypted storage needs extra preparation should reduce the amount of configuration being changed, not increase it. Match the symptom to the smallest documented action: access or network problems point toward Mode 1, while a genuine DSM reinstall requirement can justify Mode 2 after backup. Record encryption keys, static networking and service settings before touching the reset button. This checkpoint also separates reset from sanitization, because neither recovery mode should be mistaken for a secure wipe when the NAS is being sold or retired.
A password change may not need hardware reset
When you can still sign in with another administrator account, use DSM account controls instead of the physical reset button. Hardware reset should solve an access problem you cannot correct normally.
For reset selection, a password change may not need hardware reset should reduce the amount of configuration being changed, not increase it. Match the symptom to the smallest documented action: access or network problems point toward Mode 1, while a genuine DSM reinstall requirement can justify Mode 2 after backup. Record encryption keys, static networking and service settings before touching the reset button. This checkpoint also separates reset from sanitization, because neither recovery mode should be mistaken for a secure wipe when the NAS is being sold or retired.
Mode 1 changes network settings to DHCP
The reset returns key network settings to defaults so Web Assistant or Synology Assistant can rediscover the NAS. Record special VLAN, bonding, static IP or DNS configuration so it can be rebuilt afterward.
For reset selection, mode 1 changes network settings to dhcp should reduce the amount of configuration being changed, not increase it. Match the symptom to the smallest documented action: access or network problems point toward Mode 1, while a genuine DSM reinstall requirement can justify Mode 2 after backup. Record encryption keys, static networking and service settings before touching the reset button. This checkpoint also separates reset from sanitization, because neither recovery mode should be mistaken for a secure wipe when the NAS is being sold or retired.
Mode 2 can affect packages and services
A DSM reinstall may require package repair, service reconfiguration and reauthentication. Export or document important application settings before reset when the system remains accessible.
For reset selection, mode 2 can affect packages and services should reduce the amount of configuration being changed, not increase it. Match the symptom to the smallest documented action: access or network problems point toward Mode 1, while a genuine DSM reinstall requirement can justify Mode 2 after backup. Record encryption keys, static networking and service settings before touching the reset button. This checkpoint also separates reset from sanitization, because neither recovery mode should be mistaken for a secure wipe when the NAS is being sold or retired.
A system partition crash can legitimately require Mode 2
Synology’s current system-partition recovery guide directs users toward Mode 2 after data backup when all system-partition copies have crashed. That is a specific recovery use case, not a reason to use Mode 2 for every storage warning.
For reset selection, a system partition crash can legitimately require mode 2 should reduce the amount of configuration being changed, not increase it. Match the symptom to the smallest documented action: access or network problems point toward Mode 1, while a genuine DSM reinstall requirement can justify Mode 2 after backup. Record encryption keys, static networking and service settings before touching the reset button. This checkpoint also separates reset from sanitization, because neither recovery mode should be mistaken for a secure wipe when the NAS is being sold or retired.
Selling the NAS requires more than Mode 1
Resetting credentials does not erase the user data stored on the disks. A disposal or resale workflow must include deliberate data erasure or removal of the drives according to your security requirements.
For reset selection, selling the nas requires more than mode 1 should reduce the amount of configuration being changed, not increase it. Match the symptom to the smallest documented action: access or network problems point toward Mode 1, while a genuine DSM reinstall requirement can justify Mode 2 after backup. Record encryption keys, static networking and service settings before touching the reset button. This checkpoint also separates reset from sanitization, because neither recovery mode should be mistaken for a secure wipe when the NAS is being sold or retired.
Do not confuse reset with drive replacement
A failed disk, bad sector warning or degraded pool requires storage repair. Resetting DSM does not make a physically failing drive healthy and can add configuration work during an already risky incident.
For reset selection, do not confuse reset with drive replacement should reduce the amount of configuration being changed, not increase it. Match the symptom to the smallest documented action: access or network problems point toward Mode 1, while a genuine DSM reinstall requirement can justify Mode 2 after backup. Record encryption keys, static networking and service settings before touching the reset button. This checkpoint also separates reset from sanitization, because neither recovery mode should be mistaken for a secure wipe when the NAS is being sold or retired.
Write down recovery access before resetting
Save backup destinations, encryption keys, MFA recovery options, static network details and administrator information. The purpose is to make the post-reset environment predictable rather than rediscovering critical settings under pressure.
For reset selection, write down recovery access before resetting should reduce the amount of configuration being changed, not increase it. Match the symptom to the smallest documented action: access or network problems point toward Mode 1, while a genuine DSM reinstall requirement can justify Mode 2 after backup. Record encryption keys, static networking and service settings before touching the reset button. This checkpoint also separates reset from sanitization, because neither recovery mode should be mistaken for a secure wipe when the NAS is being sold or retired.
Verify services after the reset completes
After Mode 1 or Mode 2, test DSM login, network reachability, shared folders, backups, applications and encrypted storage. A successful reboot does not guarantee every service returned to its previous state.
For reset selection, verify services after the reset completes should reduce the amount of configuration being changed, not increase it. Match the symptom to the smallest documented action: access or network problems point toward Mode 1, while a genuine DSM reinstall requirement can justify Mode 2 after backup. Record encryption keys, static networking and service settings before touching the reset button. This checkpoint also separates reset from sanitization, because neither recovery mode should be mistaken for a secure wipe when the NAS is being sold or retired.
Questions people ask
Synology Reset Mode 1 vs Mode 2 questions
What does Synology Reset Mode 1 do?
It resets administrator login credentials and network settings to default, useful for forgotten passwords or network changes.
Reset questions should start with the goal. Password and network recovery are different from DSM reinstall, and neither reset mode is a secure data-erasure procedure.
What does Mode 2 do?
It clears DSM system configuration and prepares the NAS for DSM reinstallation.
Does Mode 1 delete my data?
Synology says reset does not affect stored data, but a verified backup is still strongly recommended.
Does Mode 2 delete my files?
Mode 2 is designed to reinstall DSM without intentionally erasing stored user data, but it clears system configuration and can affect service access.
Which reset should I use for a forgotten password?
Mode 1, unless you can change the password normally through another administrator account.
Which reset should I use when the NAS has a new router?
Mode 1 can return network settings to DHCP so the NAS can be rediscovered and reconfigured.
Should I use Mode 2 for a failed drive?
No. A physical drive failure is a storage problem; use the drive replacement and pool repair procedure.
Why does Synology mention Mode 2 for a crashed system partition?
A crashed system partition cannot be repaired in place, so the documented recovery path includes backing up and reinstalling DSM.
What happens to encrypted volumes?
Key-vault and lock behavior depends on reset options and DSM version. Preserve recovery keys before resetting.
Is reset enough before selling the NAS?
No. Resetting access or DSM configuration is not the same as securely erasing user data on the drives.
Official references and methodology
Verify the live DSM state before any destructive recovery step
This reset comparison is organized around the problem being solved. Mode 1 is treated as an administrator/network reset, while Mode 2 is treated as a DSM reinstallation path; neither is described as a secure data-erasure method. The page also flags DSM 7.3+ encryption-key implications and recommends a verified backup before reset even when the documented reset operation is intended to preserve shared-folder data.
- Synology: Reset Mode 1 and Mode 2
- Synology: System partition degraded or crashed
- Synology: What can I do if one of my volumes crashed?
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.