(e.g., FGT_30D-v6-buildxxxx-FORTINET.out ) in the TFTP server's root directory.
If you wish to reset policies and objects but retain system interface IP configuration (for remote access), you can use: execute factory reset 2 Video: FortiGate Firewall: Factory Reset (Button & CLI Based) .
Watch these demonstrations to see the physical and CLI reset procedures in action: How to Factory Reset a Fortigate Firewall in 2025 23K views · 10 months ago YouTube · The Swedish Sysadmin FortiGate Firewall: Factory Reset (Button & CLI Based) 25K views · 2 years ago YouTube · FortiBytes
: Plug the power cable back into the unit. Within less than 30 seconds of plugging it in , press and hold down the physical reset button. fortigate 30d factory reset full
Before performing any reset, if you might need it later. And given the 30D's end-of-life status, consider documenting your procedures now—it may be your last opportunity to work with official Fortinet documentation before it becomes increasingly difficult to find.
using your admin credentials.
: Connect the console cable from your PC to the FortiGate 30D console port. Open your terminal software and use the following serial settings: Baud Rate: 9600 Data Bits: 8 Parity: None Stop Bits: 1 Flow Control: None Within less than 30 seconds of plugging it
: Resets the device to defaults and then powers it off immediately.
Type y and press Enter
Are you to a new network environment?
Yes—especially for this specific model. Due to its age, the FortiGate 30D lacks a recovery partition found in newer models. A is often the only way to recover from password loss or config corruption. While the device may no longer receive signature updates for UTM features (web filtering, antivirus), it still functions perfectly as a stateful firewall, site-to-site VPN terminator, or learning tool for Fortinet certification (NSE 4).
Alternate (explicit wipe) for older firmware: