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Stefan_Klotz's avatar
Stefan_Klotz
Icon for Cumulonimbus rankCumulonimbus
Dec 23, 2025

F5OS login with admin/root failed via console

Right now we have a new rSeries installed, which is currently only accessible via console cable.
First login with default password was fine and changing password was also successful.
Then I prepared the device with our default configuration including TACACS authentication. Also appliance-mode is enabled. All configurations were commited successfully.
Now when I try to login in again, it failed with "login incorrect" error, but the password is definitely correct.
What's the reason for this and how can I get access again? Or do I need to wait until the management port is up and TACACS server is reachable?
Or how can I fully reset the device again? Power cycle and then interrupting the boot process? Is there a documentation available, how to perform this?
Thank you!

Regards,
Stefan

console
F5OS
management

1 Reply

  • Jmtaylor's avatar
    Jmtaylor
    Icon for Moderator rankModerator
    Dec 26, 2025

    Stefan_Klotz​  Hello Stephan, 

    I found some articles that should help with this, I  had AI system format for easy reading.  

     

    Recovery Options

    Option 1: Disable Appliance Mode (Recommended)

    Once you can access the device with your admin account:

    config system appliance-mode config disabled commit exit

    Important: This change takes effect immediately without requiring a reboot, and running tenants will not be affected.

    Option 2: Factory Reset (If Necessary)

    If you need to completely reset the device, follow KB K20024872: Restore the rSeries configuration to factory default settings (https://my.f5.com/manage/s/article/K20024872):

    Via Console:

    config system database reset-to-default proceed yes commit exit system reboot

    Note: This will delete ALL configuration including passwords and management IP settings. You'll need to reconfigure everything from scratch using the console.

    Option 3: Password Recovery (If Needed)

    If you need to recover the root or admin password, follow KB K000134739: Recover the root or admin user password on F5 rSeries system (https://my.f5.com/manage/s/article/K000134739). This involves:

    1. Accessing the AOM Command menu via console (ESC+Shift+9)
    2. Power cycling the system
    3. Interrupting the GRUB boot process
    4. Adding rd.break to the boot parameters
    5. Entering single-user mode to reset the password

    Important: Password recovery does NOT disable appliance mode - you'll still need to disable it separately.