S7-1200: Password Unlock

A. The "Remove Protection" Method (Requires Original Project)

Watch the PLC status LEDs. The MAINT light will flash, indicating an internal process is running. Wait until the RUN/STOP LED turns solid yellow (Stop mode) and the MAINT light stops flashing. S7-1200 Password Unlock

: This will delete the user program, hardware configuration, and any protection passwords. Wait until the RUN/STOP LED turns solid yellow

If you have forgotten the password for a Siemens S7-1200 CPU, you cannot "crack" it to view the program; however, you can , which will erase all existing program data. Unlocking via Memory Card (Resetting) Unlocking via Memory Card (Resetting) : Using TIA

: Using TIA Portal on a PC with a card reader, format a Siemens-branded memory card as a "Transfer" card.

, which clears the existing password but also deletes the user program. Official Siemens methods do not allow recovering the program without the password. Siemens SiePortal Official Recovery (Reset to Factory)

Official documentation proving your right to access the system. Unlock s7-1200 cpu protection | PLCtalk - Interactive Q & A