The most common way to unlock an S7-1200 with a forgotten password is by using an to perform a factory reset.
Wait for the maintenance or RUN/STOP LEDs to finish flashing (usually the RUN/STOP LED will blink or stay solid STOP).
If you have forgotten the password for a Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 CPU, there is no official way to recover or "crack" the password while keeping the existing program intact. To regain access, you must typically , which will erase the internal load memory and the password-protected program. Method 1: Using a Siemens Memory Card (Empty Transfer Card) S7-1200 Password Unlock
A Siemens-branded memory card (2MB or larger). Procedure:
If you can still communicate with the PLC (e.g., if only certain blocks are protected but you have enough access to go online), you can use the software tools within Siemens TIA Portal. SIEMENS S7-1200: Unlock PLC with forgotten password The most common way to unlock an S7-1200
Power on the CPU. The CPU will automatically transfer the "empty" state from the card to its internal memory, wiping the protected project and password.
The CPU is now at factory defaults and ready for a new program download. Method 2: Reset via TIA Portal (Online & Diagnostics) To regain access, you must typically , which
Power off the CPU again and before restarting.