: Select the Clear... option. A dialog box will appear prompting you to choose components. Check all boxes including Program Block , Data Block , and System Block .
Note: This process will permanently erase all user programs, data blocks, and system configurations. Method 1: Using "CLEARPLC" Command
Fortunately, there are ways to recover or reset the password on an S7 200 Smart PLC. Here are a few methods:
: Power down the PLC again, extract the card, and power it back up. The hardware is now fully unlocked and ready for programming.
(often found on the original installation CD) that resets the CPU to its pristine factory status, including resetting the baud rate to 9.6 kbit/s and the address to 2. MicroSD Card Method s7 200 smart plc password unlock new
Jack spent the next few hours in a feverish search. He knew that some third-party software claimed to bypass the protection, but the risks were high. A botched attempt could corrupt the firmware, turning the PLC into an expensive brick. He also considered the "Wipe" option—resetting the PLC to factory defaults. It would remove the password, but it would also erase the entire control program. Without a recent backup, he’d be starting from scratch, a task that would take days.
Password required for both uploading and downloading.
High – can brick the CPU if voltage levels wrong (1.8V or 3.3V? depends on revision). Success rate: ~95% if done correctly. Use case: Mass unlocking for refurbishing units.
: When the software asks for the authorization password to complete the clear function, type CLEARPLC into the password input box. This system keyword is not case-sensitive and bypasses the old password by initiating a complete hardware format. : Select the Clear
: Remove the card and restart. The PLC will now be at factory settings with no password. Method 3: Bypassing Level 4 Protection (Advanced)
If communication is entirely blocked due to aggressive Level 4 security restrictions, you can use a blank, FAT32-formatted MicroSD card:
: Complete lockout. You cannot upload the program from the PLC even with a password. In this case, you must have the original project file on your PC to make changes. 4. Bypassing Block-Level Protection
When a PLC has a Level 4 strict upload lock or communication cannot be established through Micro/WIN SMART, you must use a physical MicroSD card to reset the hardware directly. Check all boxes including Program Block , Data
Once you have successfully unlocked the S7-200 SMART, you must secure it properly:
The PLC will reset to its default IP and clear all protection levels. 3. Understanding Protection Levels
Restricts reading or writing to the PLC hardware. This is the most common "locked" scenario.