How to Reset or Restart an Ecobee Thermostat
By the AI SmartHome Hub Editorial Team · Last updated: August 2026
There are three levels of 'reset' on an Ecobee: a soft restart (power cycle), 'Reset all settings' (clears configuration, keeps firmware), and 'Delete all preferences' (full factory reset). Choosing the wrong one can wipe your schedule and sensor setup, so match the reset to the problem.
Start here: quick diagnosis
- Thermostat unresponsive but screen works? Try the soft restart first — it needs no settings backup.
- Settings are misbehaving after an update? Use 'Reset all settings' — it keeps your sensors paired.
- Selling the home or moving thermostats? Use 'Delete all preferences' for a clean factory state.
Common Causes
- A soft restart (power cycle) clears most frozen or unresponsive states with zero settings lost
- 'Reset all settings' is right when configuration is corrupted after an update — sensors and equipment stay intact
- 'Delete all preferences' wipes everything including the network connection, sensors, and schedule — only for a fresh start
- A restart done from the breaker is the only option when the screen is completely blank
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Soft restart: power-cycle the thermostat
If the screen is responsive but the thermostat is misbehaving, pull the faceplate off the wall plate for 30 seconds, then press it back on. This restarts the thermostat without losing any settings. For a completely blank screen, cycle the furnace breaker instead.
- 2
Soft restart from the app (no touching the wall)
In the Ecobee app, go to Settings > About > Reboot Thermostat. The thermostat restarts in about a minute — this is the cleanest restart and works even if the screen is frozen.
- 3
Use 'Reset all settings' for corrupted configuration
On the thermostat, go to Main Menu > Settings > Reset > Reset all settings. This clears your schedules and preferences but keeps firmware and your sensor pairing — the right choice when behavior is erratic after an update.
- 4
Use 'Delete all preferences' only for a factory-fresh start
Also under Settings > Reset, this wipes everything: WiFi, sensors, schedules, and equipment configuration. You'll need to run the full setup wizard in the app afterwards. Only use it when selling the unit, moving it to another home, or as a final troubleshooting step.
- 5
Re-run setup in the app after a factory reset
After 'Delete all preferences', open the Ecobee app, add the thermostat back with its pairing code, and re-join your WiFi. Your sensors need to be re-paired to the thermostat as well.
Still stuck?
If none of these steps fixed it, describe your exact situation to our AI troubleshooting assistant for a more specific answer.
Ask the AI AssistantFrequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between resetting and restarting an Ecobee?
A restart (power cycle or Reboot in the app) keeps all settings and just reboots the software. A reset clears configuration — 'Reset all settings' keeps firmware and sensors, while 'Delete all preferences' wipes everything for a fresh start.
Will resetting my Ecobee delete my schedule?
'Reset all settings' removes your schedules and preferences. 'Delete all preferences' removes everything including sensors. If you want to keep your schedule, try the app's Reboot or a power cycle first.
How do I reset my Ecobee with a blank screen?
You can't — a blank screen is a power problem. Fix the power first (breaker, faceplate reseat, 3A fuse), then restart or reset from the working thermostat.
Related Fix Guides
- Ecobee Thermostat Screen Blank (Not Turning On)Ecobee · Ecobee screen is black and the thermostat won't wake up? Here's what causes it and how to fix it — without calling an HVAC tech first.
- Ecobee Not Cooling or Heating (System Won't Kick On)Ecobee · Ecobee says 'Running' but no air comes out, or it never calls for heat/cool? Here's how to diagnose it in 10 minutes without calling a tech.
- Ecobee Thermostat Troubleshooting (Common Problems & Error Codes)Ecobee · Ecobee not working? From blank screens and WiFi drops to error messages, here's how to diagnose and fix the most common Ecobee problems yourself.