Buyer's Guides

How to Reset WD My Cloud (Soft, Hard, and Factory Reset)

James Idayi
9 min read
How to Reset WD My Cloud (Soft, Hard, and Factory Reset)

When your WD My Cloud won’t boot, you’ve forgotten the password, or you need to start fresh before selling it, a reset is often the solution. But there are different types of resets with different consequences. This guide explains when to use each type and walks you through the process safely.

Understanding Reset Types

WD My Cloud devices support three reset levels, each affecting different settings:

Reset TypeWhat It ResetsData Preserved?When to Use
Soft Reset (Reboot)Nothing — just restarts✅ YesMinor glitches, slow performance
Network Reset (4-sec)Network settings only✅ YesCan’t access dashboard, IP issues
System Reset (40-sec)All settings, keeps data✅ YesForgotten password, configuration issues
Factory Reset (Full)Everything including data❌ NoSelling device, complete fresh start

Warning: Factory reset permanently deletes all data. Always backup before any reset if possible.

Method 1: Soft Reset (Reboot)

A soft reset simply restarts the device without changing any settings. This fixes temporary glitches, clears memory, and restarts services.

Option A: Reboot via Dashboard

  1. Access the My Cloud dashboard in your web browser
  2. Navigate to Settings → Utilities
  3. Click Reboot
  4. Confirm the action
  5. Wait 3-5 minutes for the device to restart

Option B: Reboot via Mobile App

  1. Open the My Cloud mobile app
  2. Go to Settings
  3. Select your device
  4. Tap Restart or Reboot

Option C: Power Cycle

If you can’t access the dashboard:

  1. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds until the LED turns off
  2. Wait 30 seconds
  3. Press the power button to turn it back on
  4. Wait 5 minutes for full boot

If your device has no power button (some single-bay models), unplug the power cord, wait 30 seconds, and reconnect.

When to Use Soft Reset

  • Device is running slowly
  • Network shares not responding
  • After firmware updates
  • Apps not working correctly
  • General troubleshooting first step

Method 2: Network Reset (4-Second Reset)

The network reset restores only network settings to defaults while keeping all other configurations and your data intact.

What Gets Reset

  • IP address configuration (reverts to DHCP)
  • Network mode settings
  • Port settings

What’s Preserved

  • All your files and data
  • User accounts and passwords
  • Share configurations
  • App settings
  • Cloud access configuration

How to Perform (EX2 Ultra, PR Series, EX4100)

  1. Locate the reset button (small pinhole on back of device)
  2. Use a paperclip or pin
  3. With the device powered ON, press and hold the reset button
  4. Hold for exactly 4 seconds
  5. Release the button
  6. Wait for the device to reboot (3-5 minutes)
  7. The device will obtain a new IP via DHCP

How to Perform (My Cloud Home/Duo)

  1. Locate the reset button on the back
  2. Use a paperclip
  3. Press and hold for 4 seconds
  4. The LED will blink
  5. Wait for restart

After Network Reset

  1. Find the new IP address:
    • Check your router’s connected devices list
    • Use WD Discovery software
    • Use a network scanner app
  2. Access the dashboard via the new IP
  3. Reconfigure static IP if needed

When to Use Network Reset

  • Can’t find the device on the network
  • Dashboard won’t load
  • Changed routers or network setup
  • IP address conflicts
  • Static IP misconfiguration locked you out

Method 3: System Reset (40-Second Reset)

The system reset restores all settings to factory defaults while preserving your data. This is often called a “soft factory reset.”

What Gets Reset

  • Admin password (returns to no password or default)
  • All user accounts
  • Network configuration
  • Share permissions
  • Cloud access settings
  • App configurations
  • Backup jobs
  • All custom settings

What’s Preserved

  • All your files and data
  • Share folders (but not permissions)
  • Installed apps (may need reconfiguration)

How to Perform (EX2 Ultra, PR Series, EX4100)

  1. Locate the reset button (small pinhole on back)
  2. Use a paperclip or pin
  3. With the device powered ON, press and hold the reset button
  4. Hold for 40 seconds (some models require up to 60 seconds)
  5. Release the button
  6. The device will reboot — this takes 5-10 minutes
  7. LED will indicate when ready (solid blue/white)

How to Perform (My Cloud Home/Duo)

  1. Locate the reset button
  2. Press and hold for 40+ seconds
  3. The LED will flash rapidly then turn off
  4. Wait for the device to restart
  5. You’ll need to go through initial setup again

After System Reset

  1. Access the dashboard (device uses DHCP, find new IP)
  2. Complete the setup wizard
  3. Create new admin password
  4. Recreate user accounts
  5. Reconfigure share permissions
  6. Re-enable cloud access
  7. Reconfigure backup jobs
  8. Your files will be in the existing shares

When to Use System Reset

  • Forgotten admin password
  • Configuration is badly broken
  • Device won’t boot properly after settings change
  • Want to start fresh without losing data
  • Network reset didn’t solve the problem

Method 4: Factory Reset (Full Reset)

⚠️ WARNING: This permanently deletes ALL data on the device. This cannot be undone.

A factory reset restores the device to its original state — as if it just came out of the box. All data, settings, and configurations are erased.

What Gets Reset

  • All settings (everything)
  • All user data and files
  • All shares
  • All apps
  • RAID configuration (on multi-bay models)
  • Everything returns to factory state

Before You Begin

  • Backup all important data to another location
  • Document your current configuration
  • Export any settings if possible
  • Verify your backup is complete and accessible
  • Understand this is irreversible

How to Perform via Dashboard (Preferred)

  1. Access the My Cloud dashboard
  2. Navigate to Settings → Utilities
  3. Find System Factory Restore or Factory Reset
  4. Read the warning carefully
  5. Type “FACTORY RESTORE” or check the confirmation box
  6. Click Restore or Reset
  7. Wait for the process to complete (15-60 minutes depending on storage)

How to Perform via Mobile App (My Cloud Home)

  1. Open the My Cloud Home app
  2. Go to Settings → Device Settings
  3. Select Factory Reset
  4. Confirm your choice
  5. Enter your WD account password
  6. Wait for completion

After Factory Reset

  1. The device restarts with factory firmware
  2. Connect to your network
  3. Run through initial setup wizard
  4. Create admin account
  5. Configure RAID (if applicable)
  6. Create shares
  7. Restore data from backup

When to Use Factory Reset

  • Selling or giving away the device
  • Starting completely fresh
  • Severe system corruption
  • Malware or ransomware (after securing backup)
  • Reconfiguring RAID from scratch

Reset Button Location by Model

ModelReset Button LocationNotes
My Cloud HomeBack panel, small pinholeNear Ethernet port
My Cloud Home DuoBack panel, small pinholeNear power connector
My Cloud EX2 UltraBack panel, recessed buttonBetween USB and Ethernet
My Cloud PR2100Back panel, recessed buttonNear USB 3.0 ports
My Cloud PR4100Back panel, recessed buttonNear USB 3.0 ports
My Cloud EX4100Back panel, recessed buttonNear USB ports
My Cloud MirrorBack panel, small pinholeBetween ports

Troubleshooting Reset Issues

Reset Button Doesn’t Seem to Work

  • Use proper tool: Paperclip or pin — not a toothpick (too soft)
  • Press firmly: You should feel a slight click
  • Count carefully: Use a timer for exact seconds
  • Device must be on: Reset only works when powered
  • Wait for completion: Don’t interrupt the process

Device Won’t Boot After Reset

  • Wait at least 10 minutes — factory resets take time
  • Check LED status for error codes
  • Try power cycling (unplug for 30 seconds)
  • Connect directly to computer via Ethernet
  • Contact WD support if issues persist

Can’t Access Device After Reset

  • Device now uses DHCP — find new IP in router
  • Use WD Discovery software to locate
  • Try accessing via device name (wdmycloudex2ultra)
  • Check Ethernet cable is connected
  • Verify device LED indicates ready state

Recovering Data After Accidental Reset

If you performed a factory reset and lost data you needed:

If You Did a System Reset (40-second)

Good news — your data should still be there. Complete the setup wizard and your files will be in the default shares.

If You Did a Full Factory Reset

Data recovery is difficult but sometimes possible:

  1. Stop using the device immediately
  2. Don’t write new data — it overwrites recoverable data
  3. Contact a professional data recovery service
  4. Recovery success depends on how much was overwritten
  5. Cost ranges from $500-$2,000+

Prevention: Always maintain a backup separate from your NAS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my WD My Cloud delete my files?

It depends on the reset type. Soft reset (reboot) and network reset (4-second) preserve all data. System reset (40-second) preserves data but erases settings. Factory reset deletes everything. Always backup before any reset if unsure.

I forgot my WD My Cloud password. How do I reset it?

Perform a 40-second system reset using the reset button. This resets the admin password to default (usually blank or no password) while preserving your data. After reset, access the dashboard and create a new password.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset typically takes 15-60 minutes depending on storage capacity. The device erases all data, which takes longer with larger drives. Don’t interrupt the process — wait for the LED to indicate completion.

My reset button doesn’t work. What should I do?

Ensure you’re using a proper tool (paperclip, not toothpick), pressing firmly enough to feel a click, counting seconds accurately, and the device is powered on. If still not working, try the reset via the dashboard or mobile app instead.

Should I reset my WD My Cloud before selling it?

Yes, absolutely. Perform a full factory reset to erase all your personal data. This ensures the new owner can’t access your files. After reset, verify by checking that setup wizard appears and no personal data remains.

Can I recover data after a factory reset?

Possibly, but difficult. Professional data recovery services may recover some data if you haven’t written new data to the drives. Success varies and costs $500-$2,000+. Prevention is better — always maintain external backups.

Summary

Reset TypeHow to PerformData Safe?Use Case
Soft ResetDashboard, app, or power cycle✅ YesGeneral troubleshooting
Network ResetHold reset button 4 seconds✅ YesCan’t access dashboard
System ResetHold reset button 40 seconds✅ YesForgotten password
Factory ResetDashboard or 60+ second hold❌ NoSelling device

Start with the least destructive option that might solve your problem. Most issues can be resolved with a soft reset or network reset without risking your data.

Related Resources

Last Updated: February 2026

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Written by

James Idayi

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