> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/mullvad/mullvadvpn-app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# factory-reset

> Reset all settings, caches, and logs

The `mullvad factory-reset` command completely resets the Mullvad VPN app to its initial state, removing all settings, cached data, logs, and account information.

## Usage

```bash theme={null}
mullvad factory-reset [OPTIONS]
```

## Options

<ParamField path="-y, --assume-yes" type="flag">
  Automatically answer "yes" to confirmation prompt. Useful for scripting.
</ParamField>

## What gets reset

A factory reset removes:

### Account data

* Logged in account (you'll need to log in again)
* Account token
* Device information
* WireGuard keys

### Settings

* All VPN settings (relay selection, tunnel options, etc.)
* Custom relay lists
* Split tunneling configuration
* DNS settings
* All preferences

### Cached data

* Relay list cache
* Geographic location cache
* API response caches
* Version information

### Logs

* All daemon logs
* Problem report data
* Debug logs

## What persists

The following are NOT reset:

* Installed application files
* GUI application data (desktop only)
* System-level configuration (systemd service, launch daemons, etc.)

## Examples

### Interactive reset

```bash theme={null}
mullvad factory-reset
```

Prompts for confirmation:

```
This will reset all settings, remove all logs and cached data, and log you out.
Continue? [y/N]
```

### Non-interactive reset

```bash theme={null}
mullvad factory-reset --assume-yes
```

Skips confirmation prompt. Useful in scripts.

### Scripting example

```bash theme={null}
#!/bin/bash
# Reset VPN and reconfigure
mullvad factory-reset -y
mullvad account login 1234567890123456
mullvad relay set location se got
mullvad auto-connect set on
```

## When to use factory reset

**Use factory reset when:**

* Troubleshooting persistent configuration issues
* Transferring the app to a new user
* Starting with a clean configuration
* Resolving corrupt settings
* Following security incident response procedures

**Don't use if you only want to:**

* Reset settings but keep logs → Use `reset-settings` instead
* Change one specific setting → Use the relevant `set` command
* Clear logs only → Delete log files manually or use `log` commands

## Alternative: Reset settings only

To reset only settings while keeping logs and account:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad reset-settings
```

See [`reset-settings`](/cli/commands/import-export-settings#reset-settings) for details.

## Safety considerations

<Warning>
  Factory reset is irreversible. Ensure you have:

  * Your account number saved elsewhere
  * Exported any important settings
  * Backed up custom configurations
</Warning>

### Before factory reset checklist

1. **Save account number**
   ```bash theme={null}
   mullvad account get
   ```
   Write down or save the account number.

2. **Export settings** (optional)
   ```bash theme={null}
   mullvad export-settings settings-backup.json
   ```

3. **Disconnect from VPN**
   ```bash theme={null}
   mullvad disconnect
   ```

4. **Perform reset**
   ```bash theme={null}
   mullvad factory-reset
   ```

## After factory reset

After reset completes:

1. The daemon continues running but is logged out
2. All settings are at default values
3. You must log in to use the VPN again
4. The app is in the same state as a fresh installation

### Post-reset steps

```bash theme={null}
# Log in with your account
mullvad account login YOUR_ACCOUNT_NUMBER

# Restore settings (if exported)
mullvad import-settings settings-backup.json

# Or reconfigure manually
mullvad relay set location us nyc
mullvad auto-connect set on
mullvad lan set allow
```

## Platform-specific behavior

### Linux

Resets:

* `/etc/mullvad-vpn/settings.json`
* `/var/cache/mullvad-vpn/`
* `/var/log/mullvad-vpn/`

### macOS

Resets:

* `/etc/mullvad-vpn/settings.json`
* `/Library/Caches/mullvad-vpn/`
* `/var/log/mullvad-vpn/`

### Windows

Resets:

* `C:\ProgramData\Mullvad VPN\settings.json`
* `C:\ProgramData\Mullvad VPN\cache\`
* `C:\ProgramData\Mullvad VPN\*.log`

## Exit status

* `0` - Successfully reset
* `1` - Reset failed or user cancelled
* `2` - Daemon not running

## Related commands

* [`reset-settings`](/cli/commands/import-export-settings#reset-settings) - Reset settings only
* [`export-settings`](/cli/commands/import-export-settings) - Backup current settings
* [`account logout`](/cli/commands/account) - Log out but keep settings