--- title: "How to Restart or Reset a ZKTeco Attendance Machine (K40, F18, MB20) | Qyvea" url: https://qyvea.co.ke/how-to-reset-zkteco-attendance-machine description: "How to restart or reset a ZKTeco attendance machine: restart vs settings reset vs clearing data vs factory reset, what each deletes, backing up first and getting help." updated: 2026-10-17 --- > Markdown copy of https://qyvea.co.ke/how-to-reset-zkteco-attendance-machine for AI assistants. Prices and stock change; check the live page. 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The fix is usually simpler than the stress of living with the problem. Read on: it takes a few minutes and could save you a lot more than that. **In this guide you will see:** - Try a restart first: it fixes many freezes. - Back up users and logs before any reset. - A settings reset keeps users on many models; a factory reset doesn't. Quick answer 'Reset' can mean four different things on a ZKTeco machine: a simple restart, restoring settings, deleting users or attendance logs, or a full factory reset. Only a restart is harmless. The others can delete fingerprints and records, so back up users and logs to a USB drive or the attendance software first. The options are in the System (or Options) menu and vary by model. [Photo: George Prentzas / Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/SRFG7iwktDk) Why act on it now ## A fault you ignore is a fault that grows. ### If you wait - Working around the fault for another week - A small problem turning into a replacement - Nobody checking the rest of the system ### What you get - The likely cause found fast, with the checks in this guide - A technician who fixes it properly if the checks do not - A system you can rely on again [ZKTeco K40 Fingerprint Time](/products/zkteco-k40-fingerprint-time-attendance-terminal-67 "ZKTeco K40 Fingerprint Time Attendance Terminal")[ZKTeco Mifare Cards](/products/zkteco-mifare-cards-11310 "ZKTeco Mifare Cards") [Get my free quote on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/254113301244?text=Hi%20Qyvea%2C%20I%20read%20your%20guide%3A%20How%20to%20Reset%20a%20ZKTeco%20Attendance%20Machine.%20I%20want%20biometric%20attendance%20sorted.%20Can%20you%20help%3F)Reply usually within 30 minutes. Free site survey in Nairobi and nearby counties. Real products, live prices, in stock now ## Key takeaways - Try a restart first: it fixes many freezes. - Back up users and logs before any reset. - A settings reset keeps users on many models; a factory reset doesn't. - Menu names differ between K40, F18, MB20 and face models. - Locked out of the menu? See forgot admin password. ## Which reset do you need? | Reset type | What it does | Data lost | | --- | --- | --- | | Restart (power off/on) | Clears a freeze | Nothing | | Restore / reset settings | Returns settings to default | Settings; users usually kept | | Delete attendance logs | Clears punch records | Attendance history | | Delete all users | Removes enrolled staff | Fingerprints, faces, cards | | Factory reset | Everything back to new | All users, logs and settings | ## Before you reset 1. **Download the logs**: Into the attendance software, or to a USB drive from the data management menu. 2. **Back up users**: Export users and fingerprints so you don't have to re-enrol everyone. 3. **Note network settings**: IP address, gateway and device ID so the software can reconnect. 4. **Then choose the reset**: In System / Options, pick only the level you need. **Warning**: A factory reset or 'delete all' cannot be undone without a backup. ## Get help **When to call a professional**: Machine locked, not syncing or lost its data? Qyvea services ZKTeco attendance and access devices: resets, admin recovery for the verified owner, software setup and staff re-enrolment, on site or remotely where possible. Call [0113 301 244](tel:+254113301244) or [WhatsApp us](https://wa.me/254113301244?text=Hi%20Qyvea%2C%20I%20need%20help%20with%20my%20ZKTeco%20machine). ## Frequently asked questions Will resetting a ZKTeco machine delete fingerprints? A factory reset or 'delete all users' will; a restart won't, and a settings reset usually keeps users. Back up first. Where is the reset option? In the System or Options menu; the exact name and location differ by model and firmware. I can't open the menu. What now? An administrator password may be set; see forgot admin password, or ask us to recover it for you. ## Why customers choose Qyvea **Genuine brands**: Manufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box. **One team, start to finish**: The people who advise you also install and support it. **Fast answers**: WhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi. **Easy to buy**: Pay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000. **Risk taken off you**: 7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations. **Customers say so**: Rated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews. **Your next step takes one minute:** send us a photo of the place on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it needs. ## Related articles [Biometrics & Attendance · Troubleshooting ZKTeco Forgot Admin Password: Getting Back Into the Machine When the menu asks for an admin you don't have: your options without losing your records. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/zkteco-forgot-admin-password)[Biometrics & Attendance · Guide How to Connect and Use ZKTeco Attendance Software Link the machine, download punches, set shifts and print the reports HR needs. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/how-to-use-zkteco-attendance-software)[Biometrics & Attendance · Guide How to Add a User on a ZKTeco Machine Enrol a new employee correctly so their punches always match in reports. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/how-to-add-user-zkteco) ### Related services [ZKTeco Attendance Machines](https://qyvea.co.ke/zkteco-attendance-machine-price-in-kenya)[Time & Attendance](https://qyvea.co.ke/time-attendance-systems-kenya)[Biometric Access Control](https://qyvea.co.ke/biometrics) ### Related products [Best attendance machines](https://qyvea.co.ke/best-biometric-attendance-machine-kenya) ### Related projects [Biometric access control installation](https://qyvea.co.ke/projects#biometric-case-study) [← Previous**How to Connect and Use ZKTeco Attendance Software**](https://qyvea.co.ke/how-to-use-zkteco-attendance-software)[Next →**: Shifts, Overtime & Attendance Reports**](https://qyvea.co.ke/attendance-shifts-overtime-reports-kenya) ## Still experiencing the problem? Qyvea can inspect and diagnose the system on site. Chat with us — 30 min response --- **Qyvea Limited** · Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya (delivery only, no walk-in pickup) · serving all 47 counties Phone/WhatsApp: [+254 113 301 244](https://wa.me/254113301244) · Email: info@qyvea.co.ke · Shop: [qyvea.co.ke/products](https://qyvea.co.ke/products) · Facts: [qyvea.co.ke/qyvea-facts](https://qyvea.co.ke/qyvea-facts)